Need a cute, quirky Halloween decoration you can finish in one sitting? This glowing ghost requires no sewing or carving, and it looks adorable both day and night.
Materials Used
- A glass cylinder vase provides the base for the ghost.
- A mop head with thick cotton-yarn fringe forms the ghost’s body.
- Black paper or cardstock is used for the hat and eyes.
- Battery-powered LED string lights illuminate the ghost.
- Scissors.
- Glue, applied with a hot-glue gun if desired.
For a removable assembly, use glue dots or double-sided tape instead of hot glue on the vase or mop.
Steps
Light Installation
Place the battery-powered string lights inside the vase, tucking the battery pack toward the back while keeping its switch reachable. The LEDs stay cool during the project.
Vase Covering
Flip the mop head upside down and drape it over the glass vase so the fringe falls evenly around it. Fluff and arrange the strands to create a full ghost body that covers the glass.
Cut the Hat and Eyes
Cut one large circle for the brim, making it slightly wider than the mop head. Cut a pie-shaped wedge from a second circle, overlap the cut edges, and roll it into a cone; trim the base so it sits flat. Use two small oval pieces for the eyes.
Hat Assembly
Either poke a small hole in the center of the brim or glue the cone directly onto it. Press and hold the cone until it is secure.
Top the Ghost
Set the witch hat over the mop head first. If it needs to remain there, a small glue dot on the top of the mop cap will keep it from moving.
Mop Face
On the front strands, glue the two black oval eye pieces with even spacing. Press each one for one second so it sticks to the yarn.
Comb and Trim the Fringe
Comb through the fringe with your fingers, trim any uneven strands, and center the lights inside the vase so the glow is even.
Light the Ghost
Switch on the battery pack to light the ghost.
For optional decorations, tie a skinny ribbon around the hat and add a tiny paper buckle for a witchy detail. Cut a small mouth from black paper in either an oval or crescent shape, then attach it to the ghost.
The rubber band is hidden under the mop at the top of the vase and can help prevent shifting on a slippery vase. For storage, remove the witch hat and battery pack, then fold the mop flat.