Well Halloween is almost over and its time to pack away all my decorations. I was telling David I needed to find my tote full of Cup Towels and Garden Flags so I could change out the decorations in my home. The more I looked around the house this morning the more Garden Flags I found which is crazy because there is no, way I can use them all.
I thought I would ask you a question. Do you have garden flags tucked away in a closet or storage bin that you no longer use? Maybe you have one from a past season, one that’s faded from being outside, or one with a design you don’t care to display anymore.
Before you throw it away, let’s see if we can give it another life! I’ve been thinking about how we can use things we already have to create seasonal decorations without spending a fortune. Since we’re looking at ways to repurpose household items for our holiday crafts, garden flags seem like another fun place to start.
Halloween is the perfect time to get creative. Pumpkins, ghosts, bats, black cats, and silly scarecrows give us plenty of inspiration. And the best part is that you don’t have to be an expert crafter to try these ideas. Which is a Godsend me because I can’t cut a straight ling to save my life and sewing isn’t something I’ve mastered. How about you?
Garden flags often have colorful designs and seasonal pictures that can be reused in other ways. Some are made from lightweight fabric, while others have different finishes or materials. Depending on the condition and construction of your flag, you may be able to turn it into a Halloween decoration for your front door, a piece of wall art, or a fun project to make with the kids.
You don’t have to use every part of the flag, either. Sometimes a small section with a pumpkin or ghost is all you need. Before starting, make sure the flag is clean and dry. If it has mold, persistent odors, or damaged material, it’s better to discard it even though that can be hard to do.
5 Halloween Crafts to Make With Old Garden Flags
1. Create a Halloween Wall Hanging– One of the easiest ways to reuse a garden flag is to turn it into a wall hanging.
If your flag already has a Halloween design, you might not need to do much at all. Simply hang it indoors using its existing sleeve and a suitable rod, or use clips to attach it to a display line. If you have a plain flag, add paper bats, felt pumpkins, or ghost shapes using an attachment method suitable for the fabric. You could display your finished decoration in an entryway, family room, or another spot where you want to add a little Halloween spirit.
2. Make a Spooky Door Banner– If you want something fun to hang on a door? An old garden flag may be just what you need.
Use the flag as the base for a Halloween banner. Add a message such as “Boo!” or “Happy Halloween,” or decorate it with pumpkins, bats, and friendly ghosts. For a simple no-sew version, use paper or felt decorations and suitable fabric adhesive. Test the adhesive on a small area first, since not all flags are made from the same material. If the flag already has a hanging sleeve, you may be able to use it without cutting or sewing anything.
3. Turn Garden Flag Designs Into Framed Halloween Art– This idea is especially useful if your flag has a design you love but you no longer want to display it outside.
Look for a section featuring a pumpkin, black cat, ghost, or another Halloween image. Carefully cut out the design if the flag’s construction allows it. Place the piece inside a suitable frame or stretch it over a piece of cardboard to create inexpensive seasonal artwork.
You could make a collection of Halloween pictures and display them together. A few coordinated frames can turn an old flag into a seasonal gallery wall. Choose a frame that accommodates the material’s thickness, and avoid cutting through the design you want to preserve.
4. Make a Friendly Halloween Scarecrow– Garden flags can also provide material for a homemade scarecrow.
Use a piece of flag fabric for the scarecrow’s shirt or overalls. Add a face made from cardboard, a paper hat, and yarn or raffia for hair. Attach the pieces to cardboard for a decoration that can stand against a wall or sit on a shelf. Children can help choose the scarecrow’s expression and accessories. One might want a silly smile, while another might prefer a spooky face. You can make the scarecrow as simple or elaborate as your supplies allow.
5. Create a Halloween Decoration for Next Year– Not every craft has to be made from scratch. Sometimes the best project is one that helps you reuse something you already own.
If you have several old garden flags, consider turning them into a collection of reusable Halloween decorations. You could make a banner, frame a design, and save the remaining pieces for smaller crafts. Store the finished decorations in a dry container after Halloween so they’re ready to use again next year. This is an easy way to build up your seasonal decorations over time without having to purchase everything new each year.
Supplies You May Already Have
You may not need much to get started. Gather a few things from around the house and see what works for your chosen project.
- An old garden flag in usable condition
- Scissors
- Cardboard
- Ribbon or twine
- Felt or construction paper
- Markers or stickers
- Suitable craft glue or fabric tape
- A frame, clips, or a hanging rod, depending on the project
You don’t need every item on this list. Choose one craft and use the supplies you already have. For children’s projects, an adult should handle sharp scissors and any cutting that requires extra care.
Make It a Family Halloween Craft Day– One thing I love about these projects is that everyone can choose something different.
One family member might want to make a ghost banner. Someone else might prefer a pumpkin picture, while another person could make a scarecrow. You don’t have to make identical decorations. Let everyone add their own personality to the project. Put on some Halloween music, gather your supplies, and enjoy a little creative time together. The finished decorations may not look store-bought, but that’s part of their charm. And when Halloween is over, you can save your creations for next year or reuse the remaining material for another project.
Before you throw that Old Garden Flag away take another look at those garden flags you’ve put aside. Even if you don’t want to display them outside anymore, some of the material may still be useful for crafting. A little imagination can turn an old seasonal decoration into something new for your home. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make Halloween fun. Sometimes the best projects begin with something you already own.
Now we’d love to hear from you!
Have you ever repurposed a garden flag or another seasonal decoration? Would you turn yours into a Halloween banner, framed artwork, a scarecrow, or something completely different? Share your ideas in the comments and inspire someone else to try a little Halloween creativity!
Greatful Moments — Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
Greatful. Thankful, Blessed.
Crafting note: Use only clean, usable materials. Check the flag’s fabric and finish before applying adhesives or markers. Secure hanging decorations safely, and keep fabric and paper away from candles, heaters, and other heat sources.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
