Step 9: Attach Base to Torso

Create a tube using 1-inch cell chicken wire, and cut it in half (image 1).

Place finished edges down (image 1). Use wire to attach one piece to bottom of torso and the second to the backside of the first piece, slightly squished (image 2).

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    Image 1

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    Image 2

Step 10: Create Skirt

On a 36-inch length of a 1-inch cell wire, create four curved folds down the length (image 1). Attach a fold length to the front of the waist with wire. Create 40-inch length folds and attach to back of the waist. Bend the end portion outward like a dress train (image 2).

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    Image 1

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    Image 2

Step 11: Complete Body Form

Create two more 36-inch panels from the 1-inch cell wire with folds down the length. Attach to right and left sides of the waist. These will help balance the figure.

The figure can be posed as desired. If needed, use small pieces of wire to help keep the arms in place. A small piece of wire can be used to hold the elbow in a bent position for holding a lantern.

Step 12: Cover With Cheesecloth

Cover head, arms, torso and waist with a single layer of cheesecloth. This will conceal the chicken wire slightly. Leave long lengths hanging down from the hands.

Add layers of sheer fabric pieces (we used old sheer curtains). First, create a poncho fabric square with a slit cut for the head. Use scrap fabric for the belt, and tie it around the waist. Add additional pieces draped over arms, hands and head. Add additional skirt sections and tie together where needed.

Step 13: Hang Half-Figure Ghosts

Once all the fabric has been added, cut holes and long tattered end pieces. Smaller figures should be light enough to be suspended with string or strong fishing line. Black garden planter stakes can also be used to hold the half-figures up off the ground and appear to float at night.

Being lightweight, these grave ghosts can be put just about anywhere. When lit from behind, their transparent forms make these ghosts very spooky. Use additional stakes to keep from being blown over and be sure not to place hot lights near the ghost's fabric body.

Lynne and Shawn Mitchell have a website called How to Haunt Your House. They have also authored How to Haunt Your House books I and II.