If you are looking for a super cheap, super easy decorating idea for Halloween (that's also a great Halloween craft for kids), then look no further. These spooky ghosts only cost me $.90!!! (3 posterboards/$.30 each) These simple spinning ghosts were a hit with the kids and made a great statement for our Halloween party when the kids were little. The hardest part of the project was keeping the kids from climbing through the ghosts and making them spin all day! In this post, you'll find easy directions for giant ghosts and free printable templates for mini-sized spinning ghosts.
This year, I got brave and hung the ghosts outside, and I'm so glad I did! I just love watching them spin in the wind.
Cardboard Spinning Ghosts Craft
RELATED: Adorable Sock Pumpkin Craft, Mini Frankenstein Bunting
Ready to make some? Just cut a spiral shape, add a face, hang it up . . . and you're done!
In case you need just a little more instruction, here goes . . . (If you're nervous, don't worry--I've made you a pattern!)
- For the long ghost, use an entire sheet of poster board. For the shorter ghosts, use half sheets of poster board. (I made one full-sized ghost and four half-sized ghosts). If you can't quite tell how to cut the spiral, I've made you a pattern. Click on the link at the end of the post to download a letter-size version of the spinning ghost. Print it on card stock and cut it out to give yourself an idea of how to cut the larger cardboard shapes. (Bonus--enjoy the cute tiny ghosts to hang somewhere else! I hung mine over the kitchen table.)
- Create the faces by cutting shapes out of black card stock or draw them on with a thick black marker like this one.
- To hang the ghosts, punch a hole near the top of the head, off-center toward the spiral. The ghosts won't hang quite right if you punch the hole directly in the center. Hang with thread or fishing line.
If you're feeling a bit craft-challenged, and you are not interested in making the ghosts all on your own, just skip the steps above. Head straight to the free printable to make tiny ghosts. I've included a ghost with a face and one without. That way you can copy mine or create your own.
Attention teachers and room moms: This is a simple craft with very little prep that works great for elementary school classrooms. I love to use the tiny ghosts at class parties. They're always a big hit!
Click the download button with the heart below to get your free printable.
Mini Spinning Ghosts Decor Idea
Is your living space too small for the huge ghosts? Try this tabletop version. Mine are hanging over my kitchen table. (If you need a little motivation to clean your kitchen--just create a project that requires taking pictures in the kitchen! I dusted that chandelier for the first time in four years today! What would I do without my blog to motivate me?)
This idea came from Parents Magazine.
Thanks for stopping by today. If you're looking for more Halloween ideas, be sure to check out a few of these! (Images below are linked.)
Jill
This is so cute. I remember making spirals like this in grade school and hanging them above light bulbs as a science experiment to prove that hot air rises. As the lights heat up, the spiral would spin!
Jessi @ Practically Functional
Awesome, those are so fun! Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!
Peggy
I love this. Please link it to my linky party & anything else you have to share. :) Thanks, Peggy. http://diycraftyprojects.com/2012/10/whatcha-work-up-wednesday-5-linky-parties-are-back.html
Debi Recipes For My Boys
I love these and have been wanting to make them. Thank you for sharing on Thursday's Treasures. <3 and hugs! http://www.recipesformyboys.com/2012/10/thursdays-treasures-week-57.html
louise
These are great! Makes total sense. As soon as I saw them I knew how to do them, becuase it's almost like making felt flowers the windy cutting.. COol! Thanks!
Tanya Runkle on Facebook
Hi Heidi! Thank you so much for coming by twelveOeight today, this project is sooooo cute, following you now :)
Jaimee @ Craft, Interrupted
So cute! Clever way to make an easy Halloween decoration : ) Saw you on One Artsy Mama linky and came to say hello : )
Irina
These look so cute! Will deffinitely make them! Thanks for sharing
Susie at Earning-My-Cape
Congratulations! Your spinning ghost tutorial is featured at my Super Link Party! Come on by, check it out, and grab a featured button! :-)
http://earning-my-cape.blogspot.com/2012/10/super-link-party-25.html
Carrie
Oh, how fun! We tried something similar but I love yours. We will try it this way next year! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
Rose :: Fine Craft
you know, simple is always best... Thank you for sharing this fun mobile idea at http://www.finecraftguild.com . A new linky party opens today! Come join. We'd love to see your creative pursuits from this week.
Veronica
Oh these ghosts are too cute and super easy too! Thank you so much for linking up this great craft to our Halloween/Fall Party! I am one of the co-hosts from MorningNooNight! :)
Heidi
Thanks for stopping by, Veronica! These really are easy.
Cindy {crazylou}
Super cute. Totally pinning to do this next year! LOVE IT!
Marilyn
This is such a fun idea..I LOVE how easy and inexpensive it is too! :D
Mae
Love this, and I now have three of my own ghosts hanging in the living room. They are adorable, and yes quite easy to make! Mentioned you over at my blog as well. Look forward to checking out several of your other crafts as well.
Kristy
I love this! Halloween is such a fun holiday for kids and there are so many fun activities here.
RemeiGG
Hi!!! I know it's been a while since you posted this craft, but I just wanted to tell you I included it in my favorite Halloween crafts post because I just love it!
Thanks a million for sharing ❤ I'm really grateful!
Hugs from Spain ♫
Suman
This is really an interesting and funy idea. Thanks for sharing.
Mada
I like it!
bev
OH DARN!! Such a cute idea that I missed. Well, I'll just have to save it for next year. Thank you.
Heidi
Thanks, Bev. That's why we love pinterest, right? Easy to save things for next year!
Jamie
The link didn't work. All I saw was a bunch of weird code.
Heidi
I just checked the link, Jamie, and it's working just fine. I'm sorry you are having trouble. It just worked for me in Chrome. It should open a download of a zip file. Maybe try another browser?
Heidi
Hi, Jamie. I just updated this post with a new file that you should be able to download from any browser. No more zip file. Enjoy!
Chrissi
Very nice idea, I ll use then for our Harry Potter party!
Kaylene Crawley
Thanks for sharing this cheap and fun looking craft idea, I have just printed your 'stencils' off as I am far from artistic and just want to make the evening more interesting.
Heidi
Have fun Kaylene. I hope the ghosts turn out well for you. Happy Halloween!