A homemade Halloween: Eight cheap and easy costume ideas

This Halloween, the only thing scarier than ghouls, ghosts and goblins is the economic forecast.

Finances are tight this fall, which means less money for freaky festivities and expensive store-bought costumes. Luckily, a spooky solution may be as close as your own closet.

Homemade Halloween costumes are cheap, easy and eco-friendly, since they often feature recycled clothes, props and accessories. Plus, most of the materials for the perfect costume can be found around the house or at your local thrift store.

Here are some frighteningly fun costumes that simply scream "Happy Halloween!" Although none of them require sewing or heavy lifting, little witches and warlocks may need adult supervision.

FAIRY

You'll need:

— A prom dress with a full, poofy skirt (look for formal dresses with lots of layers of tulle and netting)

— Artificial flowers, feathers, beads, ribbon, etc.

— Fairy wings

This sweet, simple costume is perfect for full-size fairies and petite pixies alike.

Using large, sharp scissors, cut through all layers of the dress at or just below knee level. Now use your scissors to create a zigzag edge along the bottom of the dress. For best results, cut one layer at a time. (For a more modest look, keep the bottom hem past the knee. Flirty fairies can go shorter.)

Attach artificial flowers and other embellishments to the top layer of fabric with needle-and-thread or glue.

You can purchase wings or make your own using wire hangers and pantyhose.

Visit ThreadBanger.com for an easy-to-follow video tutorial.

PIRATE

Men, you'll need:

— Loose button-up shirt, preferably white

— Black or brown trousers

— Belt

— Bandanna

— Eye patch

Women, you'll need:

— Loose, ruffled blouse, preferably white