These boo-tiful cheesecloth ghosts are such a fun and easy Halloween craft that doubles as adorable DIY home decor! They may look impressive, but they’re surprisingly simple to make with just cheesecloth and glue. Add a flameless tea light underneath for a ghostly glow, then display them on an entryway table, mantel, bookshelf, or as a creepy-cute Halloween party decoration.
Once the glue dries, the cheesecloth becomes stiff enough for the ghosts to stand on their own, giving them that wispy, floating look. Add a silly or ghoulish face with black felt to give each ghost its own personality! Make a whole bunch and display them together for an extra ghostly Halloween scene.
Craft Supplies Needed
- small glass jar with a small opening
- styrofoam ball (or any small round object)
- plastic wrap
- cheesecloth
- Elmer’s glue
- water
- black felt
- flameless tea light (optional)
Step 1Create the ghost form by placing a small round object on top of a small-mouth jar. Cover the entire form with plastic wrap to keep the glue from sticking and make the finished ghost easy to remove. 
Step 2Cut three pieces of cheesecloth large enough to drape over the jar and reach the surface below with plenty of extra material for your ghost to stand on. Before cutting, drape the cheesecloth over your form to make sure you have the right length.
Step 3Pour about 1/3 cup of glue into a bowl, then mix in a small amount of water—just enough to thin the glue and make it easier to work with. A general rule is about 2 parts glue to 1 part water. You want the glue mixture thin enough to soak into the cheesecloth but still thick enough to dry stiff.
Step 4Dip the cheesecloth about halfway into the glue mixture—you don’t need to submerge the whole piece, or you may end up with too much glue. Pull it out and gently scrunch the cheesecloth together to work the glue mixture throughout the fabric. Squeeze out any excess so the cheesecloth is completely saturated but not dripping.
Step 5Unfold the cheesecloth and drape the center over the Styrofoam ball. Arrange the fabric until you’re happy with the shape, spreading the bottom edges flat so the ghost can stand once dry. Repeat with the other two pieces, draping them in different directions around the form.
Step 5Let your ghost dry overnight, or until the cheesecloth is completely stiff (6-10 hours). Carefully lift it off the form, then glue on a few pieces of black felt to create a spooky little face. Your ghost is done! For an extra fun effect, place a flameless tea light underneath and watch it glow.
These awesome DIY ghosts make cheap and easy homemade Halloween decorations you can display just about anywhere in the house!
Set them on a mantel, entryway table, bookshelf, or use a few as a spooky Halloween table centerpiece. Make several in different sizes and you can create an entire little ghost family to haunt your house for Halloween!
Helpful Tips
- Want to give your ghost outstretched arms? Simply wrap a pipe cleaner around the neck of the jar and bend the ends outward before draping on the cheesecloth.
- Just about any small, round object will work for your ghost’s head! Try a small ball, a balloon blown up to size, or even a piece of aluminum foil crumpled into a ball.
- I recommend layering several pieces of cheesecloth for the best look with a tea light, or use just 1–2 layers for a more transparent ghost.
If you like this easy ghost craft for Halloween, check out this Paper Cup Flying Ghost Craft
