How to Decorate for Halloween on a Low Budget!
So this year, I thought it would be really cool if I decorated the house for Halloween. Usually my mother and I never give out candy and always turn off the door/porch light off so trick-or-treaters don’t come knocking on the door. (although they do regardless >_>) Anyways, I didn’t feel like buying anything too outrageous or expensive, so I decided to check out the local Wal*Mart and Dollar Store for “bargain” materials; how disappointed was I!
Everything, even down to these little cardboard tomb stones were about $5 dollars and up. I know, not THAT expensive, but for only one and it wasn’t even 3 feet tall, that’s pushing it. Other then that, I couldn’t find anything that wasn’t “party” or “haunted house” related, so left.
That’s when the idea hit me…I have friggin 1st grade arts and craft knowledge! Why not just make my own decorations from scratch and have exactly what I need! Perfect right? Well here is a little list for what I came up with and what you could do if you have yet to decorate the inside or outside of your house! Especially if you’re on a low or tight budget.
Materials:
- Crayola Construction Paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Large or Medium Trash Bags
- String/Yarn/Rope
Decorations:
Trash Bag Jack-O-Lanterns:
For this idea, I took the grass from my newly cut lawn and stuffed it into large black trash bags, since I live in Florida and don’t have those Fall leaves falling from trees, this is my substitute. This is a hint for all of those living in the North or who actually have the season of “Fall”.
Next I took orange/green/yellow construction paper and cut out larges eyes, mouth, and nose for the trash bags, making sure they were big enough to fit and be seen on the black trash bags. I then proceeded to glue the construction paper on the trash bags and wha-la! Instant large Trash Bag Jack-O-Lanterns for the front yard!
Bat, Witches, and Pumpkin Tree Hangers:
For this idea, I cut out large bat, witch, and pumpkin shapes on orange, green, red, and yellow construction paper. I then cut out a little hole on top of each one and found some orange yarn to put through the hole.
I then went outside and hung them from this tree on the side of our house and also in our front yard’s bushes. Of course you can color them or draw faces and what not. You can also tape them to the windows if you have no trees or bushes to hang them from!
Well, these were two great decorations I made that didn’t cost me dime, since I had all the materials in my house. Don’t be afraid to substitute any of the material use above with any easy to use household items that you own!
Good Luck. =)
Hello, my name is Roxanne and I am an outgoing friendly type of gal who likes to see life in a different light then most people. I am an aspiring filmmaker and professional web designer with a passion for multimedia. I don't judge a book by its cover and live life to the fullest. Want to get to know me more? Don't hesitate to contact me. LIVE LOVE LAUGH!
Kristen | October 18th, 2008 at 8:00 pm #
This all sounds really cool. I can appreciate genuine creativity. Take pictures!
Amanda | October 18th, 2008 at 8:41 pm #
Wow, you’re really taking the time out to decorate your house full-on! I wish that Halloween was big in New Zealand – it’s frowned upon more than encouraged, which really sucks. Plus, it’s exam season :’(.
But Mum and I usually buy a pumpkin or two, cut out creepy faces, and light candles in them for the night.
Amanda | October 19th, 2008 at 9:00 am #
Wow, you will have to post some photos, it sounds like you’ve found some really creative ways to decorate.
Clem | October 19th, 2008 at 11:53 am #
I agree with Amanda: some photos are in order!
I rarely go all out to decorate for Halloween, but since I love the holiday so much I just might have to do it this year!
Felisa | October 20th, 2008 at 5:42 pm #
Oooh… thanks for the ideas! I’ve been wanting to start decorating for Halloween but I’ve been so insanely busy… and Halloween decorations are just always too much for my budget.
Amanda | October 21st, 2008 at 5:42 pm #
OMG, the trash bag scary face is so cute!
Cecelia | October 26th, 2008 at 9:04 am #
woah, that is awfully creative.. and very cool actually
Brian | October 28th, 2008 at 11:16 am #
I love the ideas. My mom likes to come up with creative stuff like this when it comes to cheap but creative things that seem to have a more cooler impact then store bought things.
Also, its great to hear your doing well btw
Brian’s last blog post..Pure Laziness ..
Steph | October 29th, 2008 at 12:04 am #
This is so weird you posted this, I was trying to find some stuff to decorate with too since I’ll be the one giving out candy. I still need to put in a light bulb for the front just to say “hey we’re here”. But we usually get only like 2 kids. Still I want to be somewhat festive.
Roxy, how are you doing? Hope all is good.
Your new kittens are adorable! By the way my dog is a shepherd mix, possibly some boxer in her too. She’s just a mutt, but I love her anyway.
Gemma Wild | October 29th, 2008 at 4:56 pm #
Hey Rox, how you doing? Sorry I’ve not been in touch for such a long time, I kinda hit a brick wall with Pink Garden and wasn’t sure if I was going to continue with it or not. As you have probably noticed, I’ve slowly started working on it again trying to get it to a state I’m happy with.
Thank you for your comments and coming over to say hello =)
Gem x
Gemma Wild’s last blog post..Perlina Handmade September Update
Enrique Ibanez | November 16th, 2008 at 11:56 am #
Hi there. Not totally agree with you, but you just gave me an idea for a new eBook regarding \”Decorate for Halloween on a Low Budget! at URBANROXY.COM\”. It is related to my candy paper. Thanks.