Halloween is the perfect time to get crafty and add some spooky vibes to your space.
Whether you're decking out your bedroom, living room, or balcony at The Seasons, these three easy DIY Halloween decorations will help you create the perfect haunted atmosphere—all on a college student’s budget! Plus, we’ll tell you where to buy supplies locally, so you can start decorating right away.
1. DIY Hanging Ghosts
These cute, spooky ghosts are a great addition to any room and can be made using simple, affordable materials.
Materials Needed:
- White fabric or old white sheets (check a thrift store like
Goodwill)
- Cotton balls or small foam balls (Dollar Tree)
- String or fishing line (Dollar Tree or Target)
- Scissors
- Black marker (optional for drawing faces)
Instructions:
- Cut the Fabric: Start by cutting your white fabric into squares about 12x12 inches, depending on how big you want the ghosts to be.
- Make the Head: Place a cotton ball or foam ball in the center of the fabric square and gather the fabric around it to create the head.
- Tie Off the Head: Use a piece of string to tie off the fabric just under the cotton ball, creating the ghost's head. Let the remaining fabric hang down to form the ghost's body.
- Draw a Face (Optional): If you'd like, use a black marker to draw a spooky or cute face on the ghost's head.
- Hang It Up: Attach a piece of fishing line or string to the top of the ghost's head and hang it from the ceiling, bedposts, or doorways for a hauntingly good effect!
Where to Shop for Materials:
- Dollar Tree (1703 E Prince Rd) – This store is perfect for picking up cotton balls, string, and markers, all for $1.25 each.
- Goodwill (300 N 4th Ave) – You can find white sheets or fabric for cheap to make your ghost decorations.
2. DIY Paper Bat Garland
This DIY bat garland is perfect for hanging across your living room walls or balcony railing and only takes a few minutes to make.
Materials Needed:
- Black construction paper (Dollar Tree or Walmart)
- Scissors
- Pencil
- String or twine (Dollar Tree)
- Tape or hole punch
Instructions:
- Draw the Bat Shapes: Use a pencil to lightly sketch bat shapes on black construction paper. You can make a template to trace for consistency.
- Cut Out the Bats: Carefully cut out each bat shape using scissors.
- Prepare the Garland: Once you have several bats cut out (10-15 should be enough for a garland), punch a hole at the top of each bat or tape them to a piece of string or twine.
- Hang Your Garland: String up your bat garland along a wall, across a window, or even outside on the balcony. You now have a spooky bat display that will flutter in the breeze!
Where to Shop for Materials:
- Dollar Tree (1703 E Prince Rd) – You can find black construction paper and twine for under $5.
- Walmart (455 E Wetmore Rd) – Stock up on bulk construction paper if you’re planning to create a lot of bats.
3. DIY Painted Mini Pumpkins
Mini foam pumpkins are an affordable way to add Halloween spirit to your space, and painting them lets you customize them to fit your decor style.
Materials Needed:
- Mini foam pumpkins (Dollar Tree)
- Acrylic paint (Dollar Tree or Michaels)
- Paintbrushes (Dollar Tree or Walmart)
- Glitter (optional)
- Mod Podge or glue (for glitter)
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Pumpkins: If your foam pumpkins are already colored, you can skip this step. If they’re plain, paint them in the base color of your choice (orange, black, white, etc.) and let them dry.
- Add Designs: Once the base coat is dry, get creative! You can paint spooky faces, stripes, polka dots, or even Halloween phrases like "Boo!" or "Eek!" Let each layer of paint dry before adding another design.
- Glitter Touch (Optional): If you want to add a little sparkle, brush a thin layer of Mod Podge or glue onto specific areas of the pumpkin and sprinkle glitter over it. Tap off any excess glitter.
- Display Your Pumpkins: Place these mini pumpkins on your coffee table, bookshelves, or windowsills. They’re the perfect size for both small and shared spaces like your apartment’s living room or balcony.
Where to Shop for Materials:
- Dollar Tree (1703 E Prince Rd) – Grab mini foam pumpkins, paint, and brushes all in one trip!
- Michaels (4044 N Oracle Rd) – For more variety in paint colors and brushes, Michaels is just a few minutes from The Seasons.
Bonus Tip: Host a DIY Decoration Night!
Decorating is even more fun with friends! Invite your neighbors and roommates to a DIY Halloween decoration night at your apartment. Set up craft stations for each of these projects, play some spooky tunes, and provide snacks like Halloween-themed cookies and popcorn. Not only will you all create some amazing decorations, but you’ll also make lasting memories together.
With these three DIY projects, you’ll have everything you need to spookify your apartment for Halloween. And with nearby Dollar Tree, Goodwill, and other affordable shops, you won’t have to spend much to create a festive, haunted atmosphere in your home at The Seasons.
What DIY decor are you making this Halloween? Share your creations with your neighbors and see whose apartment has the best Halloween vibes this year!
About
The Seasons Apartments:
The Seasons Apartments offer affordable, luxury living spaces designed specifically for students. With top-notch amenities and a prime location near the University of Arizona, it’s the perfect place to call home during your college years.
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