Animated Flying Skeleton Ghosts

My husband and I wanted to create a unique animated Halloween decoration for kids to enjoy as they came to our house for Halloween. After finding some items throughout our house and a trip to the dollar store and hardware store, we had all of the supplies we needed. But would it really work? We didn’t have that answer until it was completed. Follow along with this Instructable to see how we made it! We found it so fun to make together!

Supplies

black spray paint

spray starch

pumpkin stake solar light

sticky back hooks

PVC pipe extension

3 pieces cheesecloth

scissors

pencil

tape measure

clear string

3 plastic skeletons

small fan

electric saw

PVC pipe

strong wire

Christmas tree stand

small plastic cover

plastic bag

metal yard clips

hammer

black cloth

outdoor flood light

extension cord

Step 1: Hang the Pipe

Push the wire through the PVC pipe and hang the pipe.

Step 2: Paint It

Shake the can of black spray paint. Spray the entire pipe, turning as necessary to cover.

Step 3: Measure It

Measure how high you would like the pipe to be. Draw the line on the pipe where it is to be cut.

Step 4: Cut It

Using the electric saw, cut the pipe along the drawn line. Save the short piece for another use, if desired.

Step 5: String the Skeletons

Tie 2 foot clear strings onto the head of each skeleton.

Step 6: Saw the Pumpkin

Remove the solar pumpkin from the top of the stake. Using the electric saw, cut the bottom of the pumpkin off so it has a flat base.

Step 7: Add to the Pipe

Push the cord of the fan through the pipe so it comes out of the bottom of the pipe. Tighten the pins of the stand, making sure that the pipe is straight. To the top of the pipe, push on and attach the pipe extender. Using double stick tape, add the flat round plastic top to the top of the fan. You can set the solar pumpkin on top to see how it will look but don't attach it yet.

Step 8: Add Clips to the Fan

Remove the paper from the sticky part of 3 clips. Press each onto a fan blade.

Step 9: Add the 3 Skeletons

Tie each string of the skeletons onto the fan clips.

Step 10: Add Cheesecloth

Drape a piece of cheesecloth over the shoulders of each skeleton.

Step 11: Tie Together

Using 12 inch pieces of string, tie the feet of one skeleton to the head of the skeleton that is behind it.

Step 12: Use Spray Starch

Using spray starch, spray the cheesecloth to make the cheesecloth stiff. Allow to dry.

Step 13: Cover Them

Gently cover the skeletons with a plastic bag.

Step 14: Now Spray

Use the black spray paint to paint the pipe extender, fan with hooks, and the flat plastic top. Allow to dry. Cut a 1 1/2-inch piece of double stick tape and center it on the top. Place the solar pumpkin onto the tape.

Step 15: Ready to Plug In

Plug the fan cord into the extension cord.

Step 16: Cover the Stand

Cover the tree stand with the black table cloth.

Step 17: Add a Spot Light

Plug in a spotlight to accent the flying skeleton ghosts.

Step 18: It Works!!!

We were so happy that our work paid off! My husband found some creepy music and played it from his phone.

Step 19: Everyone Loved It!

The kids in their costumes and their parents all enjoyed seeing our flying ghosts in our yard on Halloween night. Some kids stopped and stared. Adults took pictures!! It was a very fun Halloween!!!