There’s something oddly beautiful about this skull made entirely of beans.
The crisp lines between black and white beans make the skull pop, giving it a textured, almost 3D effect.
This project is not only festive but also meditative, laying beans one by one feels like piecing together a spooky puzzle.
If you enjoy craft projects that are both relaxing and impressive, this Halloween bean art will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
Materials Needed
- 1 canvas board or thick cardboard (12” × 16” recommended)
- 1 cup dried white beans (navy beans or cannellini)
- 1 cup dried black beans
- Pencil for sketching skull outline
- Craft glue (4 oz bottle)
- Small paintbrush
- Clear acrylic spray (optional, for sealing)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Lightly sketch a skull shape onto your canvas. Then mark out the eyes, nose, and teeth areas so you know where to place each bean.
Step 2: Apply glue in small sections, starting with the eye sockets and nose. You should place black beans carefully in these areas, pressing gently to secure them.
Step 3: Fill in the skull’s face with white beans, keeping the rows tight for a clean outline.
Adjust spacing if needed so the design looks balanced.
Step 4: Outline the skull with black beans, adding detail around the mouth and jaw to highlight the shape.
You continue until the background is completely covered.
Step 5: Allow your mosaic to dry overnight. For extra durability, spray a thin coat of clear acrylic sealer over the finished piece.
Notes:
You can swap in red beans for glowing eyes or even add glitter to the background for an extra festive effect.