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Hanging Plaster Ghost

  • Grades 4-5
  • Young Adult
  • Grades 1-3

Use Plaster Rigid Wrap cloth to create a hanging ghost for your Halloween decoration.

Materials

  • Paint Brushes Triangle Handle
  • Hemp Cord
  • Acrylic Paint Jars Primary
  • Balloon
  • Water
  • Bowl
  • Paper Cup
  • Craft Glue
  • Scissors

Instructions

Step 1. Gather your supplies.

 

 

Step 2.

 

Place a balloon on a paper cup to hold while crafting. Tip: We cut out the bottom of the cup so the knot of the balloon would sit inside.

 

Step 3.

 

Dip pieces of Plaster Rigid Wrap Cloth in water and drape long pieces over the balloon. Continue draping pieces until you cover the entire balloon. Allow plaster to dry overnight. For more instructions on using Plaster Rigid Wrap Cloth click here.

 

Step 4.

 

Use Acrylic Paint to create eyes and a mouth on your ghost.

 

Step 5.

 

Ask an adult to use scissors to pop the balloon and to poke a hole at the top of the plaster ghost to allow for hanging.

 

Step 6.

 

Insert a piece of Hemp Cord and form a knot inside. Thread Glow in the Dark Pony Beads onto the cord.

 

Step 7.

 

Glue on (2) Wiggly Eyes. Once dry, your plaster ghost can be hung to decorate your home for the spooky holiday!

 

 


Teacher's Corner

BOO it yourself — create your own floating ghosts while learning about the benefits and history of papier-mâché! 

Lesson Objectives

  • Stuck On Boo: Papier-mâché is a popular art form that introduces students to the basics of sculpting. Urge your students to embrace creative expression while creating their ghosts — give them the freedom to paint whatever features they’d like! Then, have them explain why they chose to include certain designs to spark a conversation about what inspires them.
  • Thrills & Chills of Recycling: What eco-friendly materials can you use to create these Halloween masterpieces? Encourage your students to brainstorm and discuss the benefits of reducing, reusing, and recycling in the classroom. Then, use the leftover materials from this ghost craft to create even more sculpted art!       

Follow-up Discussion

As a class, explore the history of papier-mâché and how it was used around the world — going as far back as ancient China, where this type of molding was used for handiwork as well as art! What kind of historical objects would your students like to create out of papier-mâché?