5 DIY Halloween Decorations to Try

With a chill in the air, Halloween is ready to come calling once again. While there are many things to love about the holiday, a favorite is decorating in a frightening fashion. Using all store-bought decorations can cost a fortune though. Instead, we're offering some suggestions to stretch your dollar with DIY Halloween decorations.

These five ideas can be used both in your home or your RV, depending on how you're celebrating this year. Have fun, be creative, and don't be afraid to show off your decorations on social media!

Haunt Your Home with DIY Halloween Decorations

1. Jack-o'-lanterns

Jack-o'-lanterns are the OG DIY Halloween decorations. Both famous and festive, jack-o'-lanterns have become the de facto symbol of the holiday. Fortunately, they're not too difficult to make either.

Things You'll Need

• 1 pumpkin
• Medium serving spoon (for scooping seeds)
• Medium kitchen knife
• Small kitchen knife
• Old newspaper
• Black marker
• Electric candlelight

Method

1. Cover surfaces with newspaper to prevent a mess.
2. Cut a hole around the stem of the pumpkin at a 45-degree angle using the medium knife. This hole should be big enough for your hand to fit through.
3. Scoop out the pumpkin seeds and pulp. Discard these.
4. Draw your design on the best side of the pumpkin with the black marker.
5. Carve the pumpkin along your design at a perpendicular angle using the small knife. Remove loose pieces of pumpkin and discard.
6. Place the electric candlelight inside the pumpkin and switch it on.
7. Replace the stem and display your jack-o'-lantern with pride!

2. Blackened Plants

Both simple and spooky, blackened plants are a great way to decorate for Halloween. Simply take faux plants, hit them with black spray paint, and voila, you have DIY Halloween decorations. Finish them off by placing them in black pots with either black sand or small pebbles.

3. Twine Pumpkins

If you're in search of a crafty vibe, twine pumpkins are sure to satisfy. Adorable papier mâché pumpkins are wrapped in baker's twine that is secured with Mod Podge glue. You can see the full tutorial for this simple craft, but bear in mind that this project requires some patience. Try putting on your favorite Halloween movie or TV show while you work to pass the time.

Papier mâché pumpkins are great for this DIY Halloween decoration but aren't necessary. You can also use plastic mini pumpkins, which can be found at craft stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby.

4. Paper Bat Garlands

Need to add some spookiness on a budget? You can decorate your home or RV with paper bat garlands for affordable DIY Halloween decorations. This idea comes from Good Housekeeping and you'll need to start with this bat stencil. By tracing the shape on black construction paper, you can create a perfect bat cut-out. With just a couple folds, you're ready to hang the bats on an orange string to create paper bat garlands.

5. DIY Halloween Wreath

Rounding out our list of DIY Halloween decorations is an easy Halloween wreath. Using black spray paint (pro tip: use the leftovers for blackened plants) and string lights, you can turn a basic wreath into an eerie door decoration.

Things You'll Need

• Unadorned grapevine wreath
• Black spray paint
• Mini battery-powered LED string lights (may need 2-3 sets depending on wreath size)
• Faux cobwebs, craft spiders, faux leaves, etc. for adornment

Method

1. Spray paint the wreath black. Be generous and make sure every twig is covered. Wear rubber gloves so you can move the wreath around while painting.
2. When paint is dry, twist and wrap the string lights throughout the wreath. Conceal each battery pack behind the wreath with a bit of black tape.
3. Add adornments as desired and hang the wreath.

Both indoors and out, it's easy to add some spookiness with DIY Halloween decorations. Additionally, these crafts are easy enough to get kids involved, allowing for family fun. Be sure to share them with a friend or relative who could use some ideas for crafty activities!  

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