Irresistible Ink: Halloween Temporary Tattoos

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A tattoo is a lifelong commitment, but Halloween is a one-night stand. Get the transformative powers of the former and the impermanence of the latter with our clip-art projects to adorn your skin, your home, and even your dessert.

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A Little Legwork

Before she became a tattoo artist, Stephanie Tamez (who designed the clip art on these pages) was a graphic designer: “I learned to make strong images,” she says -- like her renderings of these arachnids. Printed on transfer paper, they become a clutter of spiders that temporarily cover an arm, neck, and face.

Long Kyoto dress, by Alice by Temperley, in Ivory, $670, temperleylondon.com
Tattoo decal paper, 8 1/2" by 11", $20 for 5 sheets, decalpaper.com

Get the Halloween Ink-Jet Tattoos How-To
Photography: ANITA CALERO

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Who’s the Scariest of Them All

The foliated skull and looping border were printed at home on transfer paper and applied to a store-bought mirror. Since it peels off easily, the design can be a temporary adornment.

Silver-leaf mirror with wood frame, $500, crateandbarrel.com
Clear sticker project paper, 8 1/2" by 11", $14 for 10 sheets, avery.com

Get the Skull Mirror How-To
Photography: ANITA CALERO

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Quiet Wisdom

He just might be the owl who stays all winter. This winged creature certainly ties into the nighttime imagery of Halloween but also makes for a pretty, multiseasonal focal point. The drawing is mounted onto foam board, positioned on a branch, and suspended with monofilament. Try it as a centerpiece or on a sideboard.

Get the Owl How-To
Photography: ANITA CALERO

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This Place Is Bugged

Finally, a costume that fits in your purse. Print out these dragonflies and butterflies beforehand. They’re so easy to use that you can apply them between work and the party (in the office bathroom, no less). Mix up the motifs as you wish -- any of the clip art in this story makes a fast, convincing tattoo.
Photography: ANITA CALERO

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Swooping in on the Sweets

Vultures in flight call to mind the imagery of both classic tattoos and macabre Halloween. Here, they’re used as playful decorations, alighting (via monofilament) on a display of treat bags—an apt setup for a Halloween party or around the candy bowl on Halloween night.

Spindle tripod table, $495, michelevarian.com

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Photography: ANITA CALERO

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More Than Skin Deep

The spider-and-vine design has been custom-printed with edible ink on a thin piece of fondant placed on top of a buttercream- frosted sheet cake. Heighten the drama by slicing a piece and adding a dribble of raspberry jam.

Custom frosting sheet, from $20 each, kopykake.com

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