Halloween Ghost Witch

Create a wonderfully whimsical Halloween decoration by transforming an ordinary tomato cage into a glowing ghost witch. The white sheet forms the flowing ghostly body, while green LED rope lights add an eerie glow after dark.

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What you need

One large tomato cage
One large styrofoam ball
One rope light your choice of color I used green for an eerie feel
One twin size flat white sheet
One spool of ribbon your color of choice
One child size witch hat

Instructions

Instructions

Step 1: Position the tomato cage

Stand the tomato cage upright with its wide circular opening on the floor and its narrow stakes pointing upward.

Gather the narrow stakes together at the top. Secure them firmly with a cable tie so they form a stable point for the ghost’s head.

If the cage feels unstable, attach its lower ring to a heavy wooden base or place it in a weighted planter. The finished decoration should remain steady when covered with the sheet.

Step 2: Check the lights

Test the LED rope or string lights before attaching them to the cage.

Only use cool-running LED lights. If the decoration will be placed outdoors, the lights, plugs and extension lead must all be specifically rated for outdoor use.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm that the lights can be used near fabric and are suitable for the intended location.

Step 3: Wrap the tomato cage

Begin near the top of the tomato cage and wind the lights around the frame in a loose spiral.

Continue working downward until the illuminated strand covers most of the cage. Distribute the lights evenly so the finished ghost glows from top to bottom.

Secure the strand to the tomato cage with cable ties. Trim the excess ends from the ties without cutting or damaging the electrical wire.

Keep the plug, controller and power adaptor accessible rather than enclosing them beneath the fabric.

Step 4: Add the head

Press the large foam ball carefully onto the gathered stakes at the top of the tomato cage.

The ball should sit securely without leaning. If necessary, wrap the top of the cage with a little padding before adding the ball.

Do not force sharp metal stakes through the entire ball. Make sure no metal points remain exposed where they could tear the sheet or cause an injury.

Step 5: Drape the sheet

Place the centre of the white twin sheet over the foam-ball head.

Arrange the sheet so it falls evenly around all sides of the tomato cage. Allow the fabric to pool slightly around the bottom, but keep it away from walkways where someone could trip over it.

Smooth the fabric over the foam ball to define the round head.

Step 6: Form the neck

Gather the sheet loosely beneath the foam ball.

Tie orange, black or coordinating ribbon around the gathered fabric to form the ghost’s neck. Leave the ribbon ends long so they trail down the front of the sheet.

Do not tie the ribbon so tightly that it damages the fabric or pulls the foam ball out of position.

Step 7: Create the ghost face

Use a black permanent marker to draw two long oval eyes and one round open mouth on the fabric covering the foam ball.

Place cardboard between the sheet and foam ball if you are concerned about ink bleeding through the fabric.

Alternatively, cut the facial features from black adhesive felt and press them onto the sheet. Felt features can be easier to reposition and allow the sheet to be reused later.

Step 8: Add the witch hat

Place the child-size witch hat over the top of the ghost’s head.

Arrange the brim so it sits evenly above the eyes. Secure the hat discreetly with safety pins, clips or a small piece of removable adhesive if it is likely to move.

The hat can be orange with a black band, as shown, or changed to black, purple or another Halloween colour.

Step 9: Complete the display

Move the ghost witch into its final position before connecting the lights to power.

Adjust the sheet, ribbon and hat one last time. Switch on the lights and check that the glow is evenly distributed throughout the body.

The green light creates an eerie effect, but purple, orange or cool white LEDs can also be used.

Optional Arms

For simple outstretched arms, secure lightweight foam tubing to opposite sides of the tomato cage before adding the sheet.

Keep the arms short and slightly curved so they do not make the frame unstable. Avoid using exposed wire or sharp materials.

Safety Information

Use only cool-running LED lights. Do not use incandescent rope lights or other lights that become hot beneath fabric.

Follow all safety directions supplied with the lights. Never cover a power adaptor, plug, controller or connection point with the sheet.

Do not use damaged electrical cords, cracked plugs or lights with exposed wires.

For outdoor displays, every electrical component must be rated for outdoor use and connected to an appropriate protected outlet. Keep connections dry and elevated from wet ground.

Secure the tomato cage so it cannot tip over in wind or when bumped. Bring the decoration indoors during heavy rain, storms or strong winds.

Keep the sheet away from candles, fireplaces, heaters, lantern flames and other heat sources.

This decoration is not a toy. Supervise children and pets around the tomato cage, electrical cords, foam ball and small fastening pieces.

Do not leave the illuminated decoration operating unattended or overnight.