How to Make a Floating Ghost with a Metal Candlestick

How to Make a Floating Ghost with a Metal Candlestick

After last Halloween when I created this fun candy holder, I was determined to create another project for a Halloween ghost decoration. I wanted it to appear to be a floating ghost that could sit on a tabletop. So, the first order of business was to find some metal candlesticks at a thrift store.

Metal candlesticks at a thrift store

And here’s the candy bowl holder that I mentioned earlier

Halloween trick or treat ideas with a candy bowl holder

But, back to the current ghost project at hand. I see these types of candlesticks all the time when I’m thrifting. So, they seemed like the perfect thing to repurpose and upcycle in a surprising new way!

Upcycling idea for brass or metal candlesticks

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Ghost Decorations for Halloween

First, I spray painted the metal candlesticks white. I suppose this was an optional step, but I wanted to make sure that they wouldn’t be visible later on.

Spray painting the metal candlesticks with white primer

After the paint had dried, I used my hot glue gun to attach different sized foam balls to the tops of the candlesticks.

I used the largest styrofoam ball for the tallest brass candlestick, and so forth.

Styrofoam ball on a metal candlestick to make a floating ghost

Now it was time to turn them into floating ghosts!

I searched the thrift store linen sections for the right fabric, but came up short. So, I resorted to hunting the remnants section of my local Joann Fabrics. I needed fabric that was heavy enough to drape well.

BUT, had I found an old white tablecloth at the thrift, that probably would have worked just fine!

Ghost crafts with brass candlesticks and white fabric

Next, I draped a section of fabric over my “ghost mannequin”, ensuring that fabric pooled on the ground all the way around.

Measuring the fabric for a floating ghost

Then, I carefully trimmed the fabric so that it just skimmed the ground. I also made sure it adequately concealed the base of the metal candlestick.

Halloween ghost decor with styrofoam balls and brass candlesticks

To secure the fabric in place, I used a simple straight pin (the kind with a flat head). I then dabbed a touch of white paint to it so that it blended in with the white fabric.

It was another optional step, but it just helped to hide it a bit more.

Using a pin to keep the fabric in place on a floating ghost

Almost done!! Now I just needed to add a face to each floating ghost with an old favorite craft supply: peel-and-stick black felt.

How to Make a Floating Ghost with a Metal Candlestick

I cut out ovals and circles from the adhesive felt and simply stuck them on my floating ghosts. I mean, honestly, does it get any simpler than that?

Ghost decorations with adhesive felt and metal candlesticks

And that was it! My Halloween ghosts was ready to be placed around the house. Aren’t they cute? And so easy to make.

Halloween ghost decorations that seem to float

The metal candlesticks were the perfect thing to upcycle for these ghost decorations.

I love that it really does look like they’re floating. And there’s no need to hang them from anything, either.

If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for Halloween decor, then you’ll love these faux rust jack-o-lanterns, too!

Plastic pumpkins as primitive Halloween decor with rust effect paint

And for a more magical change of pace, check out these Halloween spell books made from a thrift store staple!

Making a Halloween Spell Book from an Old Yearbook

Craft on!

S

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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.

Comments

  1. Boo-tiful! (Couldn’t resist.) 🙂

  2. Julia - Vintage with Laces says

    What a great way to upcycle those brass candle sticks. Your ghosts are so cute and such an adorable Halloween décor, Sarah!

  3. Dear Sadie, I’m retired so have time to ‘surf’ craft and recycled craft sites. I think your’s is the most original, most varied site I have found. You truly have a gift and take the time to share it with others of us who love to do what you do but don’t have the imagination to do it. Thank you for this. jacquey

  4. Patti Boose says

    I love this ghost idea! Your instructions are always so easy to follow. Thank you.

  5. Really nice project.

  6. You did it AGAIN! Gave me another thing to add to my thrift store look-for list! I thot of you yesterday in Michael’s when I saw the yellow/orange cnadle bulbs on clearance! You are SOOO good at this Halloween stuff! I’m wondering if tall glass candlesticks would save me the white paint step! Plus give it a bit of weight so cats don’t knock them over! Nothing is sacred to Squeak and Dutchess!

  7. Very cute and oh so easy! Pinned to my Halloween board.

  8. Cut! Look like a singing ghost trio to me! Ha!

  9. chris tucker says

    adorbs xx

  10. acraftymix says

    Yup, only you could come up with something that ‘s so unique and different Sarah. Aren’t they just the cutest little ghosts ever, love how you made them

  11. I literally just picked up those exact candlesticks at an estate sale. Spooky re-purpose! Visiting from Remodelaholic.

  12. Such a clever repurpose for those candlesticks! Great idea as always!

  13. Oh my!! These are too cute Sarah!!

  14. Well these are the cutest ghosts ever.

  15. Very cute & great job Sadie. They are looking so cool now! Thanks for sharing with us.

    Have a great day.
    Khadija
    http://creativekhadija.com/

  16. So so easy and adorable, I always need your boost to get me started! Thank you ?

  17. Such a cute idea! Thanks for sharing @Vintage Charm!

  18. embellishology says

    These are so cute! I just purchased a couple of candle holders just like the ones you used! I may try this myself.

  19. This is the cutest idea! I wish I could come up with things like this on my own…you truly have a gift to see the potential in everyday items.

  20. I love this! I even have some candlesticks in my hall closet that I was about to donate…but now I am going to make some ghosts. We just started the Whisk It Wednesday link party and I thought you might be interested in sharing there too! Thanks, Carrie

  21. Hahaha! It is the first time I am not afraid of ghosts! So cute!!! Brilliant idea, thank you for sharing at Sweet Inspiration Link Party 🙂

    http://www.artdecorationcrafting.gr

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