Living SpacesNo. 1915 · The 2026 edition
How to Make Cheesecloth Ghosts for Your Halloween Décor
Turn simple cheesecloth and Styrofoam heads into spooky floating specters for your Halloween decor.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at marthastewart.com.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cloth-ghosts-phobias-1011mld107647_vert-f0fcdecc19a54f8eb4f6b034564cae97.jpg)
Create eerie cheesecloth ghosts by layering fabric over Styrofoam mannequin heads with glue, then letting it dry. Add jagged edges for a tattered look and hang them with monofilament from hooks. Use leftover cheesecloth to make a creepy web for your ceiling or mirrors.
You'll need
Directions
- Drape a sheet of cheesecloth over a Styrofoam mannequin head. Using a sponge brush, paint on a generous amount of diluted glue or fabric stiffener. Use your fingers to press the cloth into the contours of the face, but stop applying glue at the chin so the fabric hangs loose below that point.
- Repeat the process to add three more layers, each 7 feet long, for a total of four layers. There's no need to wait for each layer to dry before adding the next. Once all layers are applied, allow the creation to dry completely. Extra cheesecloth pieces can be used to fashion a cobweb effect for ceilings or mirrors.
- If you like, use scissors to cut jagged edges on the fabric for a more tattered look. Attach a screw eye to the top of the head using a dab of glue, then thread a piece of monofilament through the eye. Hang the ghost from removable adhesive hooks or painters' tape.
