4 sheets tissue paper per ghost, 50 x 70 cm, in dusty pink or peach
1 cotton wool ball, approx. 3 cm diameter, per ghost
1 bamboo skewer, 30 cm, per ghost
30 cm of narrow ribbon or twine per ghost
Black permanent marker, fine tip
Scissors (adult use)
Step by Step
Stack two sheets of tissue paper and lay them flat. Place the cotton wool ball in the centre of the top sheet, about 8 cm from one short edge.
Gather the tissue paper up and around the ball to form a round head, then hold the gathered neck tightly with one hand. The head should be taut and round, not bunched.
Slide the blunt end of the skewer up into the gathered neck from below, pushing it gently into the cotton wool ball so it sits snug. An adult should do this step if children are under seven, as the skewer tip is sharp at the other end.
Wrap the ribbon or twine around the neck several times and tie it firmly in a bow or double knot. Pull the tissue paper skirt down so it falls evenly around the stick.
Use the black marker to draw two oval eyes on the rounded head. Keep them close together and slightly low on the face for the classic ghost look. If the marker bleeds, let it dry for two minutes before touching.
Fan out the lower layers of tissue paper slightly for volume. The finished ghost should stand freely in a vase or be held by the stick.