Halloween Ghost String Lights DIY

Growing up we had a set of halloween ghost lights that my mom strung along our front porch. They were a great addition and added some much needed light outside, plus they were cheerful and family-friendly. The first year my husband and I lived in our home we hung up these ghost lights in our very dark living room and loved the ambiance they added to our party. But, I (regretfully!) donated them a two years ago in a big basement purge. So to bring back the spark I decided to recreate them with some items I had laying around the house.

I also made a TikTok of this entire process, be sure to check that out here!

The quantity you’ll need depends on how much you want to make, of course. I put a ghost on every other socket on the strand, creating a total of 10 ghosts.

You’ll need:

• G40 string lights

• big white or transparent fabric

• fabric scissors

• clear plastic cups

• a cutting tool, like an x-acto knife or larger

• black acrylic paint

• a small rounded paintbrush

Steps:

Preparation-

1. Cut the fabric into large squares. I used an old set of sheer curtains, with each piece folded over to create a double layer.

2. Cut a hole in the center of each square, large enough for the socket to go through.

3. Cut an X in the bottom of each clear plastic cup. I used a razor blade cutting tool, but an x-acto knife would work depending on the thickness of the cup.

Assembly-

4. Taking a square of fabric, push the socket through the hole.

5. Taking a cup, open the X with your thumbs to help the socket go through.

6. Push a socket through each cup. In terms of spacing, I put a cup on every other socket on the strand.

7. Screw in the lightbulb.

8. Even out the fabric so that it hangs as you’d like.

Decoration-

9. Use the black acrylic paint to apply eyes (and even a mouth!) to your ghosts. It might take a couple of layers of paint to achieve the opaqueness you desire.

And that’s it! Now your string lights are ready to hang! I would recommend using them indoors depending on the fabric that you chose. You could certainly use a sturdier fabric to withstand any October weather. These were perfect for over an entryway in my living room. Enjoy and happy Halloween!