How to Make: Halloween Ghosts (that glow!)

Did you see these cute mini-ghosts featured in Country Living magazine (above)? Grab the supplies at your local Jo-Ann, and then find out how you can make those ghosties glow with our Glowing Halloween Ghosts tutorial! Is it me, or are we really exciting about lighting up our decorations lately? :)

Supplies & Tools (printable directions here):

• 1 pkg Cheesecloth
• Battery-operated mini party lights
• Stiffy® fabric stiffener
• Black sticky-back felt
• 1 roll Untinted cellophane
• Monofilament line
• Balloons
• Cylindrical vase or pedestal
• Scotch® brand tape
• Scissors
• X-Acto® knife
• Hole punch
• Felt or craft foam scrap piece
• Tacky glue
• Non-stick cooking spray (optional)
• Ribbon or paper strip

Directions:
Note: Use 1/2" seam allowance for apron.
1. To create ghost shape, dip a square of cheesecloth into Stiffy® fabric stiffener then drape cheesecloth over an inflated balloon elevated on a cylindrical vase, or pedestal, placed on a protected surface. When dry, remove ghost by pricking balloon. Repeat process to create two ghosts, one smaller than the other, for nesting purposes.
Tips: Remove the cheesecloth from the form as soon as it is completely dry. A light coat of non-stick cooking
spray on the balloon and cylinder will make removing the shape easier.
2. Cut two 15" to 20" squares of cellophane. Find the center of each piece and reinforce with a Scotch®
 tape “X.” Cut a small hole through the center of this with an X-Acto® knife. Set aside. Note: The cellophane enhances and diffuses the glow from the light.
3. Cut a 2" circle from felt or craft foam scrap to act as the ghost’s top anchor. Punch two holes in it, like a button, and set aside. Optional: A hook or clip clothespin would also work.

4. Cut two 1-yd pieces of monofilament line. On one, tie a mini party light at one end, through the loop. Cut
an 8"x8" square of cheesecloth and fold into fourths. Poke the line through the center of this and drape the
cheesecloth over the light; secure with the light’s rubber O-ring. Tie second line as a hanging “tail” to the line
above the light, which you will use for lowering the mini light and to turn it off and on. On the tail, tie a strip of cheesecloth, a length of ribbon, a strip of paper that says “Boo!” or any other object that you can locate easily, inside the ghost.
5. Next, build the ghost in layers: Thread the line (with light, cheesecloth, tail) through (a) the cellophane, (b) the smaller ghost, (c) the second cellophane, and (d) the larger ghost. Determine desired length and tie the line onto the felt or craft foam anchor.
6. For eyes, cut four circles from sticky-back felt and pair them up, paper sides together. At one time, punch the pupil holes in each set and trim the circle for an angry or worried look. Attach the inside eye first; peel off paper then reach under outer cheesecloth layer and position. Repeat for other inside eye. Apply glue over the eyes and attach the outer eyes, aligning the punched holes. Let dry.
7. To activate the light: Before hanging ghost, pull the tail down from center of ghost, twist bulb, then pull lit bulb back to head of ghost using the monofilament line. Hang ghost, as desired, from a branch, chandelier or
other object.


Skill Level 2:
Some experience necessary
Approximate Crafting Time: 
2 hours plus drying time