Give Thrifted Dolls A Creepy Victorian-Inspired Makeover For The Most Haunting Decor

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The wonderful thing about Halloween is that there is no right way to decorate, which means you can get as unhinged and scary or as cute as you want. Best of all, the thrift store holds plenty of treasures for you to scoop up for a makeover into something that's just...fright. If you're pondering what to do to decorate for Halloween, head to your local thrift store to make over some vintage-style dolls into haunting decor. Like Annabelle and other dolls that stare with soulless eyes, this decor will give your guests or family a scare, but it won't cost an arm and a leg...unless it's the doll's, that is. You'll need dolls, a tube of white acrylic paint, a tube of black paint, paintbrushes, and a cup of coffee. Don't have any white paint on hand? Try a tube of Artkey White Acrylic Paint in Titanium White and the same in black.

Start by digging into the toy bin or shelves of your local thrift store, or ask friends if they have any dolls their children have tossed aside. Grab the creepiest dolls you can find, the ones that may haunt your dreams, or frankly, nightmares. With this creative project, a little bit of ratty clothing or even a chipped face on a doll isn't a dealbreaker; it's actually an enhancement. Before embarking on this project, do a quick check that you aren't making over any vintage historical dolls that are seriously valuable now, lest you ruin one. Once you're satisfied you aren't harming a precious Madame Alexander or a 1950s Vogue doll, you can get started on this easy Halloween decor you can DIY.

After you've procured your dolls, remove all of their clothing, and set the pieces aside. It's time to make some Halloween decor that will transform your space. Since you'll be painting the dolls, it's easier to work if they're unclothed, so you don't get any glaring white or black paint on the fabric. You'll first work with their faces to give them the spooky scream-worthy look you seek. Paint the faces white, being careful not to cover their eyes or lips. After that dries, you can then give them dramatic black outlined eyes and lips. For an extra touch, draw cracks down their face, giving them the appearance they've been haunting your home for years.

Once you're satisfied with your paint job, make your coffee (a packet of instant is easy), and pour it into a bowl. While you might need a cup or two of coffee to get through the Halloween planning pressures, this one is solely meant for aging the dolls' clothes. Dip the clothes in the coffee until you're satisfied with the aging effect, let it dry, then redress your dolls. The last step for this makeover? Tease the dolls' hair, making it wild and tangled. After all, they're creatures of the undead and need to look accordingly. You can even pull out the scissors and give them an uneven haircut, ala Weird Barbie. After you're done, display them on your couch, in an old cradle, or your window to scare the trick-or-treaters.