Low cost Halloween decorating

Here are some suggestions about Halloween decorating that are inexpensive and even free.

Use what you have.

You may already have things in your home that can be reworked into Halloween decor.

Old books: I have dozens around my apartment, many that I picked up in the free box of a local bookstore. They're a bit beat up, just perfect for Halloween. Dust with corn starch or talcum power and they look like they belong in the library of a haunted house.

Scarves: They can be found in Halloween patterns, but any dark color will do. Some may even have a Gypsy look to them. They can be placed over a table cloth, used on a shelf or made into a curtain. Thrift stores have them and if they look a little faded it doesn’t matter.

Brick-a-brack: Everyone has this; candle holders, small figurines, small boxes, vases, picture frames, mirrors, etc. Some of this stuff may already look kind of creepy, especially anything that looks like a clown.

Old toys: If you have children, they are bound to have something that can be used for Halloween, even if it’s just the toys they get from the burger places. Rememeber the clown doll with the eerie face? Why not put it to good use instead of letting it gather dust, or worse; it might be plotting something on that closet shelf.  There are scads of creepy critter toys out there and some even look real. I spooked my self with a plastic spider I got as a prize when I left it in the viser of my car. Thrift stores are full of them as well as garage sales.

Bits and pieces: Halloween is a good time to recycle. You can use broken items because they look like they came out of a haunted house, just make sure any sharp edges are covered or sanded over.  Parts of toys or other items can be used.  I have a magic kit with most of the pieces in it that I use for display.

Old clothing: You might check your closet for old clothes to recycle for decorating. Maybe you have an old shawl or a shirt with ruffles. Thrift stores have all kinds of clothes at a cheap price. If you're just buying something for display, you don’t need to worry about it fitting. Of course if you can make it do double duty as a costume that’s a good thing too.

Other materials

craft glue, scraps of material in white, black, orange, or purple, construction paper, cardboard, discarded Styrofoam packing, sewing kit, tissue paper, craft paint, old buttons, old jewelry, Halloween patterned material, blankets, fake spider webs, battery operated tea lights, and miscellaneous craft supplies.

Use a theme

Decorating is easier if you use a theme. If you do need to buy anything, you’ll have an idea in mind before you shop for supplies. Here are some possible themes.

The lab of the mad scientist.

A few dust covered books, especially old science text books. An apron with stains on it. Glass or plastic containers for the "chemicals". A few fake body parts for anitomical specimens. A mortar and pestle, and any items that look like they might come out of a science lab (these might be kitchen utensils or even weird looking Chistmas ornaments). Creepy crawlers.

Pirate cove

A box that looks like a treasure chest. Fake or costume jewelry for the treasure. Shells and fake starfish. Pirate flag and fake seaweed. Old aquarium supplies. Crates and rope. Nautical knick knacks.

Magicians’ lair

Small table with table cloth in black or a dark color. Candelabra and cards. Brightly colored scarves tied together. Magic wand and items from a magic kit. A book with the word magic in the title.

Witches hangout

Anything that will pass as a cauldron. Creepy crawlers. Books that look like spell books. A toy black cat. A weird looking vase with dried flowers. Stones or crystals. A stick for a magic wand. Old spice jars for eye of newt, etc. Mortar and pestle. Wooden spoon(s). Cards, voodoo doll, astrology chart. A ratty looking shawl. Jewelry that resembles amulets or charms.

Spook club

Old or broken furniture. Powder for dust. Spider webs and fake spiders. White or light-colored sheets. Old books, weird knick-knacks, candle sticks, tattered material, and anything that looks like it belongs in a haunted house. Odd looking suit or uniform. Strange looking jewelry. Candelabra or unusual candle holders with black candles.

Vampires’ lounge

Old upholstered chair covered in dark velvet. Small table with a lace doily or appropriate table cover. Candelabra, old book and wine glass for the table. Fake bats, spiders and bugs.