How to Make the Cheesecloth Ghosts That Are All Over TikTok Right Now
Updated: Oct. 05, 2023
This craft is so simple—and the results are to die for!
Even if stores are piled with adorable Halloween decorations right now, we can’t deny that a fun Halloween craft will get us in the spooky spirit. (Like carving pumpkins, of course!) Thanks to some clever TikTok creators, we’ve found the ultimate fall craft to make your house a little more… ghostly. Using cheesecloth, glue and a few simple supplies, you can make a cheesecloth ghost that can be decorated and shaped however you want, perfect for any corner of your haunted house! Here’s how to make them.
How to Make a Cheesecloth Ghost, Step by Step
@lifewithlainee Cheesecloth ghosts! A fun and easy Halloween diy you can do with your kids! 👻🎃 **Supplies are linked in my Amazon Storefront (in my bio) under “Fall/Halloween” (pumpkin came from Target dollar section) #cheeseclothghost #halloweendiy #halloweendecor #easyhalloweendecor #halloweenwithkids #halloweencraft #halloweenfun #asmrsounds #asmrcrafting #asmrhalloween ♬ 할로윈 왈츠(Halloween Waltz) – 달빛 블루스
Tools You’ll Need
- Pipe cleaners
- Mason jar
- Foam balls (or small balloons, blown up)
- Cheesecloths
- Liquid starch like Sta-Flo
- Container or bowl
- Hot glue
- Decorations for ghosts (eyeballs, pumpkins, fairy lights, etc.)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the ghost structure
Before even working with the cheesecloth, make sure your structure for shaping the ghost is ready for you to place a wet cheesecloth on top of. To do so, curl the pipe cleaners around the bare lip of a mason jar, then hold them in place with a Mason jar ring. Twist the pipe cleaners to a shape you want for your ghost. (Think ghost arms!) Then place your foam ball or small balloon in the center of the mason jar for the head.
Some creators also use plastic wrap at this step. Laying down a sheet or two of plastic wrap on top of your ghost structure may make it easier to shape and mold the wet cheesecloth in step 3.
Step 2: Cut your cheesecloth
Before messing with the liquid starch, test out the size of your cheesecloth on the ghost structure. Cut the cheesecloth to size for the perfect ghost.
Step 3: Shape the ghost
When you’re done imagining what you want your ghoul to look like, pour some liquid starch in a bowl. Dip the cheesecloth into the liquid and shape it on your ghost structure.
Step 4: Let dry
Once your ghost is shaped perfectly, leave the cheesecloth on the structure to completely dry. (This step may take a day or two.) Then remove carefully—and start decorating!
Step 5: Decorate the ghost
Hot glue on eyes or a witch hat, place a pumpkin in its arms, string multiple ghosts together to hang around your house or even fill a cheesecloth ghost with fairy lights for a spooky effect at night!
Tips for Making a Cheesecloth Ghost
What if I can’t find liquid starch?
If you can’t find liquid starch, other TikTok creators say using Mod Podge or some watered down glue can also work.
How do I make smaller ghosts?
Secure a smaller foam ball on the top of an empty water bottle and make tiny cheesecloth ghosts—maybe to string along the bannister of your stairs?
Can I make a spooky cheesecloth ghost?
Instead of making smaller, cartoon-like ghosts, you could make human-like ghost structures with your cheesecloth instead. To do so, pick up a styrofoam mannequin head and a longer sheet of cheesecloth. Drape the cheesecloth over the head and be sure to smooth the creases so you can have that head structure at the top, with a spooky cheesecloth draping down below.
Originally Published: October 05, 2023
