How to Use Gourds and Okra Pods to Make Halloween Ghosts
Use natural materials to make easy Halloween decor.
Debbie Wolfe
I love using natural materials for crafts. In fact, I only really grow okra so I can make them into ornaments for Halloween and Christmas. Gourds are also handy blank palettes that can be transformed into fun, festive seasonal decor.
Tools and Materials
- dried gourds
- dried okra
- black and white acrylic paint
- paintbrushes
- drill and fishing wire (optional)
Debbie Wolfe
Apply two coats of white paint onto the dried gourds and okra. Let the paint dry between coats.
Debbie Wolfe
Esty is a good place to find dried gourds and okra pods if you don't grow your own. Try buying fun and wonky shapes to vary the look of your little ghosts.
Debbie Wolfe
Once the paint the white paint dries, paint large eyes and a mouth onto the gourds. Try flipping the gourds upside down to change the look of the ghost's shape.
Debbie Wolfe
The okra can be a bit tricky to paint a face on, keep rotating it until you will see a flat space between the ridges.
Debbie Wolfe
When the painting is done, drill a small hole through the stem area of the okra. Thread a piece of fishing line through the pod so you can hang it.
Debbie Wolfe
The fishing line will make it appear like the little ghosts are hovering in the air.
Debbie Wolfe
Display tip: to help the gourd ghost (if you chose to flip it) sit upright, nestle the stem side into a vase or bowl.
