I’m not usually one for cutesy Halloween decorations, but there’s just something about these floral clay ghosts that won my English-cottage-loving heart over! This easy Halloween craft uses air-dry clay and floral disposable napkins, making it incredibly affordable and really fun to make! If Halloween and an English cottage had a baby, this would be it!

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Can I Just make white Ghosts with This Tutorial?

Even if floral isn’t your style, this tutorial is perfect for creating traditional white ghosts too! Just skip the floral napkin step for classic, spooky ghosts. The simplicity of the clay and the glowing light still make a stunning, haunting effect.

Can I use this Technique on Other Items?

Absolutely! Applying napkin designs with Mod Podge is an easy and affordable way to transform a variety of items. You can use this technique on everything from candles to pottery and books. Pair these ghosts with my Floral Pumpkins or even my Patterned Candles, both of which use this same method!

Using Thrifted Decor

Sourcing home decor at thrift stores is a great way to make affordable decorations for any holiday or season. Look for glass vases, ceramic vessels, figurines, or candles that can be given a Halloween twist!

How To Make Air Dry Clay Ghosts

Materials

FOR THE GHOSTS

• air dry clay
• rolling pin
• parchment paper
• small jars such as empty spice jars
• ping pong ball or tin foil rolled up into a ball
• plastic wrap
• knife
• small bowl of water
• straw or chop stick
• battery tea lights

TO ADD FLORALS

• floral napkins or any design of your choosing
• scissors
• mod podge – I used matte
• paint brush

How to Make it

1. Make a Circle

Over parchment paper, roll out a small ball of clay into a thin round circle. For a standard-sized spice jar, your circle should be about 8 inches in diameter.

2. Cut The Edges

Use a knife to trim off any rough edges. It doesn’t have to be a perfect circle, but ensure that all edges are smooth.

3. Make Your Form

Place the ping pong ball on top of your unlidded jar and cover the whole thing with plastic wrap. This will prevent the clay from sticking.

4. Form Your Ghost

Drape the clay over the top of your form and begin to smooth it out. Gently push the clay against the mold while pulling it downward to create the flowing drapery look. Don’t be afraid to adjust the clay to get the drapery effect you want!

5. Smooth

Dip your finger in water and smooth out any cracks or imperfections on the surface and edges of your ghost.

6. Make The Face

Use a straw or chopstick to make holes for the eyes and mouth.

7. Dry

Allow the clay to dry for at least 24 hours. The ghost will be ready when the clay is completely firm and white.

Optional Steps

If you’d like to stop here for a classic looking ghost that’s fine! The clay will dry to a soft white. If you’d like a bright white ghost feel free to paint them with white acrylic paint. You can also add a clear coat protective spray in the finish you desire.

To Add Flowers To Your Ghosts

1. Prepare Your Napkin

Separate your napkin into layers so only the patterned layer remains. Cut out your floral designs into small pieces, removing excess paper around the edges.

2. Apply Your Design

Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto a section of the ghost. Place a flower on that area and brush another thin layer over the top. Work gently, as the napkin can tear or shift. Continue until your ghost is decorated as much as you’d like.

3. Seal

Once all flowers are applied, paint the entire ghost with a final layer of Mod Podge to seal the design. Let the glue dry completely before displaying.

Styling Ideas

Add a battery operated tea light under each ghost to illuminate their eyes and mouth! While it’s completely fine to just make one of these cuties, you might have a hard time stopping at just one. I’m completely addicted to this craft! An entire army of ghosts would make an awesome scene on a console table or part of a centerpiece!

I also added a ghost inside a thrifted cloche along with Spanish moss and a puck light, which gave the ghost some height in the cloche. For more ideas on how to style a cloche for Halloween, don’t miss THIS POST!

Halloween Inspiration From The Archives

Floral Pumpkin Arrangement (seen above!)
DIY Cauldron
Styling a Spooky Soiree
Skull Garland
Bat Wreath

Pretty Paper Napkins

Here are some of my favorite patterns to make the most BOO-tiful ghosts! Tap on the image to shop!

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xoxo, L