Make spooky-cute floating ghosts using wet strength tissue paper — the tissue that stays strong when wet, perfect for layering with glue.
New here? Read: What Is Wet Strength Tissue Paper? · Gelli Printing with WST · FAQ
Materials Needed
- 4–5 sheets of wet-strength tissue paper
- PVA Medium Glue (pea-sized amount per ghost), dilute 1:3 with water
- Water + 2 small pots/containers (one for glue mix, one for scraps/water)
- Paintbrush (soft, flat is ideal — try our flat-tip paste brush)
- Polystyrene ball (ghost’s head) + skewer/pencil to hold it upright
- Optional: clear thread/ribbon for hanging; LED tealight for a safe glow
Step-by-Step: How to Make Floating Ghosts
Prepare the glue mix: Combine 1 part PVA with 3 parts water; stir to a paint-like consistency.
Cut tissue strips: Cut 4–5 sheets into long strips for easy layering.
Set up the form: Insert a skewer into the polystyrene ball and stand it upright in a cup as the ghost’s head.
Start layering: Drape a strip over the ball and brush with the glue mix so it hugs the shape.
Build thickness: Keep adding strips in different directions until you have 4–5 layers.
Dry: Leave 20–30 minutes (longer if damp) until the tissue feels firm.
Face details: Draw eyes and a mouth with pen, marker, or paint.
Finish: Slide off the ball for a hollow ghost, or leave it on for extra sturdiness. Hang with clear thread for a floating effect.
Watch the Tutorial
Prefer to watch? Follow along with our quick video guide.
Quick Craft Tips
- Tear a light fringe at the hem for a wispy finish.
- Use a very light final glue wash to smooth flyaway fibres.
- Layer a pale grey under white for subtle shadow and depth.
- Safety: if adding light, use LEDs only — never open flames.
Why Use Wet Strength Tissue Paper?
| Benefit | Why It Helps Your Craft |
|---|---|
| Strong when wet | Handles watered glue and layering without tearing — ideal for ghost shapes, lanterns and collage. |
| Translucent glow | Lets light through for magical results with safe LED tealights. |
| Lightweight & flexible | Drapes smoothly over forms and releases cleanly when dry. |
| Holds detail | Great for mixed media and gelli printing layers. |
| Acid-free | Suitable for long-lasting classroom displays and keepsakes. |
| Eco-friendly options | Lower-impact choice vs. plastics for mindful, sustainable making. |
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