Get ready for an eco-friendly DIY Paper Ghost Halloween Decor that’s as fun as it is super easy!
Today, we’re diving into rolled paper art to create adorable ghost decorations. And here’s the best part – we’ll be using those leftover strips of paper from trimming your sewing patterns!
Not only are we recycling, but we’re also crafting something that will add a spooky charm to your Halloween decor.
I have been obsessed with Ghost Halloween Crafts all this season. I can’t get enough. So, there is no wonder why I came up with this project out of the blue.
You see, I love PDF paper patterns because they’re so convenient, but there’s one little thing I do every time that leaves me with a pile of scraps. Instead of overlapping the pages, I always choose to trim the edges so the patterns line up perfectly, making them super easy to fold and store after I’m done using them.
It’s a habit I just can’t shake.
But, of course, that means I always end up with what feels like a million strips of paper. I know I should probably just toss them, but there’s always this little voice in the back of my head saying, “Surely, there’s something I can do with these!”
The funny thing is, I’ve tried rolled paper art before—way back in my teens. I remember sitting at my desk, rolling strips of paper into little spirals, but I never really did anything fancy with it.
Fast forward to this year, and as I was getting my sewing projects together for Halloween, I looked at the growing pile of pattern paper scraps and thought, “Why not turn these into something spooky and cute?“
And that’s how the idea hit me: ghost decorations made from rolled paper art!
It’s such a fun way to reuse those paper strips and add a little bit of handmade charm to my Halloween decor.
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DIY Paper Ghost Halloween Decor Tutorial
Materials:
- Strips of paper (leftover from trimming your PDF sewing patterns)
- A glue stick or craft glue
- A pencil or thin stick (to help roll the paper)
- Scissors (if you need to trim your strips)
- Black marker or tiny black paper cutouts for the ghost’s eyes and mouth
- String or thread (if you want to hang your ghosts)
1. Prep Your Paper Strips
Start by collecting your leftover strips of paper from trimming your sewing patterns. Of course if you are not into sewing
If they’re too long, cut them down to a manageable length—around 8-10 inches long and about half an inch wide.
This will make the rolling process easier, but feel free to experiment with different sizes if you want your ghosts to vary in shape and style!
2. Roll the Paper
Grab your first strip and start rolling it from one end.
You can use a pencil or thin stick as a guide to keep the roll tight, or just use your fingers if you’re comfortable with that. Roll the paper strip nice and snug until the entire piece is coiled into a tight circle.
Make 3 more of these rolls with black paper.
3. Secure the End
Once your strip is rolled, it’s time to glue it in place! Use a tiny dab of glue stick or craft glue at the end of the strip, press it down, and hold for a few seconds to make sure it’s secure. Now you’ve got your basic rolled paper form!
Repeat this process until you have enough circles to make the ghost size you want to create.
4. Shape Your Ghost
Here comes the fun part!
Make a curved part for the head and elongate it until you form a ghost shape. Place the black pieces of paper for the eyes and mouth.
Stick them onto your ghost’s face to give it that classic spooky look. You can make your ghosts look scared, surprised, or even happy – whatever you feel like!
Use your glue to stick all the paper rolls together in your chosen shape.
5. Add a Hanging Loop (Optional)
If you want to hang your ghosts, cut a small piece of string or thread and glue one end to the top of each ghost.
Let it dry fully, and then you’ll have cute little ghosts you can hang around your house, from mantels, windows, or even branches.
And that’s it!!
Once everything’s dry, your ghosts are ready to be displayed! Whether you choose to hang them or scatter them around your home, these little decorations are the perfect way to bring an eco-friendly and handmade touch to your Halloween decor.
Now you’ve got a whole spooky crew of ghosts that are adorable, easy to make, and repurpose those pesky paper strips.
I’d love to see your ghostly creations come to life! If you make your own rolled paper ghosts, don’t forget to share them on social media and tag me at @MyGoldenThimble.
Let’s spread some spooky, eco-friendly Halloween vibes together! I can’t wait to see how creative you get with your ghosts.
Happy crafting Halloween, my friend!
