Halloween 'Lightning' Effects.

Looking to spice up our Halloween decorations on our porch with a bit of lightning.

I've been looking around the internet for a schematic to no avail, and my electronics knowledge is pretty limited. (I am working on another project, but just following the schematic and parts list to assemble it, but that is completely unrelated.)

I'm thinking perhaps ultra bright LEDs in reflective cones that could flash in a semi random 'lightning' effect, that would all be pointed in different directions or located at random spots. I don't have many limitations on size or power supply, AC preferred.

Could anyone help point me in the right direction?

The attached cct will give you a couple of 'lightning' flashes every so often. There is the problem that it's not random, and just keeps repeating the same pattern. VCC can be up to 15V if you use the 4060, just adjust the resistor to the LED(s) to set the current.

This is a bit out there, but if your porch has a roof you could use a small amount of LEDs and have them reflect in a ton of small mirors.

I once add an SCR to some disposable camera flash boards, so the fire automatically. Had three going at the same time, neighbors thought it was lightning. They don't charge at the same rate, so the flashes aren't synchronized. Pretty good effect, and very cheap, I got the used cameras for free, just for asking at a photo lab.