Ghost Glow Suncatchers

As autumn arrives and Halloween starts to fill the air, I always feel that little spark of excitement that comes with the season. The kids talk about costumes, pumpkins, and candy, and I start thinking about crafts we can make together to fill our home with a cozy Halloween glow.

One of our favorite projects has been creating Ghost Glow Suncatchers. The first time we made them, the sunlight was streaming through the windows, and as soon as we hung the ghosts up, the whole room felt alive with soft, glowing light. The children squealed with delight and kept running back to the window just to watch the way the light danced through their creations. It was one of those afternoons where time seemed to slow down and everything just felt warm and happy.

Why Make Ghost Glow Suncatchers

These little glowing ghosts are such a simple joy. They brighten up your windows during the day and look dreamy at night. What makes them so special is how easy they are to create and how much fun they bring to everyone involved.

Kids love watching their ghosts come to life, and even adults find the process relaxing. It’s a way to bring color, creativity, and laughter into the house while celebrating the magic of Halloween.

I love seeing how each child’s ghost has its own personality. Some are funny, some are shy, and some have faces so goofy they make us laugh every time we walk by. It’s the kind of craft that feels meaningful not because it’s perfect, but because it’s made together.

Materials You’ll Need

• Clear plastic sheet or contact paper
• White tissue paper or coffee filters
• Black construction paper or black marker
• Scissors
• Glue stick or tape
• String or fishing line for hanging
• Optional: glitter, googly eyes, or glow paint

Before starting, I like to cover the table with paper or a plastic tablecloth. Then I set out all the supplies in little bowls so the kids can easily reach what they need. It makes the whole process smoother and keeps the excitement flowing.

How to Make Ghost Glow Suncatchers

Step 1: Cut Out the Ghost Shapes

Start by cutting out your ghost shapes from the plastic or contact paper. They can be tall, short, or round with wavy edges. Each ghost will look unique, and that’s what makes them special.

My kids always have fun experimenting with different shapes. My son once made a ghost shaped like a star, and my daughter gave hers little arms as if it were waving hello. They turned out adorable.

Step 2: Add the Soft Glow

Tear small pieces of white tissue paper or coffee filters and begin layering them onto the ghost. You can glue them or simply press them if you’re using sticky contact paper. The more layers you add, the softer and more glowing your ghost will look.

Add a little sparkle if you like by sprinkling glitter or using shimmery paper. The sunlight will make them sparkle beautifully, and the kids will love seeing their ghosts shine.

Step 3: Give Them Faces

Once the ghost is covered, it’s time for the fun part: the faces. Draw eyes and mouths using a black marker or cut them out from black paper and glue them on.

Some ghosts might look sleepy, others surprised, and a few downright silly. Googly eyes make them extra fun, especially when they wiggle in the light. Every time the sun hits the window, it feels like they’re smiling back at us.

Step 4: Seal and Hang

If you used contact paper, place another sheet on top to seal the tissue pieces inside. Gently smooth it out to remove any air bubbles. Trim around the edges so the ghost looks neat.

Attach a string or a piece of fishing line at the top, then hang your ghosts in a bright window. Watching the sunlight pass through them is pure joy. During the day, they shine softly, and in the evening, they glow with a quiet charm that makes your home feel cozy and festive.

Where to Display Them

Ghost Glow Suncatchers look beautiful in any sunny spot. Hang them on living room windows, in the kitchen, or even in your children’s bedrooms. You can make a row of them for a glowing garland or mix them with pumpkins and bats for a full Halloween display.

At night, they take on a soft, dreamy look. If you add glow paint or small glow stickers, they’ll faintly shimmer even in the dark, like little friendly spirits keeping watch.

Keeping Your Ghosts Safe

When Halloween is over, you can keep your ghosts for next year. Carefully peel them from the window and lay them flat between two sheets of cardboard or paper. Store them in a cool, dry place so they keep their shape.

I still have one of the first ghosts my daughter made when she was little. It’s a bit crinkled now, but I smile every time I find it. Crafts like these turn into sweet memories you can hold onto year after year.

Helpful Tips

• Let your kids take the lead and design their own ghosts. Their ideas are often the most creative.
• Don’t worry about making them perfect. The little imperfections are what make them charming.
• Try using different materials like lace or silver paper to give each ghost a different texture.
• Add names or tiny details like bows or hats to make them more personal.
• Take a picture once they’re hanging in the sunlight. The colors and smiles together are worth remembering.

Fun Variations

Once you’ve made your glowing ghosts, you can keep going with other Halloween shapes. Try making glowing pumpkins, bats, or even friendly monsters. Layer orange and yellow tissue for pumpkins, purple for bats, or green for little goblins.

You can also mix shapes to make a full Halloween window scene. A few glowing ghosts floating next to colorful pumpkins look magical together.

FAQs

1. What age group is this craft for?
Kids as young as three can help by tearing tissue paper and sticking it on. Older children can handle cutting and drawing faces on their own.

2. How long does it take?
Usually around half an hour, which makes it perfect for an afternoon activity or a quiet weekend project.

3. What materials can I use if I don’t have contact paper?
You can use any clear plastic or even recycled packaging. The important thing is that light can pass through.

4. Can these be used outdoors?
They’re best indoors, especially near a sunny window. Outdoors, they might not last as long if there’s moisture.

5. How can I make them extra special?
Add glitter, glow paint, or even a few silver stars. You can also write each child’s name on their ghost to make them proud of their creation.

Conclusion

Ghost Glow Suncatchers are a sweet and simple way to celebrate Halloween together. They don’t just decorate your windows, they fill your home with laughter, color, and light. Each ghost carries a little piece of your family’s creativity, and every time the sunlight hits them, you’re reminded of that happy afternoon spent crafting side by side.

So gather your supplies, invite the kids to the table, and make your home sparkle with friendly glowing ghosts. When they hang proudly in your window, you’ll see more than decorations. You’ll see memories glowing right along with them.