Tutorial for Halloween ghosts made from gourds. Super quick and easy fall craft idea, including step by step instructions.
I wanted something Halloween-ish yet not too scary for my back porch this year, so I decided to make some spooky Halloween ghosts made from gourds.
And since they’re not THAT spooky, they’d make a fun craft to include the kids on. (Just bring the kids in on the last part of the tutorial though, the cleaning part is not super duper kid-friendly as you’ll see in my instructions).
How To Make Halloween Ghosts Made From Gourds
Supplies:
- Dried Gourds
- White Spray Paint
- Black Craft paint
- Small Craft Paintbrush
- Cheesecloth
Instructions:
How To Clean Gourds –
- If your gourds have not been previously cleaned when you buy them they will have dirty, moldy, crusty stuff on the skin. If your gourds are cleaned for you already, skip down to the To Make Ghosts steps.
- To remove the crust, soak your gourds for two hours in a bucket of water with a splash of dish detergent and a dash of bleach. This will soften the crusty exterior and keep the mold and dirt from becoming airborne.*
- After soaking, you should be able to remove the outer crust with a kitchen scrub pad. Throw the scrub pad away when you are done with this step, because it’s going to be nasty.
- Allow the gourds to air dry.
How To Make Ghosts From Gourds –
- Spray paint the gourds white. I hang mine from tree branches with twine to make it easier to spray the whole gourd at one time.
- After the spray paint has dried thoroughly, paint the faces on with black craft paint. Get creative with your faces.
- Cut a length of cheesecloth and place over the top and your “ghost” is complete.
*It is recommended to use a respirator over your mouth and nose so as to limit your exposure to the mold. I personally have not used one, but I’m not always the sharpest tool in the pumpkin shed. If you want to include the kids in on the fun, I would definitely leave that step to the grownups though and maybe have them start off with the already spray painted gourds.
Here’s a couple of the faces I created.
A few years ago, I made some smaller gourd ghosts using Chinese bottle gourds. I think the little guys look a little more like the real thing???
Because if there is one thing I’m an expert on, it’s ghosts.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy here.)
Where To Buy Gourds
I’ve had people ask where they can find dried gourds online. I normally buy mine at a local farm market, but I have seen quite a few for sale on Etsy. For instance Front Porch Gourds has a very nice selection of them (I’ve never personally bought from them, but they do have a five star rating on etsy).
Types Of Gourds To Use For Your Painted Gourds
- Chinese bottle gourds (the small guys)
- Martin gourds (the larger round-ish ones)
- Long handled dipper gourds (the tall, thin scary dudes)
Marissa
Oh my goodness what a great idea! They look like they are floating with the cheesecloth! I’ll have to try it. Thanks for sharing.
marty (A Stroll Thru Life)
Oh how cute is this. I love them. Such a clever idea. I would love for you to link up to my ongoing Inspire Me party. http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/10/187th-inspire-me-tuesday.html This is definitely inspiring. Hugs, Marty
Kerin
Great ghosts!
I like the little guys too.
Looks like you’ve got some pretty cute decorations around your place ๐
Maureen
Oh how cute….in a spooky way of course! I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and realized how rude I’ve been never leaving a comment. Sorry about that. I really enjoy your sense of humor your creativity and you outlook on things. Thanks for brightening up my day!
Joanne Noragon
I like both of your ghosts. They don’t all look alike, you know.
We have ghosts in and out of our house. They just want to know what’s going on, and occasionally borrow the cheese cutter.
Jillybarb
I love these guys. The cheese cloth is the perfect touch!
Dawn@ We Call It Junkin.com
These are what we call “stinkin’ cute”. Now I have to go buy gourds. We lived in a haunted house when I was in middle school. Nothing awful, we just heard her walking around. We always called her “Aunt Jane”, which is weird, because I never had an Aunt Jane.
Diane
I really like your idea of making ghosts from gourds. What a cute and original idea!
Musings from Kim K.
How fun are they! I think your ghosts need to come visit my ghosts.
TracyMB @ Crows Feet Chic
Oh I love these guys! Big ones and the little ones… and the real ones! But that is probably only b/c I haven’t lived with any real ones. Love my ghost shows on TV. I’ll take livin’ with those teeny barn dwellers any day. ๐
NanaDiana
When I have time I will write and tell you about our experiences….I just don’t want to do it here and have people think I am even crazier than they already think I am- lol
LOVE your cute little ghosts. xo Diana
TARYTERRE
LOVE the ghosts. Creative idea, for sure. My grandma, may she rest in peace… roams the halls of her old home.
Vickie @ Ranger 911
Oh, yes, we’ve got ghosts ‘a plenty at 911! Some say it’s just the noise our steam heating system makes, but I know it’s ghosts.
I like your little guys, too. They look right at home in the barn. Do they boo or moo?
Melinda
Both sets are cute.
No to the Haunted House.
M ๐
Shabby chic Sandy
You win the prize for cutest ghosts! (have no idea what the prize is though) I have never lived in a haunted house–though the paranormal interests and scares me. I am guessing I am not a sensitive though I have always wondered if Gage is (my son).I always make sure I don’t “get a bad feeling” when I am buying something from a thrift store. I only want to bring home good energy!
Laurel@ChippingwithCharm
Cute, cute, cute…my kids will LOVE these ๐
Sherry@Back2Vintage
I prefer friendly ghosts….like Casper….so I really like the last ghost you pictured!!!
ImSoVintage Laura Walker
My grandparents house was haunted. Love your adorable ghosts. xo Laura
Debra Oliver
so darn cute, love the cheesecloth for extra spookiness!!
Canary Street Crafts
These are the cutest ghosts I’ve ever seen! Love them!! -Amy
Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads
Pam, your gourd ghosts are just the cutest things! I may have to conjure up some of my own!
Laura Kuhlmann
These are fantastic!!!
Jodee Weiland
I am so into Halloween décor…love to make it fun for the neighborhood children! This such a great idea…looks wonderful, too! Thanks for sharing!
Marilyn Clark
These are so cute! Very clever! Stumbled!
Vanessa
These are so cool looking. I love it.
Sharron Perkey Freeman
These are adorable!! However growing your own gourds is easy peasy and therapeutic too! They only need some wire or something to vine up. Tons of sunshine and water and done!!
Linda at Mixed Kreations
These are super cute, and would be so easy! I use to grow my own gourds! Looks like I should start growing them again. LOL