Most of the upcycled Halloween projects that I’ve made over the years are more “cutesy” than spooky. But a few eerier crafts have snuck in nonetheless, perfect for crafters who want more “eek” than sweet. So, if you’re looking for a few creepier crafts for Spooky Season, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.
Creepy Candles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
You know those Christmas window candles that are always at thrift stores? Well, they are even BETTER when spookified for Halloween- and it’s a super easy upcycle that anyone can do.
Shrunken Apple Heads
Image credit: DIY Candy.
Ok, this one isn’t an “upcycling” idea, per se, but it’s awfully spooky looking! And as someone who loves fresh Fall apples, these DIY shrunken apple heads might be a creepy craft I need to try.
Spooky Season Glow
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 curiously illuminated ghosts. This Halloween craft takes just a few minutes to make, and their eerie blue/indigo glow makes all the difference.
Corn Husk Bats
Image credit: Cuckoo 4 Design.
Well, would you look at that- another creepy craft made from autumn produce! It never occurred to me to transform corn husks into eerie bats, but I absolutely LOVE how these turned out. I think I might need to try this spooky season craft project out…
Haunted Wall Art
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A tree print from the thrift store (and from a big box store before that) is the perfect thing to “spookify” for Halloween, isn’t it? It’s not valuable art by any stretch, which makes it a great canvas for all sorts of creepy additions like this.
Hitchcock-inspired Porch Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A rusty old candle lantern found on the side of the curb was meant to be repurposed into something for Spooky Season. And this Victorian style, Hitchcock-inspired lamp post and sign holder for the front porch was the perfect thing!
Spooky Candlesticks
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
There’s something equally eerie and enchanting about these spooky Halloween orbs! Like little premonitions from the beyond, but from thrifted candlesticks and crafty supplies…
Haunted 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 eek factor.
Creepy Coasters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Who knew that legitimate labels for HAZMAT materials might (1) end up at the thrift store, and (2) be perfect for a Spooky Season craft? Well, I’m here to tell you that both are true and they’re the perfect size for some DIY coasters. And if you happen to splatter some red paint on them during the crafting process…even better.
Ghostly Candles
Image credit: One Little Project.
I’ve often passed up white tapers that I see at thrift stores because I don’t know what I’d do with them. But that, my freaky friends, is no longer the case. Because I definitely need to make some of these spooky, bendy ghost candles with them.
Creepy Crawly Wreath
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Here’s a fun take on a Halloween wreath, complete with creepy crawlies straight out of a haunted forest. The secret to these iridescent beetles is a fun craft paint that completely transform them. So, you could add them to a wreath like this or any other Halloween crafts that needs some eerie-looking bugs.
Upcycled Halloween Village
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
Sure, we’ve all heard of setting up a Christmas village with little buildings and such. But a Spooky Season version of it might be even cuter (to me). Especially when it’s upcycled like this one is..!
DIY Blood Moon
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.
Unwelcome Mat
Image credit: DIY Candy.
I’ve always wanted to try my hand at painting/stenciling on a doormat, but have yet to pull the trigger. But after seeing how fabulous this spooky version turned out, I think I need to give it a go…
Spider Web Lantern
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I love the spooky thrill of light-up Halloween decorations, and a thrifted lantern is a great piece to start with. In this case, I gave it a webby “makeover” for that doubles as a light diffuser…for even more spooky glow!
Hauntified Artwork
Image credit: Swoodson Says.
Thrift stores are often full of an overwhelming number of framed prints and artwork. And upcycling one into a creepy, eerie painting is a fun way to give them a new lease on life. And oh my goodness, I love the frame embellishments, too…
Spooky Season Silhouettes
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 the silhouettes appear to “float” inside their hoop frames, too- thanks to another thrifted find.
Dark Academia Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Dark Academia decor and Spooky Season decor aren’t exactly the same thing- but depending on your style, there are a lot of potential overlapping elements. And hunting for dark academia pieces at thrift stores is the ultimate spooky scavenger hunt. If it looks like it belongs in an abandoned haunted mansion, then it’s definitely perfect for a dark academia vignette.
Spooky Season Crafts
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I love how popular Halloween has gotten when it comes to upcycling, crafting, and DIY. And that both cutesy AND spooky projects have plenty of opportunities to shine. Whether you prefer something with a little fright factor (like these) or the cheerier versions, there is truly an endless array of crafty options for everyone.
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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