DIY Haunted Swinging Ghost — Made From Household Items!

I needed a last-minute but cool idea to fill an empty spot in my Halloween yard, but everything I found online cost a billion dollars. So, I challenged myself to make something spooky, eye-catching, and cheap — using mostly household items and a $6 foam head from the craft store.

The result? A creepy, wind-blown ghost on a swing that looks straight out of a haunted forest!

Supplies

Foam head (craft store)

Acrylic paint

Fake eyelashes

Hot glue gun & glue sticks

Old costume wig

Wood glue

Foam board

Old white sheets or curtains

Rope (Dollar Store craft section)

Wire hangers

Pool noodles (white or light color)

Chicken wire

Air-dry clay

Expanding foam spray

Scrap wood board (about 1x2 size)

Structure to hang from (tree, trellis, or garden arch)

Led Lights

Step 1: Paint and Detail the Head

Start by painting your foam head with acrylic paint. I noticed the lips were a little flat, so I sculpted fuller lips using air-dry clay and glued them in place. Once dry, add some fake eyelashes for a spooky-realistic look.

Add the Wig

Grab an old wig from a past costume. I attached mine using landscape pins and a little hot glue to keep it secure.

Step 2: Build the Swing

Cut a piece of foam board for the swing seat. To give it weight and stability, glue a scrap piece of wood underneath. Attach two lengths of rope to each side of the seat for hanging.

Step 3: Make the Torso

Shape a torso out of leftover chicken wire and reinforce it with expanding foam. Once it’s sturdy, glue or tie it onto the swing.

Add Arms and Legs

Bend wire hangers to form the arms and legs. Wrap each one in pieces of pool noodle to create body shape. (Tip: use white noodles if you’re using sheer fabric so they don’t show through.)

Step 4: Dress the Ghost

Drape old white sheets or curtains over the body. Use hot glue to secure them in flowing layers. Let the fabric hang loose so the wind can bring her to life.

Step 5: Hang and Haunt!

Hang your ghost swing from a garden arch, tree, or trellis. As the wind blows, the ghostly figure gently sways — creating an eerie, ethereal vibe that looks both creepy and magical. Use any led spotlight color for desired effect. Enjoy!