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. =)