Cheese Cloth Ghosts

Today, I thought I’d share a project that I used to do with my kids when they were younger – Cheese Cloth Ghosts.  This is a super easy project but the kids love it.

The supplies you will need for this project are:
     - Cheese cloth.  I bought mine at Walmart for about $5.00
     - Sta-Flo Starch
     - Styrofoam ball
     - Plastic wrap
     - Wire Hanger
     - Something to prop the Styrofoam ball on
     - Tape to attach the ball to the body

 Below are several items that I used as the “body” of the ghost.  You can also use soda pop 2 litre bottles.

 You’ll need to attach your Styrofoam ball to the top of the “body”.  I was able to just push the Styrofoam onto the top of my soap bottle.

 I used a wire hanger to make arms for the ghost.  I made hands on the ends of the hanger.

 I also placed some clear plastic wrap over the ball to prevent the cheese cloth from sticking to the ball.  So here we have the ghost body, arms, and a head.

 Once you have the “skeleton” made for the ghost you are ready to start draping the cheese cloth over the body.  Pour the Sta Flo starch in a bowl.  Unwrap the cheese cloth.  Cut into strips that are long enough to drape over the ball from one side to the other.  Dip the strip of cloth into the starch and squeeze out the excess.  Drape over the “skeleton”.  Continue to dip the strips and then drape them over the body until you  are satisfied with the look of your ghost.  Play with the cheese cloth on the wire hanger to create arms.

 Once you are satisfied with the look of your ghost it is time to let it dry.

 Once the ghost is dry, but before you remove it from the body draw on eyes and a mouth.  I used sharpie.  You could also use googly eyes or felt.  GENTLY remove the ghost from it’s skeleton.  It should be strong enough to stand on it’s own.  If you don’t let it dry completely it will not hold it’s shape so be patient and let it dry completely.  I also added some chain that I found at Walmart.  With little money and supplies you might have on hand you can make your own little spooks to liven up your Halloween decor!

Here is what they look like in my living room.  Boo!