One of the most common choices for a Halloween costume is dressing up as a ghost and claiming you are a spirit that has come back from the dead. There also isn’t a better time than the 31st of October to gather around and share ghostly, spooky stories. Ghost decorations can make any house or any space look creepy and eerie. There is no doubt that diving into the Halloween spirit is as simple as getting your tools out and making some ghost decorations.
In this oneHOWTO article we share several ideas on how to make ghost Halloween decorations.
Floating ghosts
Ghosts tend to scare out people because they appear as floating images that move rapidly leaving no trace behind. One way to replicate this haunting feature is by making floating ghosts at home. These decorations are not only fun to make but also add an element of mystery to any space.
For an easy DIY you will need:
- White balloons
- White thread (fine and thick)
- White cloths, bed sheets or white fabric
- Black marker
- Scissors and glue
- White face masks (optional)
First, inflate the balloons as these will serve as the ghost's head. With the securing knot on top, drape the white cloth, bed sheet, or white fabric over the balloon so it is completely covered. Make a small incision in the cloth to reveal the knot.
At the bottom of the balloon, wrap the thick thread around to secure it tightly. Alternatively, let the fabric flow freely down the body for a more ethereal look.
Next, use the black marker to draw eerie dark circles for eyes on the ghost's face. You can either paint them directly on the cloth or on a face mask.
The final step is to use the thin white thread to hang the ghost decoration from the ceiling or an elevated surface, allowing it to float eerily in the air.
To enhance the effect, consider using a small fan to create a gentle breeze, causing the ghost to sway slightly, adding to its haunting presence.
Garden bush ghost
In order to make garden bush ghosts we are going to be using many of the same materials that were used to make the floating ghosts. If you have a front lawn, you may want to add some decorative elements that will no doubt make children revel in excitement during “trick or treat”. Incorporating spooky garden ghosts can be a fun and interactive way to engage with neighborhood kids.
You will only be needing the white fabric and black marker for this DIY. The key is to find a plant or bush that is fairly thin and has branched out. You may want to place a balloon as the head but the fabric falling down the branches will substantially help to mimic the appearance of a ghost. Just make sure you have painted a face on the fabric.
To take it a step further, consider adding glow-in-the-dark paint to the eyes or around the edges of the fabric. This will ensure that your garden ghost is visible even during the darker hours, making for an even spookier atmosphere.
Ghost table decorations
You may be planning to host a Halloween dinner and thus you may be interested in learning how to make this easy pumpkin centerpiece that looks like a ghost to surprise your guests. Creating such themed decorations can elevate the festive atmosphere of your gathering.
You will need:
- A small to medium-sized pumpkin
- White and black paint
- Carving tools and paintbrushes
- A candle
We all know that carving pumpkins is a favorite Halloween activity. For this decoration you can decide to carve the pumpkin or just use paint. We recommend that you do both for a more dynamic effect.
Once you have your pumpkin, carve out the inside. Instead of the traditional eyes, nose, and mouth, focus on carving an expressive mouth. Then, use white paint to cover the entire pumpkin, transforming it into a ghostly figure. Use black paint to add two ominous circles for eyes.
The last step is to place a lighted candle inside the pumpkin. Since you carved a mouth, the light will shine through, making your ghost a truly haunting dinner guest. For added atmosphere, consider using a scented candle with autumn fragrances like pumpkin spice or cinnamon to enhance the sensory experience.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Make Ghost Halloween Decorations, we recommend you visit our Festivities & Celebrations category.
- Halloween Safety: Tips for Selecting Costumes and Décor (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)