These cheesecloth porch ghosts are one of those decorations that look far fussier than they really are. You build a simple form with a balloon and a bottle, soak cheesecloth in a glue-and-cornstarch stiffener, then drape and shape it until it dries into soft, floaty folds. The result has that classic old-fashioned Halloween charm I love, and it is simple enough to make in an afternoon with drying time overnight.
I’m especially fond of projects like this because they make a front porch feel festive without a lot of expense, and they’re fun to make assembly-line style if you want a little ghost family. If you enjoy low-mess seasonal decorating and want something handmade that still looks polished, this is a very satisfying one.
Materials
Instructions
1. Set your work area with a tray or plastic-covered surface, because the glue mixture drips as you drape. I like to keep all three forms together so I can work in batches before the stiffener starts settling.
2. Inflate the three balloons to about 7 to 8 inches wide and tie them off. Tape one balloon to the top of each tall bottle to create a simple head-and-body form.
3. Shape two simple arms for each ghost from wire or rolled aluminum foil, about 8 to 10 inches long, and tape them to the bottle just below the balloon. Bend them slightly upward or outward so the finished ghosts will have graceful, floating-looking sleeves.
4. Wrap each entire form, including the balloon, bottle, and arms, with plastic wrap. This step matters because it helps the stiffened cheesecloth release cleanly after drying.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of white glue and 3 cups of water until smooth, then whisk in 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. The equal-parts glue and water give better hold than pure starch alone, while the cornstarch adds a little body.
6. Dip one piece of cheesecloth into the stiffener and press it down so every section gets saturated. Lift it out, then wring it lightly so it is wet but not dripping heavily.
7. Drape the first layer over one wrapped form, centering it over the balloon head and letting the cloth fall naturally over the arms and bottle. Gently tug and arrange the folds so you get a rounded head, visible sleeves, and an even hem.
8. Add a second soaked layer, then a third if needed, overlapping the pieces to remove thin spots. Keep shaping the folds with your fingers so the ghost looks airy instead of lumpy.
9. Repeat the soaking and draping for the other two ghosts, adjusting the arm positions or hemline slightly so each one has its own personality. If any area looks too transparent, add a small extra patch of soaked cheesecloth.
10. Let the ghosts dry for 24 hours in a covered porch or indoor spot with good airflow until completely rigid. If the air is humid, give them extra time, because dampness can soften the stiffener.
11. Once fully dry, pop each balloon and gently slide the ghost off the bottle and arm form. Peel away any plastic wrap that clings inside.
12. Cut two simple oval or round eyes for each ghost from black felt, then hot glue them in place on the front of the head. If you want a glow at night, set an LED tealight underneath each ghost, never a real flame.
Variations & Tips
For better durability: This glue version holds up better than a pure starch stiffener, but I still treat these as covered-porch or indoor decorations. Rain and heavy humidity can soften them, so bring them in if the weather turns damp.
For a cleaner shape: Don’t skip the plastic wrap over the form. I’ve learned the hard way that cheesecloth can cling surprisingly tightly once dry, and the wrap makes removal much easier.
For different sizes: Use smaller balloons and shorter bottles for tabletop ghosts, or taller bottles and larger cheesecloth pieces for a more dramatic porch display. Just keep the proportions balanced so the head does not look too large for the drape.
For picky decorators: If some family members like cute Halloween and others like spooky, change only the eyes. Small round eyes look friendlier, while narrower oval eyes give a more haunting look without changing the whole project.
For extra glow: A single LED tealight underneath creates a gentle effect, but two can brighten a larger ghost. I like warm white lights best because they make the folds show up beautifully in the evening.
For steadier standing: If the bottom edge dries unevenly, trim just a little from the hem so the ghost sits flat. Small snips make a big difference, and it is better to trim less than you think at first.