The thrift store is full of items that are just waiting to be upcycled into something spooky. From baskets to light fixtures to ceramic figurines, any number of Halloween crafts can start on a thrift store shelf. So, if you’re in need of some spooky inspiration, check out these upcycled Halloween projects before your next trip to the thrift shop.
Halloween Moon Light
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
An old light fixture is the perfect thing to transform into an eerie Halloween moon lamp like this– complete with a flying witch! Interestingly enough, the painting technique for that moon-like “texture” couldn’t be easier, either.
Skull-e-Button
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This is the perfect creepy craft for anyone who happens to have a stash of white buttons, especially white ones! A skull made of buttons is a simple project to make but is the unexpected piece of Halloween decor you never knew you needed until now.
“Floating” Ghosts
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.
Bandana Pumpkins
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There are fabric pumpkins…and then there are bandana pumpkins. Orange and black bandanas with their delightful paisley prints are the perfect thing for making this popular fall project, and just in time for Halloween.
Halloween Crafts with Figurines
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
You know all those dust-catching figurines that fill up thrift store shelves? A little black paint and some haunted red eyes transform them into the spookiest little figures for your Halloween decor. ESPECIALLY if they happen to be a little broken- missing arms or a crooked head just add to the creepiness.
Haunted House Picture Frame
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This house-shaped picture frame was a little creepy to begin with, but a simple makeover and some images from vintage Halloween postcards turned it into a festive haunted house!
Halloween Crafts with Embroidery Hoops
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Embroidery hoops from a thrift store are fun to upcycle into Halloween silhouettes for any of your favorite creepy characters. And they appear to “float” inside their hoop frames, too- thanks to another thrifted find.
Jack-o-Lantern Door Hanger
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 door hanger.
Candy Corn Cones
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Depending on where the thrift store is, you may find cone-shaped spools of thread in the secondhand craft supplies. These spools of white thread were perfect for upcycling into candy corn with a little bit of paint and imagination.
Halloween Crafts with Flower Pots
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. This is definitely one of the easiest Halloween crafts out there!
Magic Potion Bottles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If a mad scientist’s laboratory is what you’re going for this Halloween, then may I suggest thrift shopping for a vintage spice rack? It’s the perfect thing for upcycling into magic potion bottles like these!
Halloween 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 Crafts with Books
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Ahh, the thrift store bookshelves- usually one of the fullest sections at any secondhand store. Which means books are perfect for Halloween crafts- such as these DIY spell books, for example. Such a fun and creative form of mixed media art to celebrate spooky season.
Caught in a Spider’s Web
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Let’s face it- a lot of Grandma’s doilies end up at thrift stores. But you can upcycle her hard work into Halloween crafts like a fun spider web to hang on the wall. This Halloween craft is especially perfect for any torn or stained doilies, as well.
Halloween Crafts with Glass Light Shades
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-Lantern 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? Another one of the easiest Halloween crafts you can make!
Have Fun with Halloween Crafts!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I hope this collection has inspired you before your next trip to the thrift store. So many Halloween crafts, so little time…but LOTS of inspiring project ideas!
Craft on!
S
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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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