How to Make a Pumpkin Head Ghost

Spooky pumpkin head ghost

Decorating for Halloween is a tradition in many homes. Spooky ghosts, jack-o-lanterns and plastic tombstones haunt plenty of yards during Halloween. Store bought decorations are fine if you don’t mind looking like everyone else on the block. Show off your creative “spirit” by making one-of-a-kind Halloween decorations, like this spooky pumpkin head ghost. A pumpkin head ghost is not only easy to make, but can use recycled materials. The pumpkin head ghost pictured here was recycled from last year's trick or treat bucket and parts of a mummy costume. This ghost also packs away neatly inside his own head at the end of the season.

Things You'll Need

• Halloween pumpkin bucket
• Wire pants hanger
• 3 yards cheesecloth, or 3 yards white tulle, or white trash bags
• Fishing line
• Pliers

Instructions

1. 

   Remove the handle from the pumpkin bucket and discard. Remove and discard the cardboard tube from the wire pants hanger. Use pliers to straighten out the ends of the hanger.

2. 

   Insert the hanger inside the pumpkin bucket. Poke the ends of the wire through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pumpkin bucket. If your bucket doesn't have drainage holes, make some by carefully poking holes in the plastic with a sharp pair of scissors.

3. Cut two narrow strips (about 3 inches) from the cheesecloth. It doesn't have to be very neat--your pumpkin head ghost will look best if slightly tattered. Take the remaining fabric and fold in half. It will look better if the edges of the fabric do not line up.

4. 

   Starting near the center of the fold, poke one end of the hanger through the fabric. Weave the hanger back and forth through the fabric at roughly one inch intervals. Use the pliers to bend the wire back into a hook to prevent the fabric from coming off the wire. Repeat for the other side of the hanger.

5. 

   Tie the strips of fabric to the wire, creating long loops of spooky tatters.

6. 

   Tie a loop of fishing line to the hanger's hook inside the pumpkin bucket. Use the fishing line to hang the Pumpkin Head Ghost in a tree, on your porch, or some other scary place.

7. Light up your pumpkin head ghost at night by inserting a glow stick or battery-operated candle in the head.

Tips & Warnings

• Any kind of lightweight fabric can be used for this project.

• Black fabric could be use to make a spooky pumpkin head ghoul.

• Shred the ends of the fabric for a more tattered look.