9. Ghostly Cheesecloth Spirits
Create ethereal, floating figures that look incredibly spooky yet elegant with cheesecloth and fabric stiffener. These ghostly figures are perfect for displaying on a mantel, under glass cloches, or hanging in doorways. To start, create a mold for your ghost. You can use a small balloon, a plastic foam ball, or a lightbulb placed on top of a plastic bottle to establish the head and body shape. Wire can be attached to create outstretched arms.
Cut pieces of cheesecloth into draped layers. Submerge the cheesecloth in a mixture of fabric stiffener (or white school glue diluted with a little water) until it is completely saturated. Drape the wet cheesecloth over your mold, layering it to create a shredded, ethereal look at the bottom. Once completely dry and hardened, carefully pop the balloon or remove the mold from the inside. You will be left with a self-standing, translucent, three-dimensional ghost. Place a battery-operated tea light underneath to make it glow from within.