black and white halloween

30+ CREATIVE AND SPOOKY DIY GHOST CRAFT IDEAS

As autumn’s chill fills the air and Halloween draws near, it’s the perfect time to dive into some spooky DIY ghost crafts! Whether you’re sprucing up your home with festive decor or wowing guests at your Halloween party, these charming ghostly creations are sure to impress. From whimsical rope ghosts to upcycled milk jug lanterns, these ideas will add a touch of boo-tiful magic to your Halloween celebrations.

Milk Jug Halloween Lanterns

Turn old milk jugs into charming Halloween lanterns with this simple and eco-friendly craft! These lanterns are perfect for lighting up your home or yard with spooky, creative flair.

SUPPLIES

  • Empty milk jugs (rinsed and dried)
  • Permanent markers (e.g., Sharpies)
  • Battery-operated fairy lights (mini size)
  • Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Prepare the Milk Jugs: Thoroughly clean the milk jugs and let them dry completely.
  • Create an Opening: Use scissors to cut a hole in the back of each jug. The size and shape of the hole can vary depending on the type of fairy lights you’re using.
  • Add Ghostly Faces: Use permanent markers to draw spooky or funny faces on the front of the jugs. Let your creativity shine by creating unique expressions for each lantern.
  • Insert the Lights: Thread the battery-operated fairy lights through the hole in the back of each jug, arranging them inside for an even glow.
  • Display Your Lanterns: Turn on the lights, and place the lanterns along walkways, on porches, or as indoor decorations to brighten up your Halloween setup.

    These upcycled milk jug lanterns are a fun, sustainable way to add some ghostly charm to your Halloween festivities!

    Tomato Cage Ghosts

    These DIY tomato cage ghosts are an easy and creative way to bring a spooky glow to your porch. Perfect for Halloween, they’re a fun project that transforms ordinary gardening supplies into ghostly decorations!

    SUPPLIES

    • Tomato cage
    • White sheet
    • Fairy lights or Christmas lights
    • Styrofoam ball or plastic pumpkin pail (for the ghost’s head)
    • Black paper (for eyes and mouth)
    • Hot glue gun
    • Tape or clips

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Assemble the Base: Place a styrofoam ball or plastic pumpkin pail on top of the tomato cage to form the ghost’s head. Secure it with tape if needed.
    • Add Lights: Attach fairy lights or Christmas lights to the tomato cage with tape or twist ties. Wrap the lights around the cage for an even glow.
    • Drape the Sheet: Cover the cage and head with a white sheet, ensuring it drapes evenly around the base. Trim off any excess fabric for a neat look.

    Secure the sheet at the back with a clip or by tying it snugly to hold it in place.

    • Create the Ghost Face: Cut out ovals and other shapes from black paper to make the ghost’s eyes and mouth.

    Attach the face pieces to the sheet with hot glue.

    • Display Your Ghost: Turn on the lights and place your ghost on the porch for a glowing, spooky decoration that’s sure to impress trick-or-treaters and guests alike.

      For added fun, make a group of these ghosts to haunt your porch in style!

      Ghost Lollipops

      These cute and spooky ghost lollipops are a perfect treat for kids, a charming table decoration, or a delightful Halloween favor for trick-or-treaters.

      SUPPLIES

      • Lollipops
      • White tissue paper sheets
      • Halloween-themed ribbon
      • Black marker
      • Scissors

      INSTRUCTIONS

      1. Prepare the Tissue Paper:
        Cut a long sheet of tissue paper in half, then fold it repeatedly until it forms a small square.
      2. Create the Ghost Shape:
        Place the tissue paper over a lollipop, centering it to form the ghost’s head. Pinch the tissue tightly around the top of the lollipop.
      3. Tie the Ribbon:
        Secure the tissue paper below the lollipop head with a Halloween ribbon. Tie it snugly to hold the ghost shape in place.
      4. Add the Face:
        Using a black marker, draw two circles for eyes and one for the mouth on the tissue paper to give your ghost a spooky expression.

      These ghost lollipops are quick, easy, and guaranteed to add some hauntingly sweet charm to your Halloween!

      Rope Ghost

      Create this charming rope ghost to bring a spooky yet stylish touch to your Halloween decor. Perfect for hanging on walls or doors, you can even craft a whole ghostly family for a cohesive look!

      SUPPLIES

      • 10mm rope (Dollar Tree or similar)
      • Glue gun
      • Cardboard (for shaping the ghost head)
      • Black fabric or felt (for eyes and mouth)
      • Scissors

      INSTRUCTIONS

      • Make the Ghost Head Base:

        Draw a circle on a piece of cardboard and cut it in half to create two half-circles.

        Glue the two halves together to make a sturdy base. Trim any uneven edges.

        • Attach the First Layer of Rope:

          Lay a piece of rope along the edges of the half-circle and glue it securely in place.

          • Add Rope Layers:

            Loop additional pieces of rope from the top edge to the bottom, cutting each to size.

            Continue layering and gluing the rope until the cardboard is fully covered.

            • Finish the Base:

              Glue down the middle section of the ropes to hide any visible cardboard.

              • Add Fringe:

                Untangle the ends of the rope along the edges to create a soft, fringed look.

                • Create the Ghost Face:

                  Cut out small oval shapes for the eyes and a larger, roundish shape for the mouth from black fabric or felt.

                  Glue them onto the front of the ghost to complete the spooky expression.

                  Your rope ghost is now ready to haunt your home! Hang it on your wall or door, or craft a few more to create a ghostly gallery.

                  Milk jug ghost faces

                  Ghost Out of Logs

                  Milk ghosts

                  Tomato Cage Ghosts

                  ghost milk bottles

                  Wooden Ghosts

                  Drape tulle to make a hauntingly good ghost display for your porch

                  Cotton wool ghost

                  ghost faces on single-serve vanilla puddings

                  Cheese ghosts

                  Turn wood blocks into ghosts

                  Jars transformed into Halloween Ghosts using gauze and googly eyes

                  The Boo’s Brothers! Halloween Ghosts

                  ghost water bottles

                  Ghost pretzels

                  barnwood ghosts!

                  Turn a sheet into a ghost

                  Nutter butter ghosts and witches hats

                  Ghost, Frankenstein, Jack-o-lantern made from recycled fence post.

                  Gnome ghost

                  Tomato Cage Ghost Crafts

                  CONCLUSION

                  These DIY ghost crafts are not only fun to make but also a great way to add a spooky and personal touch to your Halloween decorations. From upcycled lanterns to glowing porch ghosts, these creative projects bring charm and festive vibes to your celebrations. Whether you’re crafting with kids or adding a unique flair to your home, these ideas are sure to inspire. So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and let the Halloween spirit take over!

                  SPOOKY BLACK VELVET HALLOWEEN CAKE

                  Black Velvet Halloween Cake is a decadent, two-layer chocolate cake with a soft, velvety crumb. It’s filled with a luscious blackberry compote and smothered in rich black cocoa buttercream. Topped with fresh blackberries and chocolate skulls, this indulgent dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and sinister, making it a showstopping treat for Halloween.

                  WHAT IS BLACK VELVET CAKE?

                  Black Velvet Cake is a rich, moist dessert that’s similar to the classic red velvet cake, but with a striking dark color. The deep hue comes from using black cocoa powder, which also imparts a unique, slightly smoky flavor. The cake is tender and a bit tangy, thanks to the buttermilk, while its chocolatey richness makes it a standout choice for special occasions like weddings, Halloween, or any event where you want to wow your guests.

                  WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

                  • Incredibly Moist: This cake is irresistibly soft and tender, practically melting in your mouth with every bite.
                  • Bold Chocolate Flavor: Unlike traditional chocolate cakes, the black cocoa powder gives this cake a distinct flavor reminiscent of Oreo cookies, adding an extra layer of richness.
                  • Perfect for Halloween: With its dark tones and spooky chocolate skulls, this cake is ideal for your Halloween celebrations or any event that calls for a dramatic dessert.
                  • Easy to Make: Despite its striking appearance, this recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills—just the addition of black cocoa powder for that signature color and flavor.

                  INGREDIENTS

                  For the Black Velvet Cake

                  • 2 cups white granulated sugar
                  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
                  • ¾ cup black cocoa powder (sifted)
                  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
                  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
                  • 1 teaspoon salt
                  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
                  • 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
                  • 1 cup hot coffee
                  • ½ cup canola oil
                  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

                  For the Blackberry Compote Filling

                  • 2 cups fresh blackberries
                  • 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
                  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
                  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
                  • 1 cinnamon stick
                  • ¼ cup water
                  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

                  For the Black Cocoa Frosting

                  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
                  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
                  • 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
                  • 1 cup black cocoa powder (sifted)
                  • ¼ teaspoon salt
                  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

                  For Decoration

                  • Chocolate skulls
                  • Fresh blackberries
                  • Dried rose petals

                  INSTRUCTIONS

                  For the Black Velvet Cake

                  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray two 8-inch cake pans with nonstick spray and line the bottoms and sides with parchment paper.
                  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, black cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
                  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
                  • Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until fully combined. Gradually mix in the hot coffee until smooth.
                  • Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
                  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

                  For the Blackberry Compote Filling

                  • In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
                  • In a small bowl, whisk the water and cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture into the berries. Continue cooking until the compote thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
                  • Remove the cinnamon stick and transfer the compote to a small bowl. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow it to cool.

                  For the Black Cocoa Frosting

                  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
                  • Sift the powdered sugar, black cocoa powder, and salt, then gradually add them to the cream cheese and butter mixture. Beat with a hand mixer until fully combined and smooth.
                  • Add the vanilla extract and mix again until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.

                  Assembly

                  • Once the cakes have completely cooled, use a cake leveler or serrated knife to trim any domed tops for a flat, even surface.
                  • Place a small amount of frosting on the center of your cake plate to help the cake stay in place.
                  • Place the first cake layer on the plate. Pipe a ring of frosting around the outer edge to create a “dam” to keep the blackberry compote filling from spilling out. Spread an even layer of the chilled blackberry compote inside the dam.
                  • Place the second layer of cake on top, with the bottom side facing up to create a flat surface for frosting.
                  • Apply a thin layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake to crumb-coat it. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
                  • After the crumb coat has set, apply the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out for a clean finish.
                  • Decorate with chocolate skulls, fresh blackberries, and crushed dried rose petals for a spooky, elegant touch.

                  Enjoy your indulgent and dramatic Black Velvet Halloween Cake!