Halloween Fingers

These DIY Halloween fingers are formed by pouring casting plaster into the fingers of a disposable glove. Once the plaster has completely set, the glove is peeled away and each finger is painted with a skin-coloured base, pale fingernail, and bright red broken end.

The finished fingers are solid decorative props and are not wearable. Use them in haunted-house displays, Halloween table decorations, party games, or bowls containing individually wrapped treats.

Get more details about this project

What you need

Disposable rubber, latex, or nitrile gloves

Plaster of Paris or another casting plaster

Water

Measuring cup

Disposable mixing container

Craft stick or disposable spoon

Elastic bands

Skin-coloured acrylic paint

Red acrylic paint

White or ivory acrylic paint for the fingernails

Small paintbrushes

Fine-grit sandpaper, optional

Scissors

Disposable gloves for mixing and painting

Protective mask suitable for fine plaster dust

Protected work surface

Clear acrylic sealer, optional

Instructions

If you are looking for a Halloween decoration that is inexpensive, creepy, and likely to make party guests look twice, these plaster fingers are wonderfully effective.

Each finger is cast separately inside the finger section of a disposable glove. This naturally gives the plaster a rounded finger shape without requiring a special mould. Once the plaster has cured, the rubber glove is peeled away and the individual fingers are painted to resemble spooky broken fingers.

Place the finished props around a Halloween table, add them to a haunted-house display, or scatter them among individually wrapped sweets. Do not place painted plaster fingers in contact with unwrapped food.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the work area

Cover the table before mixing the casting plaster. Wear old clothes or an apron, as wet plaster and acrylic paint can be difficult to remove from fabric.

Read and follow the safety and mixing instructions supplied with your chosen plaster. Avoid inhaling dry plaster powder and work in a ventilated area.

This project requires adult supervision. Casting plaster can become warm while it sets and should never be applied directly to skin.

Step 2: Calculate how much plaster you need

Take one unused disposable glove and fill its finger sections with water.

Pour the water from the glove fingers into a measuring cup. This will give you an approximate measurement of the mixed plaster needed to fill the fingers.

Dry the glove completely or use a fresh dry glove for casting.

Step 3: Mix the casting plaster

Measure the plaster powder and water according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Mix them in a disposable container using a craft stick or disposable spoon. Stir slowly to reduce air bubbles and continue until the mixture is smooth and pourable.

Only prepare as much plaster as you can use before it begins to set. Never pour leftover plaster or plaster water down a sink or drain. Allow it to harden in the container before disposing of it according to local requirements.

Step 4: Fill the glove fingers

Hold the disposable glove upright and carefully pour or spoon the mixed plaster into each finger section.

Gently tap or massage the outside of the glove to encourage the plaster to move all the way into the fingertips. This also helps release trapped air bubbles.

The fingers do not need to be perfectly shaped. Small bumps and irregularities will make the completed Halloween props look more unsettling.

Step 5: Secure the glove

Once the finger sections are filled, gather the glove immediately above the plaster.

Wrap an elastic band tightly around the glove to prevent the wet plaster from leaking out.

Do not place your hand inside the plaster-filled glove.

Step 6: Position the filled glove

Lay the filled glove on a flat, protected surface or suspend it securely with the fingers hanging downward.

Adjust the fingers before the plaster begins to firm. You can leave them straight or position them at slightly different angles.

Make sure the glove cannot fall or leak while the plaster is setting.

Step 7: Allow the plaster to set

Leave the plaster undisturbed for the full setting time listed on its packaging.

The outside may feel firm before the centre has completely cured, so avoid removing the glove too early. Leaving the cast overnight is a practical option if the product directions permit it.

The plaster may become warm during the setting process. Allow it to cool completely before handling or removing the glove.

Step 8: Remove the glove

Once the plaster is fully set and cool, carefully cut or tear the disposable glove away from the cast.

Separate the individual plaster fingers by gently snapping away the thin sections connecting them near the palm. The irregular broken edges will become the red-painted ends of the fingers.

Do not force a finger if the plaster still feels damp or soft. Allow it to cure longer before continuing.

Step 9: Tidy the plaster fingers

Remove any loose or badly misshapen pieces from the broken ends.

If necessary, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth sharp points or rough seams. Wear a suitable mask while sanding and wipe away the plaster dust with a slightly damp disposable cloth.

Small pits and casting marks can be left in place because they add texture to the finished props.

Step 10: Paint the skin colour

Apply skin-coloured acrylic paint over the sides and rounded tips of the plaster fingers.

Allow the first coat to dry, then add another coat if the plaster is still showing through. Different skin tones can be used to create a varied collection.

Leave the irregular broken ends unpainted for now.

Step 11: Paint the fingernails

Use a small paintbrush and white or ivory acrylic paint to create a simple oval fingernail near the rounded end of each finger.

The nail shapes do not need to be identical. Uneven, chipped-looking nails suit the handmade Halloween design.

Allow the nail paint to dry before handling the fingers.

Step 12: Add the red painted ends

Paint the rough broken end of each finger with bright red acrylic paint.

Extend a little of the red paint along the sides to create drips or irregular patches. Keep the effect playful and theatrical rather than realistic if the decorations will be used around children.

Allow the paint to dry completely.

Step 13: Seal the fingers if desired

For a more durable finish, apply a clear acrylic sealer that is compatible with plaster and acrylic paint.

Follow the product directions and use spray sealers only in a well-ventilated area. Let the fingers dry and air thoroughly before adding them to your Halloween display.

Step 14: Display the finished fingers

Arrange the plaster fingers on a Halloween party table, inside a decorative cauldron, or among individually wrapped sweets.

Keep the decorations away from unwrapped food, drinks, serving utensils, and surfaces used for food preparation. Make sure guests understand that the fingers are solid plaster decorations and are not edible toys.

Store the finished props in a dry box between Halloween celebrations. Plaster can chip if dropped, so wrap the fingers individually before packing them away.

Once the plaster has set remove the glove and take out the fingers. Break off any mis-shaped pieces.

You should have what looks like a broken off finger.

 

Use your paints to paint the stumps of the fingers red like dripping blood and the other parts a natural skin color.