These are the ghosts you’ve seen going viral on Pinterest — eerie, fabric-draped figures glowing faintly in a front yard at dusk. They’re cheaper and easier to make than they look.
1. Shape the Head
Start by blowing up a balloon to the size you want the ghost’s head.
2. Soak and Drape
Soak strips of cheesecloth in a mix of liquid starch and water (roughly equal parts), then drape the strips over the balloon and let them fall in natural, flowing folds down toward the ground — this is where the ghostly shape comes from, so don’t be afraid to let it look uneven.
3. Let It Dry
Let it dry fully, which usually takes 24-48 hours depending on humidity.
4. Remove the Balloon
Once dry, pop and remove the balloon from inside, leaving a hollow, stiffened ghost shape you can hang from a tree branch or shepherd’s hook.
Extra Effects
For extra effect, tuck a small battery-powered light inside before hanging, or spray the base with black-light reactive paint for a glow-in-the-dark look after sunset.
Made your own cheesecloth ghost? Share a photo in the comments.