The Elegantly Haunted Top 10 DIY Halloween Props & Decorations

If you are like me, you are a little disappointed with most of the cheap Halloween props on the market. I admit that every season I hope for a true wow factor and more and more I am sorely let down.

 I feel like the Halloween super stores are dropping the disembodied head when it comes to really amazing Halloween props and decorations. Even Grandin Road seems to be moving toward the cheaper looking and made items.

This has led me to create my own props to complete my Halloween decorating themes. If you feel the same, then this is a fabulous place to be. 

Below are my top ten picks for Halloween DIY projects. The blogs and sites I feature below have impressed me with their creativity and ingenuity. A few have even taken ideas I have used for YEARS and made them better.

If you have the time and the energy to create these wonderful props and decorations it will be well worth the effort.

Happy Halloween!!!

10. Halloween Bats – Every year we makes something like these bat and stick them all over the place. I love the mobile idea and I am thinking of some great ways to incorporate this into my own spooky forest theme.

http://shertownstudios.blogspot.com/2011/10/fall-love-spooky-diy-mobile.html

9. Spell Bottle Labels – Halloween is not complete without Witches and all their magical components. Here is a great tutorial on how to make your own spell bottles & labels using glass you might have around the home.

http://www.mommyblessings.com/2009/09/potion-bottle-labels-tutorial.html

8. Paranormal Portraits - Of course the big magazines like Country Living give us great ideas. We should expect nothing less. Here is one idea I really like.

http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/paranormal-portraits-1009

7. Soiled Jars – “What the heck?” Yes! That was my first though too, but when I saw these I changed my tune. They offer a very cool look without a lot of expense or effort. Check it out…

http://pumpkinrot.blogspot.com/2009/07/witch-jars.html

6. Cheese Cloth Spirits – I did something similar to this many years ago. It involved a balloon, cheese cloth, and lots of white glue. This seems to be a better version. Thank you Martha!!

http://www.marthastewart.com/858108/cheesecloth-spirits?center=0&gallery=858105&slide=852844

5. Glowing Drinks – To add to the ambience of any Halloween party or costume, you need a cool drink. Here is a very good idea you can create. http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/09/kids-in-the-kitchen-glow-in-the-dark-food-magic-colors-and-giant-bubbles/

4. Monster Mud Reaper – This is a project where you can create a large life size grim reaper holding a lantern. Add some seriously spooky atmosphere to your party or general décor. The tutorial has great set by step photos and instruction to help you construct your reaper.

http://www.halloweenforum.com/tutorials-step-step/69229-monster-mud-reaper.html

3. DIY Gravestones – If you have seen the prices of the foam gravestone in stores you will understand why I started making my own. This method is really easy. You can get very intricate or remain basic with foam. It is all about the look you desire. I also found that I can get dozens of gravestones for less than it would cost me to buy one at the store.

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-make-styrofoam-tombstones-for-halloween/index.html

2. Chicken Wire Ghosts – I am sure you have seen the ghost dresses made of chicken wire, but I think this one takes the cake! The photo alone spooked me! It is so creepy cool!!! Check it out!

http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2011/10/chicken-wire-ghost-tutorial.html

1. Crashed Witch – To be honest I hated the crashed witch you normally see pasted to trees and front doors. Don’t get me wrong the concept is FABULOUS. I give 10 out of 10 for creativity, BUT the execution needed work. Dave Lowe, has taken this idea and made it phenomenal!!! You have to click this link to see.

http://davelowe.blogspot.com/2008/10/08-halloween-28-witch-crash.html

Well there they are… my top 10 DIY props and decorations!