by Tracey R Gates

Created on: August 15, 2009   Last Updated: August 17, 2009

It's that time of year again. The time when the ghouls, goblins and ghosts leave their sanctuary and walk the earth among the living. Where adults and children disguise as someone - or something - scary, silly, spooky.

Whether you're throwing a neighborhood party, or simply greeting trick-or-treaters at the door, you don't have to break the bank in order to show your Halloween spirit. Check out these easy and cheap Halloween decorating ideas that will really get your blood pumping while keeping your wallet intact.

GONE BATTY

Create bats from black construction paper, pom pom puff balls and googly eyes. You can hang these as is, or fix them to the following idea.

SPOOKY FOREST

Find broken, or trimmed branches and arrange them to resemble a forest. You can do this by placing in pots with stones, or dirt holding them in place, or by sticking them directly into the ground. Add fake spider webs, plastic spiders and bugs, and moss. Add black spray paint to parts of the trunk and branches for that really haunted look.

No room for a forest? Arrange twigs in a wreath pattern for the front door.

SCARECROW

Don't throw away the children's old, worn out clothing just yet. Fill a pair of jeans and a long sleeved shirt with autumn leaves and you have the makings for a scarecrow, or headless horseman.

NEED A LIGHT?

A little Plaster of Paris, a latex glove and a candle is all you'll need to make a hand shaped candle holder. Follow the directions on the plaster and fill the glove. Shape as you want around the candle and wait for it to set. Remove the latex when dry. Don't forget the finishing touch. Add red paint dripping down the side to resemble blood.

IMA GONE

Cardboard, old wooden boards, or foam sheets are all great to use for crosses and gravestones. Buy cheap garden fencing to use as a graveyard border.

PAPER SNOWFLAKES

No. Paper snowflakes are for Christmas, not Halloween. But the idea is a simple and cheap one. Use construction paper, foam sheets, or felt to design and cut out pumpkins, witches, ghosts, and skeleton shapes. Then add to windows and walls. You can get creative with this by making a night scene for a large window, complete with black houses and yellow lighted windows, spooky trees, bats and a full moon.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS...

Try the dollar store. As the name suggests, everything in the store is a dollar. Sometimes two for a dollar. Usually you can find a good assortment of Halloween decorations and supplies as early as September.

These cheap Halloween decorating ideas are a great way to celebrate the holiday without breaking the bank.

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