Make a Giant Spooky Ghost

Last year I made this giant Spooky Ghost the night before Halloween, and he greeted my kids as they came downstairs:

The Spooky Ghost is super cute, stands up by himself, and is the perfect Halloween decoration!  I didn't post about him last year because Halloween was over by the time we made him, but today I'm going to tell you everything you need to make one yourself!  While I have seen several people making these ghosts, I want to give a shout-out to Love and Laundry for first introducing them to me!

How to Make a Spooky Ghost: 

Simple Supplies:

• microwave-safe bowl
• water
• corn-starch
• spoon
• drying stand (I used a balloon taped to a vase.)
• cheesecloth (*see note at bottom)
• black construction paper and glue

Easy How-to:

1- Stir 1 cup of corn-starch into 2 1/4 cups water.  Microwave for 2 minutes.  Stir.  Microwave for 20 seconds.  Stir.  If it is still watery, microwave for another 20 seconds.  It should look like this:

2- Mash the cheesecloth into the cornstarch mixture until it is completely saturated!  I use a spoon so I don't burn myself, but you can also let the cornstarch mixture cool a little first.  If you're doing this with children, do not let them touch the hot cornstarch mixture!

3- If your drying stand is not created, prepare it now!  I like to use a 12" balloon taped to a tall vase.

4- Pull the soaked cheesecloth out of the cornstarch mixture and give it a few squeezes to make sure it is really soaked.

5- Drape the cheesecloth over the drying stand.  Leave it overnight.  You can dry it with a blow dryer in about 20-30 minutes, but you risk popping your balloon prematurely.

6- When your ghost is dry, cut two eyes out of a piece of black construction paper and stick them on with a big pile of glue!  Then set him up somewhere where he can "smile" at your kiddos!  Of course, they will want to play with him too...

We love all kinds of cute, fun, and not-gory Halloween decorations!  Do you usually decorate for Halloween?  What do you like?

*Cheesecloth note:  We have found cheesecloth in the baking isle at our local grocery store, but it is about $4.00 for 2 square yards.  You really want more than just 2 yards so that you can cut it and have a 2-3 layer thick ghost.  Two yards is enough to cut in half and make a 2-layer ghost on most sides, but a little more really makes a stronger ghost, especially if your kids are likely to touch and play with it.  Wal-mart sometimes carries larger packages, or you can use the convenient Amazon affiliate link below.  You never pay more for clicking through these affiliate links, but I receive a small commission for referring you.  You can read more details here.









I may share at any of these parties!

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