Isaac Alexander, known for his elaborate homemade Halloween displays, teaches people how to make decorations for a fraction of the cost of buying them at the store.
MONT HOLLY, N.C. — Spending this Halloween in the U.S. is expected to remain close to this year’s historic high of nearly $12 billion, according to a study by the National Retail Federation. The bulk of that money, about $4 billion, goes toward decorations, and the group’s research found that just over half of people plan to create a spooky atmosphere with decorations.
Isaac Alexander, who runs a DIY YouTube channel focused on holiday decorations, knows you can go big with your Halloween display without spending a fortune. The exhibit at his Mount Holly home is one example.
On his channel, Alexander shows off a giant handmade jack-o-lantern that towers over his head.
“There are some companies in the West that make giant pumpkins for about $1,500, but this company cost about $50,” he said. “It’s actually 64 pieces of foam glued together.”
A production tutorial shows Alexander assembling the form. He said he got the form for free from a local store, which he intended to throw away. Next, carve a pumpkin shape and paint it orange.
So how did he get Freeform?
“You can find them in some stores that sell sheds, trailers and RVs. They use them as cushions during transportation,” he explained.
The jack-o-lantern is just one of the dozens of handmade decorations that will be decorating the Halloween display at the Scalley Burke Court home this year.
“It’s going to be the biggest exhibition ever,” he said. “Halloween is all about having fun and using your imagination.”
Alexander assures those new to the DIY game that the creations are very manageable. In fact, he said he was able to teach himself the tricks of the trade during the pandemic.
“These pieces aren’t made by any one shop, so they’re truly unique,” he says. “I think DIY is more fun and you can involve more people, maybe your family.”
Check out some of Isaac Alexander’s holiday decorating tutorials here.
Contact Vanessa Ruffes at vruffes@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook. × And Instagram.
