How to Haunt Your Yard With a DIY Chicken Wire Ghost Dress

Amanda C, Hometalk Team
by Amanda C, Hometalk Team
4 Materials
$20
3 Hours
Medium

Are you looking to add some eerie charm to your Halloween decor? Join me as I guide you through crafting your own chicken wire ghost dress – a perfect spooky addition to your yard!


If you haven't already marveled at the incredible work of Derek Kinzett, you're in for a treat. He's a true wizard with chicken wire, sculpting mesmerizing pieces that are nothing short of AMAZING! While I can't replicate his mastery, I was certainly inspired by it.


We want to help you DIY, so some of the materials in this post are linked to sellers. Just so you know, Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.


Let's get started on this DIY ghost decor idea!

#DIYHalloweenCrafts

Tools and Materials

Measuring and cutting the chicken wire for the ghost's torso

1. Measure and Cut Your Chicken Wire

For your ghost's torso, grab a roll of chicken wire and measure out a piece around 15" long and 36" across. Carefully use your wire cutter to snip it out. 

Shaping the ghost's torso

2. Form the Torso

Roll your cut wire piece into a cylinder and twist the free ends together to secure it. 

DIY ghost art

3. Shape the Torso

Now, let's breathe life into your wire ghost.


Sculpt the cylindrical torso into a more human-like form. To create a ghostly sweetheart neckline, trim the top of the cylinder.


Gently mold, press, and fold the wire to give your figure its distinct shape – pressing in for a chest and rib-like illusion.

Wire crafts

4. Prepare the Skirt

Once you have formed your torso move onto the skirt.


Measure the circumference of the bottom of your torso – this determines the width of your ghost's waist.

#CraftyHauntings

Cut out several triangular pieces for the skirt. These pieces will gradually widen as you go down, creating a voluminous hem. For this, you will just cut your wire at an angle all the way down until you have the desired length.

Connect the skirt pieces to the torso

Connect the bottom pieces to the waist of your torso. Hook each of these pieces together, forming a funnel-like shape, this will be the skirt of your ghostly creation.

Attach wire straps

5. Add Straps

Cut two small strips of wire, fold in the poking ends, and attach them to the front and back of the bodice.

Add glow-in-the-dark spray paint

6. Spray Your Ghost With Glow-in-the-Dark Paint

It's time to let your ghost glow! Grab white glow-in-the-dark spray paint and coat your wire creation. This eerie illumination will ensure your ghost stands out even in the darkest of nights.

Chicken wire Halloween ghost sculpture

7. Set the Scene

Place your completed ghost in your desired spot. Bend the skirt in various places to mimic movement.

Wire ghost in motion

To up the eeriness, craft tails from the leftover wire pieces and attach them to the waist creating the illusion of motion.

DIY Halloween lawn ornament

DIY chicken wire ghost dress

And there you have it – a mesmerizing chicken wire ghost dress, all set to give your yard a touch of eerie magic. 

Ghost-shaped wire art

This DIY ghost-shaped sculpture is like the missing puzzle piece for your Halloween yard decorations.


I can't wait to hear about your own ghostly creations and any cool touches you've added. Share your thoughts in the comments below


More Halloween Front Yard Ideas

Unlock a treasure trove of hair-raising ideas by delving into our, Frightful Halloween Ideas for Your Front Yard.

Suggested materials:
  • Chicken wire   (Home Depot)
  • Work gloves   (Home Depot)
  • Wire cutters   (Home Depot)
See all materials
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 7 questions
  • Linda McDonald Linda McDonald on Oct 06, 2018

    This is a great project. Does he by any chance make and sell these? In case there is someone who likes them but doesn't have the time or patience to do one?



  • Kat Laxague Kat Laxague on Oct 06, 2018

    I am not able to get mine to glow. I have painted it several times but no glow. Am I missing something?

  • Christine Christine on Aug 13, 2020

    what would it look like if you added soft LED LIGHTS

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