Description

DIY Popsicle Stick Ghosts – Fun Halloween Craft for Kids — Step-by-step instructions, supply swaps, age-by-age tips,

Ingredients

Materials & Budget Swaps

Core supplies

Popsicle (craft) sticks
White paint (tempera or acrylic)
Glue (school glue, tacky glue, or hot glue for adults)
Black marker or googly eyes
White tissue paper or gauze/cheesecloth
Optional: string or ribbon for hanging; magnets or clothespins for displays

Budget & accessibility swaps

No paint? Use white cardstock or white duct tape to wrap sticks.
No googly eyes? Draw eyes with marker or cut circles from black paper.
Sensitive to scents? Choose low-odor, water-based paints and glues labeled non-toxic.
Younger groups: Glue sticks and peel-and-stick foam shapes keep mess down

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Instructions

1) Build the ghost body
Line up 5–6 popsicle sticks vertically. Glue one stick horizontally across the back (top third) to secure. For extra sturdiness, add a second cross-stick near the bottom. Let set 2–3 minutes.

2) Paint the front
Brush on white paint; one coat usually works. For brighter coverage, add a quick second coat. Let dry (about 5–10 minutes for tempera on wood).

3) Add the face
Draw eyes and a mouth with a black marker or glue on googly eyes. Kids can choose spooky ovals, wavy smiles, or surprised “O” mouths.

4) Create the flowing “tail”
Cut strips of white tissue paper or gauze and glue them along the bottom edge on the back so they dangle. Layer shorter pieces over longer ones for dimension.

5) Display or hang
Leave freestanding against books or pumpkins, or add string to the back to hang on doors, branches, or bulletin boards.