Thread: Cardboard yard prop / decoration ideas??

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Hallow there, grave diggers!
I need some inspiration. I'm on a TIGHT budget this year and I have access to ALOT of cardboard sheets from my job. I consider myself pretty crafty and figured why not utilize this great free resource? The cardboard in question are flat sheets about 2ft.4'' wide and 4 ft. height (or vice versa if u flip it around lol)

I've been looking up cardboard Halloween prop ideas for days....found some good ones but I need more ideas cause there's not much out there.
So far I've made an almost 5 foot long, 15'' deep to pincher coffin - thinking of making another-turned out pretty great!
-I've seen the cardboard / laundry bottle chainsaw post- Will do that as well!
-Thinking of using it for a frame to hold/shape a shirt and stick it the ground making a grave escaper kinda thing...not sure if thats wise tho...
-I've seen the cardboard pillars/entry way posts & they look amazing. Just not sure if I could pull off something THAT big without ripping my hair out in the process.

Note: The props or crafts don't have to last longer than 1 season. I don't mind if it won't hold up for next year.

But has anyone else out there tried making larger sized cardboard props?? (Besides tombstones lol)
Any ideas? The more random the better! I'd appreciate it - Thanks in advance
~jojo

First thing that comes to my mind is cutouts/silhouettes.

YES that's the latest thing i was researching! And perhaps cutting out the face for some1 to put there head in as a photo op! lol. Thanks Candee!

I too am doing all of my props this year out of cardboard (and paper mache), currently I am working on a hutch to convert a table into a witches hutch (aka food table) as for the columns...they are not that bad, I just made four...however I used empty 12 pks to make mine (more readily available) I stacked them 2 high and 4 around (8 boxes per column) after paper macheing theme I used paper towels to create the look of rocks, Im still in the faux painting stage but so far so good.

What is your theme?

Originally Posted by pumpkinpie

I too am doing all of my props this year out of cardboard (and paper mache), currently I am working on a hutch to convert a table into a witches hutch (aka food table) as for the columns...they are not that bad, I just made four...however I used empty 12 pks to make mine (more readily available) I stacked them 2 high and 4 around (8 boxes per column) after paper macheing theme I used paper towels to create the look of rocks, Im still in the faux painting stage but so far so good.

What is your theme?

ooo sounds cool. would love to see pictures if and when possible

@pumpkinpie, that sounds awesome! yes PLEASE do post some pictures! I'd really appreciate it - even if unfinished. Im trying to picture it in my head. I could use the inspiration! Gr8 idea with the boxes! Besides the mache, what are u using to stabilize them? ty

Really the only thing I have used is tape and mache on the columns...however I added a few zip ties to the hutch...I will try to post pics soon

I'd like to see that too.... lord knows I have enough soda boxes, etc around here....

but then wouldnt you have to dry lock it to make it weather proof? most of my stuff stays outside for the month of october...

Here is a pic of one unpainted.


After faux painting one I decided I wanted a darker look...some black spray paint and they were just eerie enough

Witchymom...great suggestion, my props are only for a quick party (and then they will probably be tossed for lack of storage).

@pumpkinpie, those look AMAZING. Splendid work! I haven't paper mache'd since i was 5. I think I need to do some research on how-to-mache (cuz i cant remember lol) and try this out. How many boxes we're used? rlly appreciate the pix!