Transform Pool Noodles Into Eerie Halloween Ghost Candles

There are two things that have almost nothing in common: pool noodles and spooky ghost decorations. One is primarily used in summer, while the other is used to decorate for Halloween in the fall. However, while these items are very different, you can easily use a pool noodle to create an eerie ghost decoration. To do this, you'll cut a face out of the front of the pool noodle, add arms, glue it down to a plate, create drips of paint to make it look like a melting pillar candle, and then paint it. This is an easy DIY that certainly rivals similar decorations sold in decor stores at much higher prices.

With an overwhelmingly large number of pool noodle DIY ideas that all have absolutely nothing to do with water, it's no wonder that these simple and inexpensive foam items have become one of the most talked-about things to use for creating decorations. They can be used to make the best Halloween decor — including these creepy melting ghost candles. To get started, you'll need to gather your materials. If you don't already have one, a pool noodle in any color can be purchased from Dollar Tree for $1.25. Also find a pair of scissors, an x-acto knife, a pen or marker, a hot glue gun, a foam plate, and paint. If you're going for a traditional ghost look, white can be used, but to personalize the piece, use any color paint you desire.

This project is pretty similar to creating spooky Halloween candle decor using pool noodles, but instead of plain candles, you'll make them appear like ghosts. You could also make them look like haunted trees by painting them brown instead of white. From just one pool noodle, you can DIY at least two creepy little creatures to round out your Halloween decor. You may be able to make more, depending on how big you want your candles to be. 

To begin this project, cut the noodle down to your desired size, then use a pen or marker to draw on your face and carve it out with the x-acto knife. Next, use an additional piece of pool noodle to make two small arms and hands with fingers and hot glue them to the sides of the ghost. Then, cut small slices into the bottom of your decoration and spread them out so they look like legs. You'll glue these down to the foam plate to ensure it stands upright. The plate can be cut down to a smaller size if you want it to be less visible, or you could hide it with some a faux spider web material or black netting.

Fill the top hole of the pool noodle with a small scrap piece of foam. To create a melting wax appearance, drip hot glue over the areas where you want it to have that look. Finally, paint the piece once the glue is dry.

There are a few ways to personalize your ghost candles. While you're cutting your pool noodles, try shaving off some of the tops of the noodles to make them look uneven or slanted. This will provide them with a more authentic look. Another idea is to carve out a spot for a tea light on the top of the pool noodle instead of just stuffing the hole with additional foam. This will allow you to actually turn on the "candle," giving it a more realistic look. 

When painting the piece, try using multiple shades for dimension. If you're going for a traditional ghost appearance, white, cream, and gray can be used. On the other hand, you can make the candles match whatever theme you desire. If you love pastels, try using light blues, pinks, and yellows. Or, if you're going for a haunted tree look, use many different brown shades. Finally, to give your piece a fun touch, glue a small foam object into one of the ghost's hands, like a pumpkin or a lantern. This will make it appear like the creature is holding it. 

Once you've completed the DIY, you'll need to decide where to place it. Since the foam noodle is so lightweight, you likely won't want to use this Halloween decor outside, as it could easily blow over. However, it would look awfully cute sitting in a windowsill looking out at trick-or-treaters. You could also place some on a fireplace mantel or table.