Simple DIY Ghost Lanterns to Light Up Halloween Nights
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These DIY Ghost Decorations double as glowing lanterns, adding just the right touch of spooky-cute charm to your Halloween décor. With a little cheesecloth, a foam ball, and fairy lights, you can create ghost lanterns that are fun and festive.
I’m not a gory Halloween decorations gal—I’ll happily leave the fake blood and severed hands to the neighbors. 😉 Give me all the cutesy Halloween things instead: sparkly spiders, smiling jack-o’-lanterns, and of course those marshmallow-y little ghosts that make you grin instead of scream.
That’s why these DIY Ghost Lanterns stole my heart. They’re spooky in just the right way but still cute enough to sit on your mantel, be a focal point for a centerpiece, or add a twinkly little glow to your Halloween night.
Here’s how to make your own DIY Ghost Lanterns!
Supplies
- Cheesecloth
- Elmer’s Glue
- Styrofoam Ball (or foam ball)
- Mason Jar
- Battery Operated String Lights
- Black Felt, Paint or Permanent Marker for the face
- Brads
Step-by-Step Directions for DIY Ghost Lanterns
1. Prep your workspace.
Lay down some wax paper (trust me, this gets sticky).
2. Mix your potion.
Combine glue and water 50/50 in a bowl (you can also use Mod Podge or liquid starch). Start with a cup of each and mix more as needed.
3. Set up your ghost base.
Place the Styrofoam ball on top of the mason jar—it’ll be the “head” while you work. I used a 32 oz mason jar and 3.8 inch foam ball. You could use any size mason jar, just be sure the foam ball you choose fits nicely on top of the mason jar. It needs to be wider than the mouth of the mason jar so that the cheesecloth drapes over the jar, rather than sticking to it.
4. Measure your cheesecloth.
Drape it over the top and cut it so it falls all the way down, just brushing the table with about a half-inch to spare. A white fabric scrap or white sheet can also be substituted, but truly the cheesecloth is the best pick.
5. Cut three layers.
You’ll want three pieces of cheesecloth the same size for that nice ghostly effect.
6. Dip and drape.
Take the first piece of cheesecloth, dip it in the glue mixture, squeeze out the excess, then drape it over your ghost base. Repeat with the remaining layers, alternating the way they fall.
7. Adjust the “ghost gown.”
Spread out the bottom edges however you like—raggedy, flowing, or perfectly neat. You can trim any extra-long pieces with scissors.
8. Secure the top.
Push a brad into the top of the Styrofoam ball to keep it all in place. I like to put a dab of white paint on the brad to hide it. Let your ghost dry for 24 hours.
9. Give it a face.
Once dry, use black felt cut into circles, black paint or a black permanent marker to add eyes and a mouth. I applied my face with black paint and a q-tip.
10. Light it up.
Tuck fairy lights inside the mason jar, leaving the switch accessible on the outside (a little tape helps hold it). Place the ghost back over the jar and—ta-da!
And just like that, you’ve created the spookiest little glowing ghost who’s ready to twinkle on Halloween night. Honestly, they’re so cute you might want to make a whole ghost family. My original plan was to use these as a centerpiece on my kitchen island, but my kids have claimed them for their rooms. I guess that means I have to make some more! We are well on our way to our ghost family.
More DIY Ghost Decorations to Try
If this Halloween ghost craft gave you all the cozy October feels, here are a few more DIY Halloween ghosts to try:
- DIY Ghost Garland – hang adorable ghost heads across your mantel.
- Yarn Ghost Tassels – an easy Halloween craft for kids.
- Large Tomato Cage Ghosts – flip a tomato cage upside down, drape with a white sheet, and spray with glow-in-the-dark paint for large ghosts in your yard.
Whether you go big with outdoor ghost lights or keep it simple with cheesecloth ghosts on your porch, these sweet little spooks add the perfect mix of whimsy and glow to your DIY Halloween décor.
If you loved these DIY Ghost Lanterns and want to make more Halloween decorations to light up your home, check out these DIY Glowing Halloween Luminaries.
