Indy Mogul, a site by and for amateur movie makers, produces Backyard FX. A new episode goes live on the site every Monday, and there's a Weekend Extra episode every Friday. Indy Mogul firmly believes that cool-looking effects can be had in amateur movies for a minimal outlay of cash, whether you need to tear off limbs, stage a fight, cook up your own sugar glass, or get a gunshot squib effect on a budget. The episodes show the creation off the effects and a short test-run. The Indy Mogul blog gives more detailed instructions and shopping lists. Some of it could also be useful for costuming and decorating for Halloween.

For some DIY fashion and costuming, Threadbanger may have what you're looking for. Perhaps a pirate costume for under $10 is what you need. Or maybe you're feeling a distinct lack of fairy wings. This small collection of spooky DIY effects might also spark your creativity.