How to Make Giant Tissue Paper Ghosts

These big, floaty ghosts are perfect for windows, porches, school displays and party décor. We use wet strength tissue paper so the shape stays strong while you brush on glue.

New to WST? Start with: What is Wet Strength Tissue Paper? · Ways to Use WST · Is WST Eco-Friendly?

You’ll Need

Item	Notes / Where to Buy
Sheets of wet strength tissue paper	Strong when wet; ideal for pasting & layering. Shop WST →
PVA glue (pea-sized per ghost)	Thin with water to a paint-like mix. Shop PVA →
Water + 2 pots/bowls	One for glue mix, one for clean water.
Paintbrush	A soft, flat brush makes smoothing easy. Brush option →
Football (as a mould)	Acts as the ghost’s “head”. A bowl/stand helps it sit upright.
Scissors	For cutting strips to add movement and texture.
LED tealight (optional)	For a safe, glowing effect. LED only — no flames.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare your glue mixture
In one pot, mix a small pea-sized blob of PVA with water until runny/paint-like. Keep the second pot for clean water.

Set up the football mould
Place the football on a bowl/cup/stand so it sits upright — this is the “head”.

Build the first layers
Lay a full sheet of tissue over the football. Using the brush, gently apply the glue mixture so the sheet sticks smoothly. Repeat with 3–4 more full sheets, brushing glue each time to form a solid white base.

Add texture & depth
Cut a few tissue sheets into strips and layer them over the base, brushing glue as you go. The strips create that flowy, ghostly movement.

Drying
Leave on the football for 30–40 minutes, or until firm enough to hold shape.

Add features
Once dry, use a marker or paint to draw spooky eyes and a mouth. Carefully lift the ghost off the mould.

Display
For a glowing ghost, place an LED tealight inside; or hang with clear thread as a large window/porch decoration.

Safety & Classroom Tip: WST is strong when wet, but always use LED lighting — never candles.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Issue/Goal	What to Do
Wrinkles or bubbles	Use a light touch with a soft brush; smooth from centre out. Add a tiny bit more water to the mix if too sticky.
Ghost won’t hold shape	Add 1–2 extra base sheets and let dry fully on the mould before lifting.
Edges look too “blocky”	Switch to torn strips for softer, wispy edges on the final layer.
Bigger impact	Scale up! Use more base sheets and longer strips; hang a cluster at different heights.