(Family Features) Setting the stage for a ghastly Halloween doesn’t have to break the bank. A little creativity can provide affordable decorations you can make on your own to add some spooktacular charm to your home.

Sparkling Spider Webs

Creepy crawly spiders are a Halloween classic, but no spider display is complete without a spectacular web. Create a series of sparkly webs using metal rings or hoops of various sizes as the frame. Loop heavy wire at intervals around the hoop, wrapping enough times and tightly enough to secure each piece in place, and leaving enough wire to meet all pieces in the middle and twist to form a knot.

Once the radial lines are complete, use the same heavy wire to create rows of scalloped spiral lines, twisting around the radial lines for a secure hold. Then add beads to a fine, lightweight wire and wrap around the spiral lines for a shimmering glow. Use clear or iridescent beads if you plan to hang them in a window or near a light source, or use colorful beads for more whimsical charm.

Ghostly Garland

Garland is a versatile way to introduce holiday decor when surface space, such as tabletops or mantels, is in short supply. Garland can enhance stair railings, window treatments, doorways, or even flow along the front of your mantel.

For a simple ghost garland, all you need is a series of round items (foam craft balls, ping pong balls, or wads of newspaper). Place the ball in the center of square fabric scraps, cheesecloth cloth or tissues. Use white for a more traditional appearance or play with color to create a look that’s all your own. Tie the cloth around each ball tightly with a piece of yarn or string and make a double knot, leaving a long string loose.

With a black marker (or other color, depending on your fabric), add facial features. To ensure the ghosts hang properly, hot glue your yarn or string to the back of the ghosts’ heads. Then space each ghost and tie it to a long piece of yarn or string to form the garland. You can add other elements to dress up the garland, such as tulle, pipe cleaners, or faux spiders, with webbing or eyeballs.

Wrap Up a Wreath

Seasonal wreaths add character to your entryway or any room of the house. Just start with a round base – it can be a hoop or even a cardboard cutout – then embellish as you wish.

• Tie on pieces of fabric or old strips of cloth diapers to make a mummy-like masterpiece.
• Attach faux pumpkins in an array of colors and sizes for a harvest look.
• Alternate orange and black tul, le then glue on ghoulish elements like skulls, bats, and pointy witch hats.

Find more ideas for seasonal holiday decor at eLivingtoday.com.