How to Make Ghost Decorations: Easy DIY Standing, Hanging & Glowing Ghosts

Want to add some spooky charm to your Halloween setup without spending a fortune?

Learning how to make ghost decorations is one of the easiest and most fun DIY projects. Ghosts are classic, versatile, and can work both indoors and outdoors.

With just a few basic supplies like old sheets, balloons, string, or even tomato cages, you can make everything from standing ghosts to floating spirits that glow at night.

This guide covers step-by-step ideas for making ghost decorations that are affordable, creative, and fun for both kids and adults.

Basic Ghost Decoration Materials

Before you start building, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. Luckily, most are cheap or already lying around your home.

• White fabric or sheets: Old bed sheets, tablecloths, or even pillowcases work great.
• Balloons or balls: To create the ghost’s head.
• String or fishing line: For hanging or shaping the body.
• Wire, sticks, or tomato cages: To give ghosts a standing frame.
• Cheesecloth: Perfect for lightweight, drapey ghosts.
• LED lights: A Safe way to make ghosts glow at night.
• Black felt or markers: For simple eyes and mouths.

With these basic items, you can try multiple DIY ghost craft ideas—from small indoor ghosts to life-size yard props.

DIY Standing Ghost

One of the most popular projects is the DIY standing ghost. This life-size prop works perfectly in your yard or entryway.

How to Make It:

1. Start with a tomato cage or pole as the ghost’s body.
2. Place a ball or balloon on top for the head.
3. Drape a white sheet or cheesecloth over the frame.
4. Add black felt eyes with glue or safety pins.
5. Optional: Put a string of LED lights inside for a glowing effect.

Standing ghosts are easy to move and you can group them together for a ghost family look. It’s a fun way to make a life-size Halloween ghost without spending much.

Hanging & Floating Ghosts

If you want your decorations to look like they’re flying, try making hanging Halloween ghosts.

Steps for Floating Ghosts:

1. Blow up a balloon or use a foam ball for the head.
2. Drape with cheesecloth or a light sheet.
3. Attach the fishing line to the top so it looks invisible when hung.
4. Hang from ceilings, trees, or porches.

To add a creepy vibe, for a creepier effect, hang several floating ghosts at different heights. When the wind blows, they move naturally and look almost alive.

Outdoor Lighted Ghost Decorations

For bigger outdoor displays, nothing beats glowing yard ghosts. These are perfect for front yards, porches, or driveways.

How to Make an Outdoor Lighted Ghost:

1. Place a tomato cage or garden stake in the ground.
2. Wrap it with white fabric or a plastic tablecloth.
3. Add a foam ball or balloon head.
4. Put a string of LED lights inside or wrap around the base.
5. Finish with eyes and mouth using black felt.

At night, your ghost will glow and make your yard stand out. You can also tie several ghosts’ hands together to create a ghost circle.

Cheesecloth & Fabric Ghosts

If you want lightweight, flowing ghosts, cheesecloth ghost decorations are a must-try.

Steps for Cheesecloth Ghosts:

1. Inflate a balloon and place it on a cup or bottle for support.
2. Drape a dampened cheesecloth over the balloon.
3. Let it dry overnight so it stiffens in place.
4. Remove the balloon to leave a ghost shape.
5. Add googly eyes or black felt features.

These are great as a DIY ghost. These make great ghost props for shelves, mantels, or tables. The see-through fabric gives them an extra spooky look.ost decorations, diy ghost props.

Ghost Crafts for Kids

Looking for family-friendly projects? Ghosts are one of the easiest crafts for children.

Kid-Friendly Ghost Crafts:

• Tissue paper ghosts: Wrap tissue around a small ball, tie with a string, and draw eyes.
• Cup ghosts: Flip white plastic cups upside down, draw a face, and add tissue “skirts.”
• Handprint ghosts: Trace kids’ hands on white paper, cut out, and decorate as ghosts.

These simple crafts are fun for kids and also work as affordable Halloween decorations.

Budget-Friendly & Eco-Friendly Ghost Decor

If you’re decorating on a budget, you don’t need to buy new supplies. Ghosts are some of the most affordable Halloween props.

• Use old sheets or pillowcases instead of buying fabric.
• Repurpose plastic bags or white scrap fabric for ghost bodies.
• Print and cut paper ghosts to tape on walls.
• Make ghosts with recycled jars and LED candles for a glowing lantern look.

These ideas help you make easy and affordable ghost decorations while also being eco-friendly.

Conclusion

Ghosts are some of the easiest and most creative Halloween decorations you can make at home. With just sheets, balloons, or some cheesecloth, you can make standing ghosts, floating ghosts, and glowing yard spirits.

Making ghost decorations is fun for adults, simple for kids, and easy on your budget. Try one of these projects this Halloween and turn your home into a spooky, fun space.

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