DIY Bubbling Cauldron
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How to make a bubbling cauldron: Want to have the spookiest yard in the neighborhood this Halloween? Then you need to add this Bubbling Cauldron tutorial to your outdoor display!
This version uses water and small LED mist makers to create real, swirling mist that glows after dark. Unlike the other bubbling cauldrons out there made with clear plastic ornaments, this one actually moves. The ultrasonic mist makers create rolling fog over the top of the cauldron, while their color-changing LED lights illuminate the mist from below, rotating through shades of blue, purple, magenta, pink, and red.
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Easy Bubbling Cauldron Tutorial
I’ve been so excited to get my outdoor Halloween decor up this year.
I admit I was totally ready to put everything out the day after Labor Day, but hubby managed to convince me to wait another couple of weeks before scaring all the children in the neighborhood with all my Halloween goodies.
I found these amazing witches online at Grandin Road—and 30% off! They sometimes sell out, but Grandin Road has been bringing them back every year. The witches’ faces glow as well. I just love them. (Amazon has a similar set for less, but I haven’t tested them and am not sure the quality is the same.)
Don’t they look fantastic?
Every Witch Needs a Bubbling Cauldron!
Grandin Road also had an amazing bubbling cauldron that accompanied these witches, but it was around $90. After a quick search, I found some small smoke/fog mist makers for ridiculously less, so I decided to make my own.
I just love how it looks! The kids in the neighborhood were fascinated by the witches and cauldron. My office looked out over the yard, and I could see all the little kids checking it out. I even spotted a few adults stopping to snap pictures. It was just too cute to watch.
The best part is that the mist makers have color-changing LED lights, so the fog is easy to see at night. The moving mist and glowing lights make this simple project the focal point of the entire witch display.
Why You’ll Love This DIY Witch Cauldron
- It creates real moving mist. The effect comes from water and ultrasonic mist makers rather than plastic ornament “bubbles.”
- It is quick and easy to assemble. There is no complicated construction involved.
- The lights are built in. My mist makers have color-changing LEDs that light the fog from inside the cauldron.
- You can customize the display. Use one or two mist makers and add an optional light beneath the cauldron for even more nighttime color.
- It makes a big impact. This simple project became the focal point of our outdoor Halloween display.
How to Make a Bubbling Cauldron
Supplies used to make a bubbling cauldron:
Supplies Needed
- Fog/mist makers (I used 2 for maximum effect) (this one comes with a splash guard, but I cannot attest to whether the splash guard works or not)
- 14 inch plastic cauldron
- Water
- Optional: wooden crate (mine measures approximately 12.5 by 18 inches)
- Optional: outdoor light projector or LED light for beneath the crate
- Optional: black paint for the crate
💡Good to know:
The purple/blue/red light inside my cauldron comes from the LED mist makers themselves. The separate red light was placed underneath the crate to create the glowing “fire” effect.
Optional Cauldron Stand and Lighting
You can place your cauldron on any sturdy, weather-appropriate base you like—or set it directly on the ground. I’ve seen people build elaborate three-tiered stands, but I decided to use supplies I already had on hand. For my display, I used:
- A wooden crate, approximately 12.5 by 18 inches (mine was from Michaels)
- Black spray paint for the crate
- An outdoor light projector placed beneath the crate
Instructions
Step 1: Place the Mist Makers in the Cauldron
Set the mist makers flat on the bottom of your cauldron. I used two because I wanted plenty of fog, but you can use one for a smaller or more subtle effect.
Arrange the cords so they run safely over the back edge of the cauldron without sitting in a walkway.
Step 2: Add Water
Add enough water to submerge the mist makers according to the manufacturer’s directions. The water level matters: if the water is too deep, the fog may not rise above the surface; if it is too shallow, the mist makers may stop working.
Start with a small amount of water, turn on the mist makers and adjust the water level until the fog rolls nicely over the rim of the cauldron.
The mist makers do splash, so place the cauldron somewhere that will not be damaged by water. I would not set it directly on a wood table or another surface that needs to remain dry.
Step 3: Elevate the Cauldron
I placed my cauldron on a small wooden crate measuring about 12.5 by 18 inches. I painted the crate black so it would blend into the nighttime display.
The crate is optional, but raising the cauldron makes it easier to see and gives you a place to hide an additional light underneath.
Step 4: Add the Optional Light Beneath the Crate
For an extra glow, position a red LED light or light projector beneath the crate. The red light shining through the slats creates the look of glowing coals or a fire underneath the cauldron.
You can experiment with other colors, but I love the combination of the red light beneath the crate and the purple mist glowing inside the cauldron.
Step 5: Test the Display After Dark
Turn on the mist makers and lights, then step back and check the display from the street or sidewalk. Adjust the water level, lighting and placement until the mist and cauldron are easy to see.
And voilà—a spooky bubbling cauldron!
That’s it! If you end up making one of these, be sure to tag me on Instagram or share a picture on my Facebook page so I can see it!
Tips for the Best Bubbling and Fogging Effect
- Use two mist makers for more fog. One will work, but two gave my 14-inch cauldron a fuller effect.
- Adjust the water level slowly. Adding too much water at once can make the mist appear weak or keep it from rising above the cauldron.
- Expect to refill the cauldron. The water level drops as the mist makers run. During Halloween season, I checked and refilled mine daily.
- Set it on a water-safe surface. Small mist makers can splash water outside the cauldron.
- Test it at night. The colored LEDs are much more visible after dark.
- Keep the cords out of sight and out of the way. Run them behind the display where no one will trip over them.
Important Outdoor Safety Note
Water and electricity require extra care. Follow all instructions included with your mist makers and lights. If you use the display outdoors, use only outdoor-rated electrical equipment and extension cords, keep plugs and adapters dry, and connect the display to a GFCI-protected outlet. Do not leave the display running unattended.
Bubbling Cauldron Troubleshooting
Why isn’t my cauldron producing much fog?
Check the water level first. If the mist maker is too far below the surface of the water, it wont produce fog. Remove a little water and test it again. Also make sure the mist maker is submerged and positioned flat, following its manufacturer’s directions.
Why did the mist maker stop working?
The water level may have dropped too low. Check the cauldron and refill it as needed. Mine needed to be checked and refilled daily when it was in use.
Why is water splashing out of the cauldron?
A little splashing is normal with this type of mist maker. Try adjusting the water level or using a compatible splash guard. Always keep the cauldron away from furniture and surfaces that can be damaged by water.
Can I make this with one mist maker?
Yes. One mist maker will still create fog, especially in a smaller cauldron. I used two in my 14-inch cauldron because I wanted the mist to look as full as possible.
Does the light inside the cauldron come from a separate projector?
No. The light inside my cauldron comes from the color-changing LEDs built into the mist makers. I used a separate red LED light beneath the crate only to create the glowing fire effect.
Can I use this bubbling cauldron indoors?
Because the mist makers can splash and create moisture, I prefer this project as an outdoor decoration or in another water-safe area. If you use it indoors, protect the surrounding surfaces and follow all manufacturer instructions.
Can I leave the bubbling cauldron outside?
The plastic cauldron itself can be used outside, but check the weather rating for every mist maker, light, cord and electrical connection in your particular setup. Bring components inside or protect them whenever the manufacturer’s directions require it. (Personally, I left mine out side for almost a month and a half and it was fine.)
See the Bubbling Cauldron in Action
Here’s a quick look at the finished bubbling cauldron in action. The swirling mist and color-changing lights are much easier to appreciate on video!
More Halloween Ideas
This bubbling cauldron looks amazing as part of a witch display, a spooky front-yard scene or a Halloween party entrance. If you are planning a party, be sure to check out my collection of Halloween Party Games for kids and my other outdoor Halloween decorating ideas.
If you make your own fogging cauldron, tag me on Instagram or share a picture on my Facebook page. I would love to see it!
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How to Make a Bubbling Cauldron
How to make your own bubbling cauldron with just 2 items!
Materials
- Fog/mist makers
- 14 inch plastic cauldron
- Optional:
- Crate (find these at Michaels or other craft stores)
- Light projector
Instructions
- Place one or two mist makers flat on the bottom of the plastic cauldron. Arrange the cords so they run safely behind the display.
- Add enough water to submerge the mist makers according to the manufacturer’s directions. Turn them on and adjust the water level until the fog rises over the cauldron’s rim.
- Place the cauldron on a water-safe surface. For extra height, set it on a black wooden crate.
- Optional: Position a red LED light beneath the crate to create the appearance of glowing coals underneath the cauldron.
- Test the display after dark and adjust the water level and lighting as needed.
Hi what is the light inside the cauldron? Are you using two light projectors?
No, the light comes from the little mist maker. If you look at the photo of the mist maker in my hand, you can see the lights. The ones I have light up purple and orange. (You can really only see the colors at night.)
I wonder if you could cut off a piece of a pool noodle and put it around the mister would you be able to have more water in the cauldron and the mister would float on top as the water is used and goes down. Might not have to fill the cauldron every day!?
I don’t think so. The mister has to be submerged in the water. (But always worth a try. let us know if it works.)
I have a couple of those fog things and the water ran dry so quick. But if I filled it too full they wouldn’t work.
yes, it does need to be refilled daily.
What size crate did you end up using?
That crate was 12.5 by 18″.
I was curious if you could tell me where you purchased the witch broom?
grandin road
Love this!! Great outdoor decor <3 And THANK YOU for sharing all the info on how to do it plus the links on where to find stuff ?
How have all these items held up? I plan on buying all them.
Do you have a link for the light projector? I think I know what you are referring to, but the link no longer works (and I bought everything else last year). 🙂
I’ll look for a link when I get home later tonight. But i think I bought the original one at lowes or home depot.
Where did you buy the fog makers?
here: https://amzn.to/2OiedJZ
I couldn’t find those witches anywhere on their website can you maybe send me a link and how much they are were… so I can look at them for next year thanks
They were 89 for a set of 3. And they usually have a good sale on their Halloween stuff in August. (25 to 30% off). They look absolutely amazing in my yard.
What’s the link?
Looove it!!!!