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Create a Paper Book Page Ghost Garland

Haris·
Home Decor

I recently had a tunnel book workshop in the studio and had lots of cut out book pages left over that I needed a project for.  Making a cute ghost garland from the old book pages seemed like the perfect way to create some really cute Halloween decor and  use the pages. It was so easy to put together and even the kids will love making this simple project.

Three ghost shapes cut from printed book pages are strung on twine and hung as a garland against a wooden background.

I know many people hate the idea of cutting a part an old book. When I create book projects, I either use hardcovers that aren’t that old, or I’ll use books from the dollar store that are mass produced. That way I don’t have to feel guilty about cutting a part a book that might have some value to it.

Supplies to create a book page ghost garland

For this project, you’ll need:

Loose book pages

Scissors

Black Marker

Hole punch

Ghost template

Twine or ribbon to hang banner

Brown stamp ink pad

Matte Clear tape(if needed)

Trace Ghost Outline

Start by tracing out the ghostly silhouette onto the book pages with the black marker. These can all be the same size or they can be varied. The template is at the end of the post.

A pair of scissors, a cut-out dictionary page in the shape of a bell, and a matching negative space piece rest on a marble surface.

Cut out Ghosts

Cut the ghosts out following the outlines. It’s OK if they don’t follow the outline perfectly. The amount of ghosts to cut out depends on how long the garland will be. We cut out about 10 to go across the length of the shop desk.

A ghost shape cut from a dictionary page with two black marker eyes, next to a black Sharpie marker on a marble surface.

Add Ghost Eyes and Aging

A paper heart cutout with printed text is being pressed onto a black ink pad on a wooden table with crafting materials.

Use the black marker to draw on two eyes. You can see this article for a guide on different styles of eyes to draw. Now is a good time to use the brown/black stamp pad to add a little aging to the edge of the ghosts by rubbing the paper on the stamp pad.

A closeup of paper pieces with printed text, an ink pad, and some paint splatters on a tabletop workspace.

Punch Holes in the Top of the Ghost Cut Outs

Once the eyes (or face) are drawn onto the ghost, use the hole punch to punch two holes next to each other in the top. Make sure to leave enough paper on the top so the paper doesn’t rip.

Three paper cutouts shaped like ghosts feature text from book pages and have simple black eyes, placed on a wooden surface.

If it seems flimsy or if you would like extra reinforcement, add a piece of clear tape to the front and back and punch through that.

A hand holds a piece of twine with a taped end; paper ghost cutouts made from printed text are on a wooden surface in the background.

Add Twine to the Ghosts

Paper ghosts made from book pages are strung together as a garland on a wooden table, with scissors and a hole punch visible in the background.

String the twine or ribbon though the punched holes, coming in from the back side of the ghost and exiting the second hole. If it’s difficult to place through the hole, try adding a piece of tape around the tip of the twine to create a pointed end to push through.

A wooden reception desk decorated with a garland of white ghost cutouts. Behind the desk are brown curtains, plants, and wall decorations.

Once the ghosts are all hung on the twine, it’s ready to hang! This is such a cute and inexpensive bit of Halloween decor! Make sure to keep it out of reach of kids, pets and open flame.

String of ghost-shaped cutouts made from printed paper, hanging as a garland on a wooden slatted surface in a decorated indoor space.

Just grab this ghost template below to start creating!

A simple drawing of a ghost outline with the artist's signature "Jennifer Rizzo" in the bottom right corner.
The image shows the word "Jen" written in a black, cursive script on a white background, reminiscent of a stylish name badge you might see at a blogging conference.

 

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