Cottagecore Whimsy Ghost Decoration

Cottagecore Whimsy Ghost Decoration

A little lace, a little black, and a little magic. 🖤

This sweet little ghost is made from simple Styrofoam shapes and dressed in layers of black fabric and ivory lace. Tiny pearl necklaces, black bows, and soft vintage-inspired details give her a charming, old-fashioned personality rather than a traditional spooky-Halloween look.

What You'll Need

• 1 Styrofoam ball for the head

• 1 Styrofoam cylinder for the body

• Black fabric for the underlayer

• Ivory lace fabric for the outer layer

• Black cardstock for the eyes

• Tiny pearl necklace or small strand of faux pearls

• Small piece of black cloth or ribbon for the bow

• Hot glue gun and glue

• Scissors

• Optional: dried flowers, tiny charms, antique buttons, ribbon, or miniature embellishments

Instructions

1. Create the body

Place the Styrofoam cylinder upright on your work surface. Apply a small amount of hot glue to the top and carefully attach the Styrofoam ball.

Allow the glue to cool completely before continuing.

2. Add the black underdress

Cut a piece of black fabric large enough to drape over the cylinder and extend beyond the bottom.

Wrap or drape the fabric around the Styrofoam body, securing it near the top with small amounts of hot glue. Don't worry about making it perfectly smooth—the soft folds will add to the ghost's charm.

3. Add the ivory lace

Cut a larger piece of ivory lace so it completely covers the black fabric while still allowing the black layer to peek out underneath.

Drape the lace over the ghost's body. Arrange the folds so the lace hangs naturally around her.

Secure the lace around the neck area with a little hot glue. Leave the bottom loose so the scalloped lace edge can hang freely.

4. Create her face

Cut two simple oval or slightly elongated eye shapes from black cardstock.

For a sweeter, whimsical expression, make the eyes slightly larger and rounded. Glue them onto the Styrofoam ball.

5. Add her pearl necklace

Wrap a tiny faux-pearl necklace around the ghost's neck.

A small dab of glue at the back can hold it securely in place. You can also use a short strand of individual pearl beads if you don't have a miniature necklace.

6. Make her little black bow

Cut a small strip of black cloth or ribbon and form it into a tiny bow.

Secure the center with glue, thread, or a tiny piece of wire. Glue the finished bow onto the top of her head.

7. Add the finishing touches

This is where you can really make your ghost your own.

Try adding:

• A tiny vintage charm

• A miniature dried flower

• A little ribbon

• An antique-style button

• A tiny pearl accent

• A small sprig of faux greenery

Display Ideas

Place your little ghost:

• On a mantel surrounded by candles

• On a vintage bookshelf

• Beside old books and dried flowers

• Under a glass cloche

• On a fall decorating vignette

• Among pumpkins and autumn foliage

• On a tea table or dessert table

• In a collection of several ghosts in different sizes

For an especially Life, by Donna look, pair her with aged books, lace, brass candlesticks, dried botanicals, muted autumn flowers, and warm candlelight.

TIP: If you can't find round Styrofoam cylinders, you can use a Styrofoam cone shape and cut the upper top off so the Styrofoam ball can steadily sit on it as the head.

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