Introduction: Animated Flying Skeleton Ghosts
My husband and I wanted to create a unique animated Halloween decoration for kids to enjoy as they came to our house for Halloween. After finding some items throughout our house and a trip to the dollar store and hardware store, we had all of the supplies we needed. But would it really work? We didn’t have that answer until it was completed. Follow along with this Instructable to see how we made it! We found it so fun to make together!
Supplies
black spray paint
spray starch
pumpkin stake solar light
sticky back hooks
PVC pipe extension
3 pieces cheesecloth
scissors
pencil
tape measure
clear string
3 plastic skeletons
small fan
electric saw
PVC pipe
strong wire
Christmas tree stand
small plastic cover
plastic bag
metal yard clips
hammer
black cloth
outdoor flood light
extension cord
Step 1: Hang the Pipe
Push the wire through the PVC pipe and hang the pipe.
Step 2: Paint It
Shake the can of black spray paint. Spray the entire pipe, turning as necessary to cover.
Step 3: Measure It
Measure how high you would like the pipe to be. Draw the line on the pipe where it is to be cut.
Step 4: Cut It
Using the electric saw, cut the pipe along the drawn line. Save the short piece for another use, if desired.
Step 5: String the Skeletons
Tie 2 foot clear strings onto the head of each skeleton.
Step 6: Saw the Pumpkin
Remove the solar pumpkin from the top of the stake. Using the electric saw, cut the bottom of the pumpkin off so it has a flat base.
Step 7: Add to the Pipe
Push the cord of the fan through the pipe so it comes out of the bottom of the pipe. Tighten the pins of the stand, making sure that the pipe is straight. To the top of the pipe, push on and attach the pipe extender. Using double stick tape, add the flat round plastic top to the top of the fan. You can set the solar pumpkin on top to see how it will look but don't attach it yet.
Step 8: Add Clips to the Fan
Remove the paper from the sticky part of 3 clips. Press each onto a fan blade.
Step 9: Add the 3 Skeletons
Tie each string of the skeletons onto the fan clips.
Step 10: Add Cheesecloth
Drape a piece of cheesecloth over the shoulders of each skeleton.
Step 11: Tie Together
Using 12 inch pieces of string, tie the feet of one skeleton to the head of the skeleton that is behind it.
Step 12: Use Spray Starch
Using spray starch, spray the cheesecloth to make the cheesecloth stiff. Allow to dry.
Step 13: Cover Them
Gently cover the skeletons with a plastic bag.
Step 14: Now Spray
Use the black spray paint to paint the pipe extender, fan with hooks, and the flat plastic top. Allow to dry. Cut a 1 1/2-inch piece of double stick tape and center it on the top. Place the solar pumpkin onto the tape.
Step 15: Ready to Plug In
Plug the fan cord into the extension cord.
Step 16: Cover the Stand
Cover the tree stand with the black table cloth.
Step 17: Add a Spot Light
Plug in a spotlight to accent the flying skeleton ghosts.
Step 18: It Works!!!
We were so happy that our work paid off! My husband found some creepy music and played it from his phone.
Step 19: Everyone Loved It!
The kids in their costumes and their parents all enjoyed seeing our flying ghosts in our yard on Halloween night. Some kids stopped and stared. Adults took pictures!! It was a very fun Halloween!!!
Participated in the
Halloween Contest