Cheap Dollar Store Supplies Make an AWESOME Halloween Prop

Can you build a convincing Halloween prop for under $20 using mostly Dollar Store supplies? In this DIY Halloween project, I’m challenging myself to build a vintage-inspired MAD SCIENTIST LAB PROP using plastic wine glasses, battery-powered lights, cheap containers, pill bottle caps, and a handful of scraps from around the shop. The goal was to take inexpensive, everyday items and transform them into something that looks like it belongs in an old-school mad scientist laboratory—and in the end, the entire prop cost me just $16! In this video, I’ll show you how I turned Dollar Store finds into a Frankenstein-style electrical antenna, added a flashing strobe effect, created faux wood and aged metal finishes, made a weathered copper patina, turned pill bottle caps into control knobs, added a vintage gauge, and used inexpensive string lights to illuminate a pair of beakers. It’s a great example of how paint, weathering, lighting, and a little creative thinking can turn cheap materials into convincing Halloween props without spending a fortune. Whether you’re building a mad scientist laboratory, Frankenstein display, haunted house, home haunt, or just looking for inexpensive DIY Halloween prop ideas, hopefully this project gives you a few techniques you can use in your own builds. If you enjoy Halloween prop making, DIY haunt projects, foam fabrication, painting and weathering techniques, and turning ordinary objects into something completely different, be sure to subscribe for more builds. WAYS TO SUPPORT MY CHANNEL --------------------------------------------------------- Patreon - Patreon: vanoaksprops Official Merch & 3D Models - https://shop.vanoaksprops.com Affiliate Links - https://vanoaksprops.com/affiliate-links MATERIALS: (please note: Sellers may change the products sold via these links without notice) ---------------------- 10 plastic wine glasses - https://www.dollartree.com/caterers-c... 2 Round Magnetic Tins Battery Powered Strobe light - https://www.dollartree.com/product/33... Toy ball String lights - https://www.dollartree.com/christmas-... 2 Beakers - https://www.dollartree.com/product/33... CA glue - https://link.amazon/B06zd2jK7 Hot glue gun - https://link.amazon/B04LgwdyD Hot glue sticks - https://link.amazon/B07bPxyBO PAINT(S): ---------------------- Copper spray paint - https://link.amazon/B023vKqc5 Bone spray paint - https://link.amazon/B06B6ddzQ Black spray paint - https://link.amazon/B030If5ur Matte clear spray paint - https://link.amazon/B07iProSK Burnt umber acrylic paint - https://link.amazon/B02WmnTHO Matte mod podge ultra matte - https://link.amazon/B08v8ncMA Graphite acrylic paint - https://link.amazon/B08Y2uzL7 White acrylic paint - https://link.amazon/B07LiCwKQ Patina acrylic paint - https://link.amazon/B0hBllP9n INSTAGRAM: @vanoaksprops DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you purchase a product or service via the links provided above. There is no additional charge to you; it helps support this channel! #VanOaksProps #HalloweenProps #DIYHalloween #MadScientist #HalloweenDIY, #PropMaking, #DollarStoreDIY, #HalloweenDecor, #HauntedHouse, #DIYProps, #Halloween2026, #HomeHaunt, #MadScientistLab and #DollarStoreHalloween