Get more details about this project
What you need
Black balloons
Approximately 1½ yards / 1.4 metres of lightweight black fabric per ghost
Black gauze, cheesecloth or inexpensive sheer fabric also works
Fishing line or clear nylon thread
Sewing needle
Scissors
Optional removable hooks or hanging clips
Optional battery-operated lights for nearby illumination
Instructions
Looking for an easy Halloween decoration that makes a big impact without costing a fortune? These DIY Halloween Dementor ghosts create an eerie floating effect using little more than a black balloon, lightweight fabric and clear fishing line.
Inspired by the dark floating Dementors from the Harry Potter world, these hanging Halloween ghosts look wonderfully creepy suspended from trees, porches, ceilings or even the garage. Because the fabric is lightweight, the ghosts sway and move whenever there is a breeze, making them surprisingly effective once the sun goes down.
They are also very easy to scale up. Make one large Dementor as a statement decoration or create several at different heights for a whole floating group of spooky Halloween spirits.
Updated Instructions
Step 1 – Inflate the Balloon
Blow up a black balloon until it reaches the size you want for the head of your Dementor.
A medium to large balloon works particularly well because the finished decoration needs enough size to make the fabric drape convincingly.
Tie the balloon securely.
Step 2 – Cut the Black Fabric
Cut approximately 1½ yards of lightweight black fabric for each ghost.
The exact amount will depend on how tall you want your finished Dementor to be.
Lightweight, slightly sheer fabric works best because it moves easily in the breeze and creates the flowing appearance you want.
Don’t worry about perfectly straight edges. Uneven or ragged edges actually make the finished ghost look creepier.
Step 3 – Drape the Fabric
Place the centre of the black fabric over the balloon.
Allow the material to fall naturally around all sides of the balloon.
Stand back and check the length before attaching everything permanently.
If necessary, trim the lower edge into uneven points and strips to create a more tattered Dementor-style silhouette.
Step 4 – Add the Hanging Thread
Thread a sewing needle with a generous length of fishing line or clear nylon thread.
Carefully pass the needle through the tied knot of the balloon and then through the centre of the fabric above it.
The balloon knot rather than the inflated section should support the weight.
Leave plenty of fishing line above the ghost so you have enough length for hanging and adjusting its height.
Step 5 – Shape Your Dementor
Allow the fabric to drape naturally around the balloon.
Gently pull sections of fabric forward or outward until you have the long, flowing shape you want.
For an especially creepy look, cut several long irregular points into the bottom.
You can also layer two pieces of lightweight fabric for additional texture without making the decoration too heavy.
Step 6 – Hang Your Ghost
Tie the fishing line securely to a tree branch, porch beam, ceiling hook or another suitable support.
Because clear fishing line is difficult to see from a distance, the Dementor appears to be floating in mid-air.
Hang several at different heights for an even better effect.
Step 7 – Let the Breeze Do the Work
These decorations look particularly effective outdoors because the lightweight fabric moves naturally whenever the wind blows.
We originally hung ours near the garage door, where the movement regularly gave us a fright!
At night, place a small outdoor light nearby so the moving silhouette can still be seen without brightly illuminating the entire ghost.
Where to Hang Your Dementor Ghosts
These work especially well:
- From tree branches
- Along a covered porch
- Near your front entrance
- Inside a garage
- From party-room ceilings
- Around a Halloween photo backdrop
- Along a haunted-house walkway
- Beneath a pergola or patio
Just keep balloons and lightweight fabric safely away from flames, candles and hot outdoor lights.
Make a Whole Floating Dementor Display
The real impact comes from making several.
Create ghosts in slightly different lengths and hang them at varying heights. From a distance, the fishing line almost disappears and the figures appear to hover together.
You could also mix these black Dementor-style ghosts with traditional white hanging ghosts to create a larger Halloween yard display.
So easy to make a Halloween Ghost!
What do you think of this project? Let us know!