Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, and I’m practically bursting with excitement to share my latest DIY obsession with you: Outdoor Lighted Ghosts. Remember those adorable (but pricey!) ghosts from Grandin Road? Well, I’ve cracked the code to crafting equally charming spectres at a fraction of the cost!
Get ready to light up your Halloween décor with these budget-friendly and surprisingly easy-to-make paper lanterns that’ll have your neighbors green with envy. And the best part? You can easily disassemble and store them for next year’s festivities – talk about a win-win!
Gathering Your Ghostly Supplies
Before we embark on this crafting adventure, let’s gather our spectral squadron of materials:
For the Ghost Heads:
- 12-inch balloons (Dollar Tree is your best friend!)
- Paper towels
- Computer paper
- Elmer’s Glue
- Water
- Spar Urethane Spray
For the Ghost Bodies:
- 2 small tomato cages
- 2 large white sheets (Goodwill is a treasure trove!)
- Black fabric paint
- Paintbrush
- 2 sets of white lights (70-100 count)
- Zip ties
- Safety pins
- Fabric scissors
Optional Tools:
- Hacksaw (for adjusting tomato cage height)
- Cardboard or box (for drying paper mache)
Conjuring Your Ethereal Ghosts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s bring these whimsical apparitions to life:
Phase 1: Crafting the Ghostly Visage
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Inflate Your Balloons: Blow up your 12-inch balloons to their full potential – we want plump, ghostly heads! Secure them to a cardboard base with tape or nestle them in a box to prevent them from rolling around.
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Paper Mache Magic: Tear your paper towels and computer paper into manageable strips. Concoct your paper mache paste by whisking together equal parts Elmer’s Glue and water in a large bowl. Now, the messy fun begins! Apply a layer of paper towels dipped in the paste to your balloons, followed by a layer of computer paper, and finally, a mixed layer of both. Allow each layer to dry completely (approximately 24 hours) before applying the next.
Robert Kline Art Pro-Tips:
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Wring it Out: Ensure each paper strip is thoroughly coated in the paste, then gently remove any excess liquid. This minimizes mess and dramatically reduces drying time.
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Balloon Mishaps: Fear not if a balloon pops during drying – it happens! Simply inflate a new balloon inside the paper mache shell, and you’re back on track.
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Protective Coating: Once your paper mache ghost heads are dry and sturdy, apply several coats of spar urethane spray, both inside and out. This crucial step safeguards your creations from moisture, ensuring their longevity.
Phase 2: Assembling the Luminous Specters
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Height Adjustment (Optional): For a touch of visual interest, consider adjusting the height of your ghosts. Use a hacksaw to remove the bottom rung of one tomato cage.
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Illuminating the Ghosts: Securely fasten your white lights to the tomato cages using zip ties. Ensure the lights reach the top of the cages to cast an ethereal glow through the ghost heads.
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Ghostly Drapery: Carefully position a paper mache head atop each tomato cage, draping a white sheet over the entire structure. Voila! Your ghost is already taking shape!
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Trimming the Shroud: Trim any excess fabric at the bottom of the sheet, leaving a bit of length for that classic billowing effect.
Robert Kline Art Pro-Tip: Remember, you can always trim more later, but you can’t reattach fabric – measure twice, cut once!
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Securing the Sheet: Use 2-3 safety pins to attach the sheet to the tomato cage underneath, preventing any ghostly escapes in the wind.
Phase 3: Adding the Finishing Touches
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Expressive Eyes and Mouth: Now, for the fun part – giving your ghosts personality! Dip a small paintbrush into black fabric paint and craft expressive eyes and a spooky (or friendly) mouth. Allow the paint to dry completely.
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Let There Be Light!: Carry your ghostly creations outside, plug in the lights, and watch them glow! For added stability, place a heavy object at the base of each tomato cage, ensuring they remain grounded.
Awe-Inspiring Results and Creative Tweaks
Congratulations, my friend! You’ve successfully conjured a pair of captivating outdoor lighted ghosts that rival their pricey counterparts. And for a fraction of the cost, you’ve created unique decorations that are sure to spark joy and a touch of spooky delight.
Robert Kline Art Customization Tip: For a whimsical touch, consider experimenting with different colored lights or adding playful accessories like hats or bows to your ghosts.
Share Your Spooktacular Creations!
I’m confident these DIY paper lanterns will be a hauntingly beautiful addition to your Halloween decor. Be sure to share your creations with me and the rest of the Robert Kline Art community in the comments below – I can’t wait to see your spooky masterpieces! And don’t forget to explore the rest of the website for more unique, handcrafted gift ideas for your loved ones (or for treating yourself!).