DIY Ghosts … Three Ways
Since having kids, I really enjoy going all out on the holidays. From decorating to cooking, I try to get into the spirit. Not only is it fun for the little ones, but it’s also fun for me. Normally I would go out and buy decorations but this year I decided to challenge myself to bring out my crafty side. I know—what did I get myself into? To my surprise, it was actually easy…and fun. You just have to get a little creative!
To get my inspiration, I went to my three-year-old for advice. We decided to make little friendly ghosts! Like Casper but if I can be honest … even cuter. Here are 3 different DIY projects to get you in the spooky spirit:
Ghost #1: Fabric Ghost Yard Decorations:
Materials:
- 8 and 10-inch paper lanterns, one per ghost
- 60 inch white fabric, 1.5 yard per ghost
- Several sheets of black felt
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- White cord
- Scissors
Steps:
- Assemble the paper lanterns
- Tie generous amount of cord to each
- Cut in black felt 3 ovals. 2 eyes and 1 mouth per ghost
- Cut white fabric, easiest done while folded into 1.5 yard pieces
- Fold each piece of white fabric in half and trim lower edge to create a curve upward from corner to edge
- At top folded corner, cut a small piece off to create an opening at top fold so when you unfold there is an opening
- Drape over paper lantern and feed cord through opening at fold
- Position and hot glue eyes and mouth and you are done!
Ghost #2: Paper Ghost Garlands:
Materials:
- Several sheets of plain white letter sized paper
- Pattern
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Tape
- Black sharpie
Steps:
- Fold each sheet in half the long direction (hot dog) and then in half again
- Trace each of the ghost patterns onto folded paper
- Cut out pattern leaving the folded edges in tact
- Repeat to create desired length of garland
- With sharpie, add faces (kids can help with that!)
- Tape each segment together and hang
Ghost #3: Window & Front Porch Ghosts:
Materials:
- White ¼ inch foam board (available at any art/craft supply store)
- Big sheet of paper size of foam board (optional)
- Exacto knife
- 300 grit sand paper, small sheet
- Pencil
- Sharpie or black acrylic paint
Steps:
- On large sheet of paper, have child draw a basic ghost shape. You can demonstrate or look at pictures first.
- Cut out and trace onto white foam board (alternatively, just draw directly on the foam board)
- Using exacto knife, carefully cut out the shape
- With sand paper, clean up the edges
- With sharpie, draw face and fill in with sharpie or acrylic paint (I used paint!)
- Attach to window looking outward
- To make free standing, cut triangle shaped piece and hot glue to back to provide support
