DIY Tennis Ball Ghosts: A Spooky & Simple Halloween Craft
The days are getting shorter and the tennis season is winding down. That means it’s the perfect opportunity to give new life to your old tennis balls. I’ve been doing this craft in my class for years, and I think it’s such a cute idea — plus it’s a great way to recycle! This easy Halloween craft takes about an hour from start to finish.
Whether you’re a teacher planning a classroom craft or a parent hosting a Halloween party, this tennis ball ghost project is a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to prep, mess-free, and easy for kids of all ages to personalize and make their own!
What You’ll Need
Gather a few simple supplies before you start:
Tennis balls: Ask your local gym, health club, or school for used ones (schools especially love recycled art projects). Foam balls also work.
White yarn: Use a variety of textures for the best effect.
Felt: To decorate and to add a mouth if you want a complete ghost face.
Scissors
Foam board
Hot glue gun or craft glue to attach the face
Optional extras: Glow sticks, LED tea lights, or fairy lights for a glowing effect. Pipe cleaner or yarn loop if you want to hang them.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Tennis Balls
Check with gyms or schools to see if they have spare tennis balls for a recycled art project.
Step 2: Wrap the Yarn
Grab a piece of foam board and begin wrapping the yarn around it. I like to do ten wraps, then switch to a different texture. Keep going until you’ve wrapped about 50 times.
Step 3: Tie It Together
Place a piece of yarn or a white pipe cleaner under the wrapped yarn and tie a strong knot.
Step 4: Remove the Foam Board
Slide the yarn bundle off the foam board completely.
Step 5: Cut the Yarn
The yarn will come off in a circular loop. On the opposite side of the knot, cut straight through. This keeps the yarn even in length — my tried-and-true shortcut when doing this DIY project with kids.
Step 6: Add the Tennis Ball
Spread your yarn layers flat with the tie at the top. Place the tennis ball inside and drape the yarn around it until it’s covered. If any yellow peeks through, wrap the ball in white fabric first (like cheesecloth ghosts).
Step 7: Tie Another Knot
Secure the yarn just under the tennis ball with another knot so it stays in place.
Step 8: Decorate Your Ghost
Glue on googly eyes, felt mouths, or whatever silly face you’d like.
Step 9: Display Your Ghost
Hang it by the top loop, or set it on a surface as part of your Halloween décor.
Tips and Variations
Mini Ghosts: Use tiny foam balls or pumpkins with fabric squares for tabletop ghosts.
Floating Illusion: Place your ghost on an upside-down flower pot so it looks like it’s hovering.
Glitter Ghosts: Brush the yarn lightly with glitter glue for a sparkling finish.
Personalized Ghosts: Add name tags, bow ties, or even witch hats.
Final Thoughts
Everyone who sees these tennis ball ghosts loves them. They’re durable, reusable, and can come out year after year! You might even want to make a full ghost tennis ball garland.
Want more Halloween craft ideas? Don’t miss my favorites:
DIY Ghost Coasters
DIY Candy Wrapper Crafts - perfect for post-Halloween energy!
Spooky Anthropologie Candle Dupe
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely! Ping-pong balls make great mini ghosts if you want a smaller version, or you could search your local craft or dollar store for foam balls of various sizes to create a variety of ghosts!
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If you’re working with a small group of kids, you can knock this project out in 10-15 minutes. It’s quick enough for a classroom activity or Halloween party, and you can prep materials in advance to make it even faster. For bigger groups, allow a few extra minutes, or recruit some extra helping hands!
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A low-temp hot glue gun gives great hold, but craft glue or glue dots work great for younger kids. Just remember to allow a few extra minutes for drying time if you’re using liquid glue.
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This tennis ball ghost craft works well for kids of all ages! It’s simple, hands-on, and a great fine-motor activity for preschoolers and elementary-aged kids, 4 and up.
