Make A Light-up Hanging Ghost From a Paper Lantern

Tools and materials:

• Paper lanterns (white)
• Plastic tablecloth (white, like the ones used for birthday parties)
• Battery-operated LED light
• Ghost eyes and mouth cut-outs (you can make these from black construction paper or any dark material)
• Scissors
• String (for hanging)

1. Assemble the paper lantern

To make your DIY hanging ghost, start by setting up your paper lantern according to its instructions.

Most lanterns come with an internal wire frame to help them keep their shape.

Once assembled, the paper lantern will serve as the hanging ghost’s head.

2. Insert the LED light

Before moving on to the light-up hanging ghost’s outer layer, place a battery-operated LED light inside the paper lantern.

This will give your hanging ghost a glowing effect at night. Make sure the light is small and lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh the lantern down.

3. Prepare the tablecloth

Take the white plastic tablecloth and lay it flat. Using scissors, cut a hole in the center of the tablecloth, large enough to fit over the top of the paper lantern.

The tablecloth will act as the hanging ghost’s flowing body, draping over the lantern to create a spooky, floating look.

4. Drape the tablecloth over the lantern

Once the hole is cut, gently drape the tablecloth over the paper lantern. The lantern should fit through the hole, with the tablecloth flowing down to resemble the ghost's body. Adjust the cloth so it hangs evenly around the lantern.

5. Add the eyes and mouth

Cut out the hanging ghost’s eyes and mouth from black construction paper (or any dark material). You can make them any shape you like — traditional round eyes and an oval mouth work well.

Use tape or glue to attach the eyes and mouth to the front of the lantern, giving your spooky but cute hanging ghost a face.

6. Hang your ghost

Onto the last step of this DIY hanging ghost decoration! Use string to hang the ghost from a tree, porch, or anywhere outdoors.

Tie the string securely to the top of the lantern frame and hang the ghost at the desired height. Once hung, the hanging ghost will sway in the breeze, creating an eerie, floating effect.