How to Make Cheesecloth Ghosts
Halloween highlights witches, goblins, monsters and especially ghosts. While many people now purchase ready-made plastic decorations, there is something very satisfying about creating your own eerie, transparent ghosts that can sit on bookcases or hang from a light fixture. These cheesecloth ghosts are simple to make as a family fall project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- White school glue
- 1 (16-oz.) disposable plastic cup per ghost
- Balloons
- Newspaper
- Wax paper
- Black felt
- Scissors
- Cheesecloth
- Measuring tape
- Plastic spoon
Instructions
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1
Inflate a balloon of the desired shape to the size you want the ghost to be, and tie a knot in the balloon. Place the balloon knot-side down into a plastic cup.
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2
Spread newspaper out over the work table and place a large sheet of waxed paper under each plastic cup that is holding a balloon.
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3
Use a tape measure to measure from the table to the top of the balloon and back to the table. Make a note of this measurement.
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4
Unfold the cheesecloth. Use the measurement to fold one end over onto the longer part of the cheesecloth. Cut a square of this double thickness; each side of the square should be as long as the measurement you noted in Step 3. Cut another like square so you have two double thickness squares.
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5
Pour 1/2 cup school glue into an empty plastic cup and add 1/2 cup water. Mix with a plastic spoon. Take one double-thickness square and immerse it in the diluted glue. Wring it out, stretch it back to its original shape, and drape it over the balloon. Repeat with the second square of cheesecloth, but drape it over the balloon in such a manner that its corners drape between those of the first square.
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6
Smooth out any wrinkles on the balloon with your fingers, then allow the cheesecloth to dry.
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7
When the cheesecloth is dry, pop and remove the balloon. Cut out small oval eyes and a mouth from the black felt. Use full-strength glue to adhere eyes and mouth to the ghost.
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Tips & Warnings
You can make several ghosts of various sizes and arrange them across a mantle. Then place a string of white Christmas lights under them for a spooky effect.
You can tie a thread to the top of a ghost to suspend it from the ceiling.
Young children should have close supervision when making these decorations.
