Ghosts and Jack-o-Lanterns are some of the most popular Halloween decoration ideas. They’re classic symbols of the holiday and easy to DIY if you have the right materials. And, with a little creative innovation, there are a LOT of thrift store items that can be upcycled into ghosts and jacks, as well. Here are some easy upcycling ideas for Halloween gourds and ghouls.
Ghost Lights as Halloween Decoration Ideas
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Glass light shades from ceiling fans and bathroom sconces often end up at thrift stores after a remodel. But look how PERFECT they can be as little ghost lights! This Halloween craft takes just a few minutes to make, and their eerie blue/indigo glow makes all the difference.
Jack-o-Planters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Terracotta flower pots from the thrift store are already orange-ish, which can only mean one thing: Jack-o-lanterns! And faux cacti as their “stems” is just the icing on a Halloween cake, if you ask me. Such a quick and easy Halloween decoration idea that anyone can do.
Trick-or-Treating Candy Bowl Stand
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Your trick-or-treaters will be positively delighted when they meet your friendly ghost candy bowl stand on Halloween night! But the best part is what he’s made from, hiding underneath that sheet. Plus, nothing is permanent, making him super easy to store for the rest of the year.
Junk-o-Lanterns
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Plastic jack-o-lantern candy buckets from the thrift store really work well when it comes to Halloween decoration ideas. And in this case, they’re transformed into “junk-o-lanterns” with the help of a special rustifying paint kit. Such a fun improvement over the plastic orange color.
“Cheesy” Halloween Decoration Ideas
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This little ghost was missing a few things on one side, so he couldn’t be used to serve cheese anymore. A quick flip around revealed a very ghoulish figure, however, so that’s his new purpose in life.
Jack-o-Lantern “Wreath”
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Remember how we used to put paper plates on top of wicker chargers to feel fancier? It seems silly now, but a LOT of those paper plate holders ended up at thrift stores. And it just so happens that they’re perfect for repurposing into a jack-o-lantern “wreath” for your door.
Halloween Ghosts that “Float”
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
These friendly little ghosts appear to float, but there are no strings attached. That’s because they have a secret underneath, and it’s something you can easily find at just about any thrift store.
Halloween Decoration Ideas with a Tote Bag
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A large straw tote bag from the thrift store is perfect for turning into a jack-o-planter for your front porch with this upcycling idea. Doesn’t it look frighteningly festive when filled with potted mums?
Gourd Ghosts
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
There are always lots of small gourds available at this time of the year, and some of them just happen to be ghost-shaped and white in color. So, OF COURSE they need to become ghosts for your decor. Halloween decoration ideas with gourds is almost a no-brainer, eh?
Candy Basket
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A round basket from the thrift shop gets a simple jack-o-lantern makeover which turns it into a charming little Halloween candy basket. Perfect to set around the house or on your desk at the office.
Halloween Decoration Ideas with Ceiling Fan Blades
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Remodeling a room often involves switching out an old ceiling fan for a new one, which means the blades end up at thrift stores. Good thing they can easily be upcycled into ghost ornaments to hang outside in the yard like this!
Metallic Makeover
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Plastic Halloween candy buckets are usually easy to find at thrift stores, but they don’t have to stay that garish shade of bright orange. A boho-modern makeover with copper paint turns that plastic tub into a festive and chic “glam-o-lantern” for chic Halloween decor.
Ghoul Spools
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Thread cones from old textile mills end up at thrift shops and antiques malls in various parts of the country. And if you find any white cones, they are super easy to upcycle into the sweetest little ghosts around.
Jack-o-Lamp
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
An outdated light fixture, especially with a round glass globe and a little metal finial, is adorably repurposed as a jack-o-lamp. Halloween decoration ideas that only require painting on a face and an LED candle are as easy as it gets!
Milk (Glass) Does a Body Ghoul
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
When it comes to crafting with vintage milk glass, “temporary” is the name of the game! And these Halloween ghosts are a perfect example of short-term alterations that don’t have any long-term impacts. Plus, it sure is nice to find a way to use these vases during the Fall season!
Terracotta Saucer Coasters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Since we’ve already upcycled some thrifted flower pots, let’s not forget about the terracotta saucers that go underneath them. Aren’t they delightful when repurposed into jack-o-lantern coasters?
Halloween Decoration Ideas for Ghosts and Jack-o-Lanterns
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
See what I mean? So many fun Halloween decoration ideas for upcycling into ghosts and jack-o-lanterns, and they all start at the thrift store. Perfect for a creepy-crafty holiday that is budget-friendly, and they’re all “boo-tiful” in their own unique way.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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