Cost

Skill Level

Start to Finish

<½ Day

Tools

scissors

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Materials

Mylar circle balloons in white (regular latex balloons work as well but will create a different shape for the ghost)
black or clear string
cheesecloth (with continuous square footage)
black duct tape

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Flying Ghosts Halloween Decorations

Fill your trees or front porch with free-flying ghosts. Made inexpensively from balloons and gauze fabric, these little Caspers catch the wind to add movement to your outdoor decor.

©Brittni Mehlhoff

Brittni Mehlhoff

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Step 1

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Attach a String

Attach a string to a Mylar balloon (filled with air or helium). Note: If you’re using a Mylar foil balloon, it will last at least a week. Even as it deflates, the ghost will keep its shape.

Step 2

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Cut Your Cheesecloth

Set the balloon aside while cutting pieces of cheesecloth to various lengths. You’ll need at least two layers that are short (pieces that are only a couple of inches longer on all sides than the balloon); two medium (5 to 10 inches longer than the balloon on all sides); and two long (12 to 18 inches longer than the balloon on all sides).

Step 3

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Create a Hole

Find the center of one of the smaller pieces of cheesecloth. Use scissors or your finger to gently move the fibers around to create a hole.

Step 4

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Thread the String

Thread the string from the balloon through the hole, and drape the cheesecloth over the balloon completely.

Step 5

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And Repeat

Repeat the process with all of the pieces of cheesecloth. Alternate the order in which the different lengths are added.

Step 6

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Make a Face

When the final layer has been added, it is time to create the face. Cut two small pieces of black duct tape roughly 3 to 5 inches each.

Step 7

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Create the Eyes

Cut two tall oval shapes from each piece of tape to create the eyes.

Step 8

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Attach the Eyes

Pull back one layer of the cheesecloth. Then attach the eyes to the cheesecloth face and then press down firmly.

Step 9

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Add Mouth and Eyebrows

Repeat this process for eyebrows (skinny rectangles that have been pinched on one end to create the look of a raised brow) and a small mouth (circle shape).