A Halloween collectible doesn't have to be expensive or rare to be enjoyed. It should be something that you enjoy and makes you smile.
Although many vintage or antique Halloween decorations are both rare and expensive, that shouldn't stop one from finding lots of fun stuff to collect for Halloween. I have a quite a few Halloween collectibles, some rare and antique, lots of newer stuff and a few reproductions. And I enjoy it all!
Check out these suggestions and see if any of them appeal to you.
A Halloween Tree
Budget: Find an interesting tree branch, secure it in a sturdy pot and paint it black. String some colorful Halloween colored lights, along with curly orange and black ribbon cut into approximately 12" pieces to use as filler. Many Old World glass ornaments can be found for under $10. each, and just a few will add a lot to the tree. Although Terry's tree is not decorated with budget items, it can give you an idea of the look that can be achieved.
No Budget: Fill it with antique decorations and glass ornaments from the glass wizards of Halloween -- Larry Fraga, Radko and Breen. A great example is shown from the Halloween Decorating 2003 contest.
Diecuts
Budget: New and almost new pieces can be found for just a few dollars. Hang them on the wall with clear pins or in the windows (remember -- watch out for fading!).
No Budget: Vintage and antique diecuts can range from $50 - $500 +. When spending big bucks, first make an investment in a price guide such as Vintage Halloween Collectibles.
Halloween Lights
Budget: Great plastic pieces can be found for less than $20, and make a big splash for little money. Those molded plastic pieces, e.g. made by Empire, can be found for not much money and scream Halloween. Use them on a fireplace hearth, smaller ones on the mantel, in the windows, etc.
No Budget: Old World Christmas glass Halloween lights are gorgeous, but can cost around $75. each new. A few scattered around by the tree, on the mantel or tucked in a corner can made a big statement!
Other suggestions for inexpensive collecting include:
Plastic Trick or Treat Buckets -- the newest thing on my list to collect.
Small Trick or Treat Sacks -- the small kind that is filled to give to the little goblins that come to your door.
Cookie Jars -- there are lots of Halloween jars around and they can be fun to collect as well as decorative.
Villages -- This prices on these can really add up if you buy the name brands, but what about just using a few pieces to create a little vignette. If you want a large spooky village and don't care about the brand, look at stores like Walmart, Hobby Lobby or Target for village sets.
