“Boys and girls of every age,
Wouldn’t you like to see something strange?”
Fall is finally upon us, which means that it’s finally time to, once again, show our creativity and delight of fright and decorate our homes and yards in a way that will send chills down your neighbor’s spines.
It’s finally the time of ghoulish light, wacky witches and smoking cauldrons. The time to get a bit innovative and a bit freaky, without anyone having the right to judge you. And while some people start their Halloween decoration efforts as soon as the last days of September roll around, others wait to get closer to All Hallows’ Eve to showcase their ghostlike charms. So, if you still haven’t decorated your outdoor area, here are some interesting ideas.
“I am the one hiding under your bed, teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red”
image credit: https://wallpapercave.com/w/bgaz9wp
This idea is quite simple, wherever you have a dark corner or a poorly-lit cranny you can make eye-shaped cutouts made of cardboard and place them in the dark spot. Glue some glow stick behind them and have a bunch of ghoulish eyes welcome everyone who approaches your home. This works particularly well in areas under your porch and stairs.
“Ghosts and goblins and witches roaming the streets, in moonlight”
For the next idea, you’ll need some gauze, wire or wire hanger, a ball, some sort of glue or Mod Podge. Now, keep in mind that, depending on the circle of creatures you wish to create, the ingredients may vary. So, for example, for a ghost circle, you should place the ball on a wire construction to give your ghost a person-like shape. Next, cover the construction with a gauze you previously soaked in Mod Podge or another decoupage solution. Once dried, remove your “ghost” from the construction and repeat the process until you’re happy with the amount. Arrange them in a circle and add glow sticks inside, or fairy lights below them t make the scene more dramatic. If you want to create a circle of witches, the process is the same, just replace the gauze with trash bags and make a few witch hats.
“Bowls of candy and goodies delicious and waiting…”
Next, let’s turn to your front door ornaments. Of course, a Halloween-inspired wreath is a must, but you should also consider filling your porch with: a fun witch doormat; carved Jack-o’-lanterns; a sleeping scarecrow guarding the candy bowl – you can make this one by using some old jeans, a checkered flannel shirt, a balloon (for the face), a straw hat and some hay to fill out the suit and give it shape.
“I’m a master of fright, and a demon of light, and I’ll scare you right out of your pants”
image credit: http://www.npnurseries.com/5-halloween-outdoor-decorations-on-a-budget/scary-outdoor-halloween-decorations/
Of course, Halloween decorations are simply not complete without a good jump scare. Therefore, come up with a way to implement an interactive piece of decor in your design. It can be anything from motion-sensored laughing Jack-o’-lantern, witch or scarecrow to the classic pop-up zombie hand in the candy bowl. Some of the more elaborate and more demanding ideas include a drone-powered Grim Reaper, but this idea might be too much for some people. Whichever you opt for, make sure you give your neighbours and visitors a good scare.
“Our man Jack is King of the Pumpkin patch, everyone hail to the Pumpkin King now!”
image credit:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/166773992428956119
Finally, every Halloween decoration simply has to include a pumpkin patch. It doesn’t have to be particularly big, but it should be well-organized. So, get your hands on a dozen or so pumpkins – 13 to make things super spooky – of various sizes, shapes and colour and arrange them according to your liking. Next, add a bale of hay and some faux ravens. Top everything off with a few con stovers, a couple of sunflowers and faux cobwebs to give it that spooky glow. Additionally, you can even make a Pumpkin King – the process is very similar to the scarecrow one, just use a carved pumpkin for the head – to guard the entire patch.
So, let your creativity run wild and get down to decorating. And remember, your Halloween decorations are done right if you manage to frighten or jump-scare at least one person.
