Halloween 2022: Mumbaikars share easy DIY tips to host a fun party, ace your costume

The Covid-19 pandemic brought out the creative side in Aaron Valladares because he not only had time on his hands but also wanted to do something fun at home. Taking inspiration from social media he hopped on the Halloween bandwagon very easily. In fact, the creative interest, he says, may have come from his mother. "My mum dusted off her old 1940s sewing machine and made quilts, pot holders, aprons, and the works," shares the Bandra resident. Now, he is in the process of making his second costume-prop in a row.

For Mumbaikars, Diwali may be over but there's more to celebrate this weekend as Halloween approaches. While it may be a foreign tradition, many city dwellers have taken to it for many years. They not only celebrate at restaurants, which host parties for the day, but also host their own parties in the comfort of their homes with their family and friends. Since Halloween comes on a Monday this time, it is only obvious that parties will take place this weekend and Valladares is one such enthusiast who is busy making a fairy tale-inspired prop as we speak.

Getting Halloween ready with costumes
He explains, "This year, I haven't been able to find the time to go all out on a costume. The other night, I came across the movie ‘Snow White and The Huntsman' starring Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth, and really liked the axe he wielded. So, I decided to make something simple - a woodsman's axe." Valladares is busy working on coming up with some story to go along with the axe as his prop. "Maybe a haunted axe that traps my victims' spirits or just keep it simple, a woodcutter just out to have a good time," he chuckles.

Over the years, the 28-year-old senior consultant has seen quite a change in the kind of props people use at their parties or for their costumes. They have gone back to the originals by using staples such as pitch forks, spears, axes, cat ears and devil horns, along with costumes that are inspired by zombies, witches and clowns too.

So, last year, when Valladares was at his creative best and had more time on his hands, he decided to make cowboy's costume. He explains, "Last year, I had an old brown vest I found in my cupboard and a black cowboy hat I bought in Goa. All I needed was a sheriff's badge with a checked shirt and jeans to get my outfit sorted." The Mumbaikar made the badge out of cardboard that he found from an old package and referred to the internet for a couple of designs, and he was good to go.

It is also the reason why he advises people who are looking to do it this year to start simple. "When making props, I always look around for materials that I have at home instead of going out to buy stuff."

While Analisa Noronha is busy making her pumpkin head for this year, Aaron Valladares is busy making a woodman's axe for this year, last year, he dressed as a cowboy (in picture). Photo Courtesy: Analisa Noronha/Aaron Valladares

Host a perfect party with themed décor
It is no different for Analisa Noronha, another city-based Halloween enthusiast, who is busy making a familiar prop that many people would associate with the spooky festival. "I usually go as Catwoman because that's my favourite. However, this year for a change, I decided to go as a pumpkin head, so I'm making a prop for that," shares Noronha, who has been making her own props since she was a child.

Like Valladares, Noronha feels the buzz around Halloween though existence is still in its nascent stage. "It is a niche market because it's not too widely celebrated here. I think a wide social media presence is needed, but otherwise you will find people like me searching far and wide for people who sell good quality Halloween stuff." In fact, the 28-year-old Vasaikar also makes innovative props for the festival by using different materials.

For those who love Halloween and simply want to decorate their house because they are hosting a party, Noronha has some ideas to share. "Making silhouettes is the best because they are easy and quick. One can make skeletons, cats and bats -- all from black cardboard and hang it up across the wall. People can also unravel white old socks and turn them into spiderwebs in corners or across your front door."

Tips to make your own costumes at home

Find prop material at home
First look around your house and see what you can repurpose or identify a budget if you want to buy something.

Adapt and tweak design
If the shop doesn't have the articles, one needs to be quick on their feet to adapt and tweak their design accordingly.

Dedicate time to make the props
Making the props is time-consuming and can often become difficult amid one's busy schedule. So, choose the prop accordingly and dedicate time to make it little by little.

Home décor
If you want to make easy decorations, use cardboard, newspaper, foam sheets, a glue gun and lots of paint to create different themed shapes. If you want to keep your decor for use every year, then use felt cloth or crocheted Halloween decorations.

Also Read: Halloween 2022: Why be scared of pumpkins when you can dish them out in style?