Celebrate Green Blog

by Lynn

Did you know that Halloween comes second after Christmas in the amount Americans spend on holiday decor?

Oh course, we advocate a greener way—making Halloween decorations by using what you already own, swapping in person or online or checking out the local thrift store for items that will easily turn your house eek-o fab!

If you’re going the DIY route, these are the steps that I have found help me get the end result I want.

1. Page through magazines and online sites for ideas. Whether you’re into scary, cute or hilarious, just search for “Halloween decor” plus “whatever theme you’re seeking.” Etsy, Instructables, Pinterest and Craftgawker all have choices that will inspire you.

2. Choose a couple of items you’d like to use to decorate your home.

3. Consider what you’ll need to replicate them and write a list.

4. Now walk through your house, including garage and workshop and seek out items on the list. Don’t let color stop you. Most things can be painted. And consider using a different scale, making an item larger or smaller.

5. Call a friend and ask if she has something you don’t. You’d be surprised at how much you can borrow when you ask.

6. If you’re still missing items, hit a nearby thrift store. Again, keep in mind the general items you need, but you might spot something that can substitute. For instance, let’s say you want to make a scarecrow outfitted like a farmer for your front porch. But you can’t find overalls. Can you use jeans? Or how about turning him into a businessman in a suit? In other words, a list is great, but should only act as a guide. Otherwise, you’ll end up driving all over town, wasting gas and in the end may not find what you’re looking for anyway.

Lots more great ideas for every aspect of Halloween greening at our sister site Green Halloween.

Show off your DIY decor via a link below.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.