Friday the 13th doesn’t show up too often on the calendar, but when it does, some people let superstitions get the best of them. There are several possible origins of this unlucky day, and it depends who you ask. Some possible backstories include The Last Supper, the deaths of various historical figures, and the day when the Knights Templar was dismantled and destroyed. Omens of bad luck are often associated with black cats, breaking a mirror, or knocking over a salt shaker. Here are a few ways to incorporate these symbols of misfortune in some Friday the 13th crafts for a fun and enjoyable way to spend the unlucky day.   Black Cat Magnet The superstition behind black cats dates as far back as the Middle Ages. If you encounter a black cat, the belief is that misfortune, or even death, may soon follow. However, these adorable black cat magnets will have you looking at these felines in a different light. What You Will Need
  1. Rocks (as many as you want)
  2. Black, Yellow, and Red Paint
  3. Paper Plate (to squeeze the paint onto)
  4. Paint Brushes of Different Sizes
  5. Hot Glue and Hot Glue Gun
  6. 3mm x 1mm Disc Magnets
  Steps
  1. Squeeze a small glob of the black paint onto the paper plate. Use your biggest brush to paint the outline of the cat’s body, head, and ears on one of your rocks.
  2. Squeeze a small amount of the yellow paint onto the plate and use a slightly smaller brush to paint the yellow background of the cat’s eyes.
  3. Squeeze an even smaller amount of the red paint onto the plate and use the smallest brush to create the look of the cat’s tongue coming out of its mouth.
  4. Clean the medium-sized brush and use the black paint to create the pupils overtop of the yellow background in the cat’s eyes.
  5. Once the paint has dried, use the glue and hot glue gun to attach the magnet to the back of the rock. Let sit until the glue has cooled and harden.
  Magnetic Mirror Unless you’re looking into it as soon as your roll out of bed in the morning, there is nothing scary about a mirror. That is, until you break one! The superstition claims if you break a mirror, you will have bad luck for the next seven years. With this easy-to-make magnetic mirror, you can put it up on your wall and never have to worry about misfortunes or cleaning up a dangerous mess.   What You Will Need
  1. Small to medium-sized mirror
  2. Hot glue and glue gun
  3. 2 to 4 3/8" x 1/4" Disc Magnets (You can use all magnets on the back to hang the mirror up on the wall, or save some for the front of the mirror to hold items such as photos, tickets, or notes)
  4. Plastic board (optional, if you want to add a small shelf below the mirror)
  5. Any other crafting supplies that will help you add your own personal style.
  Steps
  1. If you are adding a small shelf below the mirror, use the glue gun to adhere a small strip of glue along the edge of the plastic board. Attach it to the bottom of the mirror and press and hold for a few moments to make sure the two pieces are attached. Let sit.
  2. Once the glue has cooled and hardened and the shelf and mirror have bonded together, use the glue gun to attach the magnets to the back of the mirror by adhering a small glob to each magnet and pressing it against the back of the mirror. Hold for a few seconds to ensure the magnets stay in place. Once all the magnets have been attached, let sit.
  3. Add any extra decor or pieces to the frame, mirror, or shelf you would like to show off your own, personal style.
  Salt Container Magnet We all get clumsy at times, but you’ll want to be extra careful with your actions when around salt shakers on Friday the 13th. The classic superstition claims if you knock over a salt shaker, it should be viewed as a bad omen. This stems from the belief that Judas Iscariot upset a shaker of salt during the Last Supper. However, this salt container magnet will keep your shaker secure, not matter how uncoordinated you might be.   What You Will Need
  1. A small salt container that is tall and skinny (to prevent spills)
  2. Chalkboard paint
  3. Paintbrush
  4. Chalkboard pen
  5. 10mm x 2mm Disc Magnet
  6. Hot glue and glue gun
  7. Paint in a variety of colors (optional)
  Steps
  1. Use the paintbrush and chalkboard paint to create a small rectangle on the front of the shaker. Let dry.
  2. Use the Chalkboard pen to creatively write the word “Salt” across the chalkboard area in whichever font or handwriting style you choose. Add any additional designs you would like and let dry.
  3. If you decide to add any additional colors to the shaker, use the paint and brush to paint the rest of the surface or create any other designs that express your personal style.
  4. Once everything is dry, use the hot glue gun to adhere a small dab of glue to the surface of the magnet. Press the magnet with the glue to the back of the shaker and hold in place until they bond together. Let sit for a few minutes to let the glue cool and take hold.
  5. Feel free to make another one with a pepper shaker (Although we don’t know of any superstitions involving this particular spice).
Whether or not you believe in the various superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th, you can still have some fun with this spooky day. Add a little mystery and character to your home with these easy and inexpensive crafts where black cats are cute, mirrors are never broken, and salt shakers stay upright. For more crafting ideas and DIY projects, be sure to check out our blog!