Paper Bag Ghost Craft for Halloween
There’s something charming about Halloween crafts that use the simplest materials. This paper bag ghost craft brings that nostalgic, hands-on fun that both kids and adults can enjoy. It’s a low-cost, easy-to-make decoration that still adds a classic ghostly touch to your home.
With just a few paper bags, some white paint, and imagination, you can create an entire family of floating spirits ready to haunt your mantel, porch, or party table. This craft works for classrooms, Halloween parties, or a cozy autumn afternoon project with the family — no fancy supplies required.
Why You’ll Love This Craft
- Paper bag ghosts are quick to make and don’t need much prep time, which makes them perfect if you’re short on time but still want something handmade for Halloween.
- Great for kids since they can experiment with faces, shapes, and decorating styles — from cute and smiley ghosts to ones with a bit of spooky flair.
- Can hang them up, pop them on sticks to line your walkway, or fill them with treats as party favors.
- Project is forgiving too — even if the paint smudges or the bag crinkles, it only adds to that haunted charm.
Join our crafting community to find more DIYs and upcycled craft ideas. It feels good to repurpose and upcycle!
Materials Needed
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- Brown paper bag (we used an old Amazon shipping bag)
- Paint in white, black, pink
- Paintbrushes
- Mini clay pot
- Wooden dowel
- Hot glue
- Faux flowers, ribbon, or other embellishments
How to Make a Paper Bag Ghost Craft for Halloween
I shared the tutorial for this paper bag ghost on a Facebook Live which you can watch here. All of the step by step instructions can be found in the video.
- Start by painting the entire paper bag white. No need to be perfect, let the bag’s natural color show through.
- Glue the top of the bag together to give it a ghost shape.
- Use black paint to create two big eyes and add a bit of pink for rosy cheeks and a mouth.
- To make the base, paint a clay pot black and let dry.
- Then, hot glue a wooden dowel to the clay pot.
- Place your ghost over the dowel so it stands upright.
- Add extra embellishments, like a bow or flowers.
A Hauntingly Simple Halloween Win
Sometimes the best crafts are the ones that come from everyday items, and this paper bag ghost is proof of that. With just a few supplies and a spark of imagination, you can create decorations that feel festive without being fussy.
Whether you’re crafting with kids or just looking to add a homemade touch to your Halloween setup, these little ghosts will fit right in. Keep a few around to float through your décor — they’ll bring a mix of nostalgia, fun, and Halloween spirit to any space.
More Ghost Crafts
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Paper Bag Ghost Craft for Halloween
Materials
- Brown paper bag
- Paint in white, black, pink
- Paintbrushes
- Mini clay pot
- Wooden dowel
- Hot glue
- Faux flowers ribbon, or other embellishments
Instructions
- Start by painting the entire paper bag white.
- Glue the top of the bag together to give it a ghost shape.
- Use black paint to create two big eyes and add a bit of pink for rosy cheeks and a mouth.
- To make the base, paint a clay pot black and let dry.
- Then, hot glue a wooden dowel to the clay pot.
- Place your ghost over the dowel so it stands upright.
- Add extra embellishments, like a bow or flowers.
