These cheesecloth ghosts are easy to make and so much fun because they keep their shape once they are dry. You can make them in any size that you’d like, and choose to either have them strung up as hanging decorations or on a flat surface as table decorations. I’m including instructions in this tutorial for making your own biodegradable glue using cornstarch and water, which allows the ghosts to be composted at the end of their lifespan. More convenient (but less eco-friendly) alternatives for glue are to use mod podge or fabric stiffener, both diluted a bit with water. We made a bunch of these to hang down our hallway and I just love how they look!

Materials:

– cheesecloth
– cornstarch (to make a biodegradable glue)
– black fabric or felt
– things for the form (I use a glass jar and ball of foil for smaller ghosts, and a vase and rubber ball for larger ghosts)
– cotton twine

Instructions for making cheesecloth ghosts:

Step 1: How to prepare your cheesecloth

Cut your cheesecloth into squares. You’ll need at least two squares per ghost so that you can layer the fabric. My squares measure approximately 10″.

Step 2: How to make cornstarch glue

Combine cornstarch and water (1:2 ratio) in a sauce pan and heat on low until it just starts to thicken. Take care not to overcook the glue. Remove the glue mixture from heat and let it cool completely before using.

Step 3: How to make your ghosts

Create a form for your ghost by placing a ball of foil on top of a jar. If you’d like your ghosts to float, make sure that you use a jar that is taller than the height of your fabric when it drapes over the jar. Soak the cheesecloth in the glue mixture and wring it out completely. Open the fabric and drape it over the jar. Repeat with a second layer of fabric. Let the ghost dry completely overnight.

Step 4: How to finish your ghosts

Gently remove the ghost from your form once it is dry. Cut eyes and mouth out of scrap fabric or felt and glue them on. Use a needle and thread to hang your ghost up!