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Easy DIY Cheesecloth Ghosts

Easy DIY cheesecloth ghosts are a fun Halloween craft the whole family can do. Keep it simple or dress it up; make it just for you!
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Total Time1 day 35 minutes
Keyword: Crafts
Yield: 1 ghost

Equipment

  • 1 Pair of scissors
  • 1 Hot glue gun with glue
  • 1 Measuring cup
  • 1 Microwave safe mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Vase or Cup with a Ball or Balloon for stand
  • 1 Piece of wax paper or parchment to act as a drop mat

Materials

  • 1 piece Cheesecloth 36 inches x 36 inches
  • 2 pieces Black felt each 2 inch x 1 1/4 inch
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 cup Cornstarch
  • Any additional decorations to make your cheesecloth ghost craft uniquely yours.

Instructions

Building the Cheesecloth Ghost

  • Cut your cheesecloth into a 36 inch by 36 inch square for a larger ghost. You will need a vase that is anywhere from 10 - 12 inches tall with a balloon or ball to act as the head. You can also cut the cheesecloth into a 22 inch by 22 inch square for a smaller ghost; using a 4 inch vase with a balloon or ball. 1 piece Cheesecloth
    1 piece Cheesecloth
  • Mix together 2 cups water with 1 cup cornstarch in a microwave safe mixing bowl until combined. Put the mixture in the microwave 30 seconds at a time. Mixing every time until the mixture turns into a thick paste. It usually takes about 2 minutes. * 2 cups Water 1 cup Cornstarch
    2 cups Water, 1 cup Cornstarch
  • Let the paste cool down a bit so you can touch it but don't let it cool completely otherwise it will be too stiff and you won't be able to work with it.
  • Stack your vase and ball to create a stand.
  • Drench the cheesecloth into the paste. You don't need a thick layer; use enough of the paste to cover the cheesecloth. Use wax paper or parchment they will act as a drop mat keeping your area clean.
  • Drape the cheesecloth over the vase/ball stand you created. Pull the wrinkles out from the cheesecloth. Make sure the cheesecloth can touch the flat surface you are working on all around; this will help to keep the cheesecloth ghost stable and allow it to stand on its own.
  • Let the cheesecloth dry out overnight.

Time to Decorate

  • Remove the ghost from the stand. It should be very stiff and able to stand on its own.
  • Cut out the eyes for the ghost from the black felt. Hot glue the eyes on to the cheesecloth ghost. You can stop here and still have a very cute ghost or you can keep decorating. 2 pieces Black felt
    2 pieces Black felt
  • We kept decorating for fun by adding dried roses, ribbon and sparkles. Get creative! Use bows, felt flowers, beads, glitter, give it a hat, anything you want! Any additional decorations to make your cheesecloth ghost craft uniquely yours.
    Any additional decorations to make your cheesecloth ghost craft uniquely yours.
  • Place it in your home and admire! Great work!

Video

Notes

*Tip: Do not wait too long before putting the cornstarch and water mixture into the microwave. For some reason it won't thicken up and adding more cornstarch doesn't seem to do the trick; at least in my experience. Once you have mixed together the water and cornstarch immediately start heating in the microwave.