Homemade Halloween Decorations for the Yard
When it comes to Halloween., the next best thing to the candy, is dressing up the yard. Yet, there is no need to spend exorbitant amounts of money. Some of the best decorations of all, are homemade decorations, that cost next to nothing.
Ghosts
Often the first mental image of all hallow’s eve, is that of the ghost. A time honored tradition is simply an old bed sheet or pillowcase attached to a stick and hung from a tree or staked in the ground. A ball or balloon is used to give shape to the head. To give flight to your ghostly aberration, rig some rope or wire between two trees. Use another knot around the neck to criss-cross the string over the head, and add a key chain to the top of the head. Now with some fishing line and pole, (or just some line) you can give flight to that ghost.
Seance
A group of ghosts in a circle is another easy decoration to make. Drive some metal gardening posts (or other sturdy object) into the ground, so the top is 3 to 4 feet tall. Do this 6-8 times in the form of a circle, 6-8 feet in diameter. Stuff a hand full of newspaper into a clear kitchen trash bag, and tie in a knot. Attach the ghosts' head to the pole. Repeat for each pole. Use additional garbage bags and some tape to give the ghosts arms until they are all holding hands. For some added effect, give them a fire in the middle of the circle. Pile some Christmas lights onto the ground, and light them up.
Headstones
Ghosts and graveyards go hand in hand. Headstones are easily made using some Styrofoam and paint. If Styrofoam isn’t available, layer some cardboard and attach to a stake. For added effect, use some glow in the dark paint. Use some fallen leaves covered in a black tarp to give the impression of a freshly dug grave, and if skeletons are available, all the better. Several headstones turn the home into a graveyard, and what can be spookier than that?
Fog
Face it, there is just something spooky about Fog. And it fits nicely into any freakish facade. Fog machines and oil are one option and can be rented relatively cheaply. Dry ice is another option, especially if water can be trickled over it, controlling the fog. Keep in mind both of these methods require continuous supplies, and should take into consideration wind direction and speed.
Coffin
Finished or not, this is another time honored prop, and can be placed in the graveyard setting, or on the porch. Coffins are simple to make using a staple gun, a saw, and some 1/4” plywood. A quick coat of paint and you are good to go.
Coffins seem to invite a peak inside, and can be used as a candy holder for those trick-or-treaters to reach into.
Propped up on an angle, about waist high is the perfect height for young arms and hands to reach into. It’s also a good height to hide somebody behind, and with a well placed camouflaged hole, can provide some excitement. With additional rigging, and a willing body, a coffin is just the right size to hold a living human. Talk about your thrills and chills!
Sound effects
The final piece of the puzzle of any good haunting are the screams, moans, and nether-worldly laughter. What can’t be elicited from those trick-or-treaters can be supplemented from CDs readily available in almost every store. Pull the speakers up to a window and the scene is set.
Halloween is a time of fun for the living, and of remembrance to those no longer. So go on, have a fright of a good time.
