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For a simple DIY ghost, drape cheesecloth over a form, stiffen it with diluted school glue or liquid starch, and let it dry before adding a face. The ideas below adapt that basic method into different sizes and displays, alongside a simple paper ghost; they are suggestions, not 22 separately tested projects.
Choose a form and display style before you start: a balloon or household container can shape a small ghost, while layered cloth over a larger form makes a more dramatic figure. Cheesecloth projects need drying time, so they are not same-hour decorations.
Choose a ghost idea at a glance
| Idea | Main material or form | Display | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-paper ghost | White paper and black marker | Wall, window, or shelf | Cut and draw |
| Balloon-form cheesecloth ghost | Balloon and cheesecloth | Tabletop | Shape, stiffen, dry |
| Jar-form cheesecloth ghost | Jar and cheesecloth | Tabletop | Shape, stiffen, dry |
| Mannequin-head cheesecloth ghost | Mannequin head and cheesecloth | Tabletop or hanging | Layer, stiffen, dry |
| Large-form cheesecloth ghost | Stacked bowls or another broad form | Tabletop | Shape, stiffen, dry |
| Hanging cheesecloth ghost | Cheesecloth and hanging hardware | Suspended display | Shape, stiffen, dry |
Cheesecloth ghost ideas
These are variations on sourced cheesecloth techniques, not claims that each variation has its own verified tutorial. The cited tutorials use different forms and stiffening methods. Follow the instructions for the materials you choose; glue ratios and drying times are not universal.
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1. Classic balloon ghost
Use a balloon as the head form and drape cheesecloth over it. Elmer’s tutorial describes saturating cloth with its school-glue mixture, letting it dry overnight, removing the balloon, then adding black felt features [c002].
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2. Balloon-and-jar ghost
Set a balloon on a jar to help keep the form steady while you drape the cloth. Kids Crafts by Three Sisters describes this setup; adapt the scale and cloth layers to the display you want [c004].
3. Mason-jar form
Use a jar as the shaping support for a smaller ghost. Thrifty Decor Chick includes Mason jars among possible forms; its glue-and-water directions are that author’s method, not a general recipe [c003].
4. Mannequin-head ghost
Layer cheesecloth over a mannequin head for a recognizable head shape. Martha Stewart’s tutorial uses mannequin heads and watered-down glue [c001].
5. Bowl-shaped ghost
Try stacked bowls as a broader form for a rounded silhouette. Thrifty Decor Chick describes larger household shapes such as stacked bowls as options [c003].
6. Styrofoam-ball ghost
Use a Styrofoam ball as a compact head form, then drape cheesecloth around it. This is one of the form options mentioned by Thrifty Decor Chick [c003].
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7. Tall, narrow ghost
Choose a narrow household form and arrange the cloth to fall in longer folds. Let the cloth dry fully before removing the form or adding a face.
8. Wide, flowing ghost
Choose a broad form and use more cloth to create a wider outline. This is a shape variation on draping cloth over household forms, not a separately tested pattern.
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9. Layered-cloth ghost
Layer cheesecloth over the form for a denser look, as in Martha Stewart’s layered-cloth method [c001]. Arrange the layers before the stiffening medium dries.
10. Sparse, airy ghost
Use fewer cloth layers and leave more space between folds for a lighter-looking silhouette. Keep the cloth supported until it has dried.
11. Long-hem ghost
Let extra cloth fall below the head form to create a longer outline. Arrange the hem while the cloth is still workable, then leave it undisturbed to dry.
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12. Uneven-hem ghost
Arrange the lower edge at different lengths for a less regular outline. Do this before drying; avoid pulling the cloth once it has stiffened.
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Add eyes or a simple expression from black felt after the cloth has dried. Elmer’s and Martha Stewart’s tutorials both include black felt among their materials [c001][c002].
14. Paper-face ghost
Cut facial features from black paper and attach them after the cloth dries. Paper faces are another documented option for cheesecloth ghosts [c003].
15. Minimal-face ghost
Use just two small eyes for a restrained expression. This is a face-design variation; the tutorials support using felt or paper, not a particular expression.
16. Expressive-face ghost
Make the features larger or change their spacing to give the ghost a different expression. Cut the pieces from felt or paper and position them before attaching.
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17. Tabletop spirit
Shape the ghost over a form that can sit securely on a shelf or table. Check that the finished piece is stable before displaying it.
18. Hanging spirit
Make a hanging variation only if the dried ghost and its attachment can be supported safely. Martha Stewart describes attaching a screw eye with glue and threading monofilament through it [c001].
19. Small ghost group
Repeat a small-form method with different household forms or cloth arrangements, then display the figures together. The variation comes from changing the forms and silhouettes rather than using a distinct sourced construction method.
20. Mixed-size display
Combine ghosts made over different-sized forms to vary the display. The sources describe different possible forms, but do not compare the finished figures’ cost or durability [c003].
Paper ghost ideas
21. Simple white-paper ghost
Cut a ghost silhouette from white paper and draw its face with a black marker. Irish Girl Guides describes this simple paper craft [c006].
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22. Paper ghost variations
Make several paper ghosts with different poses or facial expressions. The University of Tennessee Extension publication includes paper as an alternative approach to cheesecloth ghosts [c005]; treat variations in shape and expression as your own design choices.
Basic cheesecloth method
- Choose a form, such as a balloon, jar, mannequin head, or household shape. Secure it so it will not move while you work.
- Protect the work surface, then drape cheesecloth over the form and arrange its folds.
- Apply the stiffening medium according to the chosen tutorial or product directions. Sources describe watered-down school glue or liquid starch; do not assume their recipes are interchangeable [c001][c002][c003].
- Leave the cloth in place until fully dry. Elmer’s specifies overnight drying for its method, while another tutorial describes about a day for its own glue-and-water approach [c002][c003].
- Remove the form if the method calls for it, then add a felt or paper face and choose a stable tabletop or properly supported hanging display.
Supplies to consider
- For cheesecloth ghosts: cheesecloth, a chosen form, and a stiffening medium such as diluted school glue or liquid starch, depending on the instructions you follow [c001][c002][c003].
- For faces: black felt or black paper [c002][c003].
- For a paper ghost: white paper and a black marker [c006].
- For hanging: use an attachment suited to the form and display; Martha Stewart describes a screw eye and monofilament for its method [c001].
FAQ
How do you make a cheesecloth ghost?
Drape cheesecloth over a form, apply a stiffening medium according to the chosen method, and let it dry fully before adding a face. Tutorials use forms such as balloons, jars, bowls, or mannequin heads [c001][c002][c003].
What supplies do I need for cheesecloth ghosts?
Cheesecloth, a shaping form, and a stiffening medium are the basics. Black felt or paper can be used for facial features; other supplies depend on the specific method [c001][c002][c003].
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How long does a cheesecloth ghost take to dry?
Drying depends on the method and materials. Elmer’s says to leave its glue-saturated ghost overnight; Thrifty Decor Chick describes about a day for its glue-and-water method. Follow the instructions for your chosen materials [c002][c003].
Can I hang a cheesecloth ghost?
Yes, if the finished ghost and its attachment are properly supported. Martha Stewart describes using a screw eye and monofilament for a hanging version [c001].
What is the simplest paper ghost craft?
Cut a ghost shape from white paper and draw its face with a black marker, as described in the Irish Girl Guides activity guide [c006].
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