Spooky Cute Cheesecloth Ghosts

Looking for a fun, simple, and spooky DIY project to elevate your Halloween decor? 👻 These cheesecloth ghosts are the perfect addition to your haunted setup! They’re incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and bring just the right amount of eerie charm to your space.

Whether you want them to hang in doorways or sit on tables, these little ghosts are customizable and reusable. Here’s how to make your own using just a few basic supplies.

Materials You'll Need:

• Cheesecloth

• Mod Podge or fabric stiffener

• Balloons or Styrofoam balls (for the head mold)

• Wire, cups, or bottles (to create arm shapes and keep the ghost elevated)

• Black felt or construction paper (for the eyes, optional)

• Scissors

  
  

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Mold

Decide on what you’ll use as the mold for the ghost’s head:

• Balloons: Blow up a small balloon to the desired size.

• Styrofoam balls: Use a lightweight Styrofoam ball for a more stable base.

Place the balloon or Styrofoam ball on top of a stand, such as a cup or bottle, to lift it off the

surface. This helps you shape your ghost without it sticking to anything. I used 3 styrofoams balls and 3 glasses of various sizes to give my ghosts different heights. Next, I used seran wrap to hold everything in place and also make clean up easier.

Step 2: Create the Ghost’s Arms (Optional)

If you want your ghost to have arms:

• Bend wire into arm shapes and attach them to your stand.

• Or, use a stick, plastic cups or smaller bottles to create shoulder shapes for your ghost.

  This step is optional, but it gives your ghost some fun personality! I used an empty box and two kabob sticks to hold up the arms up for one of my ghosts.

Step 3: Cut and Drape the Cheesecloth

Cut your cheesecloth into several squares or strips. It doesn’t have to be perfect — the more uneven, the better for that spooky effect! Drape the cheesecloth over your mold, making sure it flows in a ghostly way. If you’re making arms, adjust the cheesecloth to hang over them naturally. I cut my cheesecloth first to ensure I had the right lengths and desired layers. I was able to get three layers for all three ghosts out of the one cheesecloth I used.

Step 4: Mix Mod Podge Solution

In a bowl, dilute Mod Podge with water at a 1:1 ratio. This will make the mixture easier to work with and give the cheesecloth a soft, flowy look when dry. I started with about 2 Tbs of Mod Podge and 2 Tbs of water, that was more than enough to complete the project.

Step 5: Soak the Cheesecloth

Soak each piece of cheesecloth in the Mod Podge solution, ensuring it’s fully saturated. Wring out the excess liquid gently so the cloth is damp but not dripping. This makes it easier to drape without making a mess.

Step 6: Drape the Cheesecloth Over the Mold

Carefully drape the damp cheesecloth over your mold, adjusting it to create the flowing, ghostly shape you want. If you’re making arms, make sure the cloth drapes naturally over them for a spooky silhouette. Use multiple layers for more texture and fullness.

Step 7: Let It Dry Completely

Leave your ghost to dry overnight or until it’s completely hard. Be sure it’s in a place where it won’t be disturbed. Once the cheesecloth is fully dry, it will be stiff and hold its shape. Gently lift the ghost off the mold — if it sticks, wiggle it loose carefully. You can try to use a hairdryer to speed this process up, however I found that you need to wait until the glue has started to set, otherwise the air blows around the cloth around and you'll lose your desired shape. After several hours, I used a hairdryer to finish up drying the bottom edges.

Step 8: Add Eyes or Extra Details (Optional)

For a playful touch, cut eyes and a mouth from black felt or construction paper and glue them onto your ghost. Or leave it plain for a minimalist, spooky vibe. I opted to add just eyes to mine, I think it gives them a cute, but not too spooky vibe.

Step 9: Display Your Ghosts

Hang your ghost from the ceiling using fishing wire for a floating effect, or place it on a shelf or table. For an extra eerie touch, put a battery-operated tea light underneath to make it glow at night.

Pro Tips:

Make a ghost family: Use different balloon or Styrofoam ball sizes to create ghosts of all shapes and sizes.

Add sparkle: Mix in a little glitter with your Mod Podge for a ghost with a subtle shimmer.

These DIY cheesecloth ghosts are an easy and fun way to bring some spooky magic to your Halloween decor. They’re whimsical, eerie, and add that perfect haunted-house touch. Plus, they’re so simple that it's a great beginners project and something easy to do with kids!

I’d love to hear your thoughts and see how yours turn out! Don’t forget to follow along and subscribe for more DIY projects, seasonal decor ideas, and creative inspiration all year long!

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