As Halloween approaches, many people look for creative yet budget-friendly decor ideas for their home or yard. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through how to make glowing ghosts using pool noodles and fabric — a simple project that’s beginner-friendly and works great as an outdoor porch display.
Materials You’ll Need
- Orange pool noodles
- Black electrical tape
- Sheer white fabric or lightweight curtain material
- Warm white LED fairy lights
- Plastic wrap
- Small black circles (for the ghost’s eyes)
- Black lace-up boots (to anchor the ghost’s base)
- A small witch hat for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Start by laying out your materials — the orange pool noodles, white fabric, string lights, and plastic wrap — along with decorative extras like the witch hat and pumpkins to set the scene.
Step 2: Build the Legs
Cut a pool noodle in half to form the ghost’s “legs.” Wrap black tape around each piece in evenly spaced bands to mimic a striped stocking look, then insert each leg into a black boot to create a sturdy, realistic base.
Step 3: Add the Lights and Fabric
Wrap LED string lights around a central support (a pole or extra noodle works well) to form the ghost’s frame. Drape the sheer white fabric over the entire structure so it falls naturally, letting the lights glow softly through it.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Add the small black circles near the top to give the ghost its eyes. For extra charm, top one ghost with a witch hat decorated with autumn flowers. Repeat the process to build a whole “family” of ghosts in different heights for a striking porch display.
Extra Tips
- Vary the noodle lengths to create ghosts of different sizes for a more dynamic group.
- Battery-powered LED lights make outdoor setup much easier.
- Swap the sheer fabric for cheesecloth if you want a spookier, more textured look.
Conclusion
This project is a perfect low-cost way to decorate your porch or entryway for Halloween, using easy-to-find materials — and it can be put together in under an hour.
