This Pet Ghost is the sweetest and simplest Halloween craft to make with kids. It’s inexpensive, easy to assemble, and most supplies can be found at discount stores like Dollar Tree.
This year I volunteered as room mom for my son’s class and wanted the Halloween party to be extra fun. Pet Ghosts quickly rose to the top of the agenda. The craft is straightforward to prepare, kid-friendly (with adult help for the hot glue), and was a big hit with a class of fourth graders.
Best of all, these little ghosts glow in the dark — a delightful surprise that keeps the fun going beyond the party. The hardest decision is what to name your new pet ghost!
Why You’ll Love This Craft
- Mostly made from budget-friendly supplies available at discount stores.
- Simple to assemble with kids — adults should handle the hot glue.
- Includes tips to make the ghost appear to float in the jar.
Supplies Needed
- Mini candy jars (plastic jars with lids work well).
- Clear jewelry string or fishing line, about 2 inches per ghost.
- Black decorative pebbles or other small filler for the jar bottom.
- Floral moss to create a base and hide glue spots.
- Glow-in-the-dark ghost bead or make a tiny ghost using white beads and small fabric/tissue.
- Mini pumpkin bead or other small Halloween charm.
- Hot glue and glue gun (adults only) or strong glue dots as an alternative.
- Optional extras: glitter, faux leaves, paper flowers, or small craft accents.
Keep the Ghost Floating Straight
To keep the ghost facing forward instead of spinning inside the jar, glue the clear string to the back of the ghost bead where its “spine” would be. Make sure the ghost is oriented toward you as you attach the string, then glue the other end of the string to the center of the jar lid. This holds the ghost in place so it faces forward once the lid is closed.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overfill the jar — the ghost needs space to bob and catch the light.
- If the string is too long, shorten it before gluing to the lid for best placement.
- Customize the inside with additional fillers like pebbles, moss, glitter, small faux foliage, or tiny Halloween accents.
Pet Ghost
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Materials
- 2-inch piece clear string
- 1 ghost bead
- 1 pumpkin bead
- Hot glue
- Black pebbles
- Floral moss
- Glitter (optional)
Instructions
- Cut a 2-inch length of clear string (adjust the length if you prefer the ghost higher or lower in the jar).
- Hot glue one end of the string to the back of the ghost bead (where its “spine” would be). Let the glue cool completely.
- Glue the other end of the string to the center of the jar lid. Allow to set.
- Decorate the inside of the jar: add floral moss, black pebbles, a pumpkin bead, and any extra accents you like.
- Screw the lid onto the jar and enjoy your floating Pet Ghost.
pet ghost
Did you try this project?
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