Upcycling and Halloween are a match made in DIY heaven. There are simply SO MANY THINGS that can be transformed into upcycled Halloween decorations. Thrift store shelves, garage sales, and flea markets are ripe with any number of items that can be reimagined with Spooky Season in mind.
I’m certainly no stranger to transforming thrift store items into Halloween decorations! In fact, one of my most popular upcycled crafts to date is this Halloween candy bowl stand. And the best part is, I used something pretty common at thrift stores to make it- and everything is temporary.
This was another of my more popular Halloween craft ideas, which started with plastic pumpkins from thrift stores. I gave them a junky, rusty makeover and now they’ve got that primitive Halloween decor look that’s super popular right now.
Let’s not forget about the trend of turning thrift store art into something spooky! While most folks prefer painting ghosts into framed prints, I went in a different direction with this mass-produced piece.
To put it into thrifting perspective, I actually found these framed trees twice over the course of a single year! So I didn’t feel bad about upcycling it (or ruining it, as some may say) at all.
Since light-up Halloween decorations are perpetually popular, I’ve made a few of those kinds of projects, too. These eerie glowing ghosts started off as glass light shades from Habitat ReStore. They only take a few minutes to make, but that eerie blue glow is what really makes them special, eh?
See what I mean, though? Upcycling projects and Halloween craft ideas and are positively endless.
From secondhand throw pillows to baskets to every kind of houseware on the shelf, upcycled Halloween decorations really do start at your favorite thrift store.
But these projects are only scratching the surface. Let me show you the full collection of repurposed projects for Halloween that I love. I think you’ll find loads of inspiration here, and some of them only take a few minutes to make.
Upcycled Halloween Decorations
See what I mean, though? Upcycling and Halloween decor really do go hand-in-bony-hand. So, next time you’re at a yard sale, thrift store, flea market, or vintage shop, keep an eye out for pieces that can be repurposed into spooky decorations.
And take advantage of pre-existing rust and crust, like I did on these lanterns…
I bet you’ll be surprised how many ideas come together!
Hopefully, you’ve got a few ideas in mind now- and a list of things to scout for while thrifting. Sometimes, you just need to see a fantastic idea to get your creative juices running. Or a creative “spark”, as the case may be- like these upcycled Christmas decorations that I ‘spookified’ for Halloween.
One of the best parts of Halloween is how expansive the decorations can be. You can lean more spooky or more cute/sweet, depending on personal preference. And you certainly aren’t limited to classic jack-o-lanterns or flowy white ghosts, either. There’s an entire gamut of characters and symbols that can be incorporated into your upcycled Halloween decorations.
I know Halloween decor from big box stores can be really tempting. But I hope this collection of craft ideas and projects will inspire you to mix in some upcycled Halloween decorations this year. Especially as prices skyrocket on decor made overseas. And definitely let me know if you plan on making your own version of these projects, or if you have unique ideas all your own. Halloween is my favorite holiday so I love hearing about all the crafts my friends and readers plan on making.

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
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.
















What a fun round up! I love recycled projects I think it takes an extra bit of imagination and vision to make one. Thanks so much for including my paper book pumpkin in your collection! Pinnig, of course 🙂
Thanks, Wendi!! It’s definitely one of the most popular projects in the round up, so thank YOU!!! 😀
Great collection of ideas ! *Love* barbie doll zombies!!
They’re so cool, right??
Love these ideas!!!! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Samantha!
I love all of these ideas. Great job on the round up.Thanks for linking up to the Home Matters Party with you! #HomeMattersParty Hope to see you next week. http://lauraslittlehousetips.com/home-matters-linky-party-59/
Thank you, Laura!
What great projects. So many ideas to keep in mind.
Bev
Thank you so much, Bev- it was a fun round-up to put together. 🙂
These are some awesome ideas! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday, hope to see you again next week!
Thank you so much!
These are all great Halloween ideas! I love them all, but the ironing board ghost is my favor. It’s so cute! What a great repurpose.
Thanks, Linda- it was a fun round-up to put together!!
Love this round up! The skull vodka bottle turned into a light fixture is genius! Thanks for sharing at Inspiration Thursday!
WOW! You have made some awesome projects. Congratulations on your feature on the #HomeMattersParty
Thanks, Audrey- it was a fun round-up to put together. So many talented people!! 😀
Some really great ideas! Love the skeleton sconce and bat windows. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Great round up! Thanks for linking up to Home Matters Party. #HomeMattersParty http://cu-rio.net/home-matters-linky-party-60/ Congratulations on the feature!
Thanks, Sharleen!