Halloween Ghost silhouette cutout tutorial

Today I’m going to show you, step-by-step, how to make this fun ghost silhouette cutout sign.

Let’s get started with the supplies you’re gonna need:

Supplies:

1/2″ MDF board approx. 11×15″
jig saw
safety glasses
drill and large drill bit
White paint 8 oz
Black paint 2oz
ghost cut out pdf pattern (found at the end of the post)
hand sander or sand paper (120 grit)
sponge paint brush
mini foam roller (optional)
black glitter medium (optional)
fine bristle paint brush (optional)

Step 1: Trace pattern and cut out ghost

Print out and tape your ghost pattern together. Cut it out and trace it on your 1/2″ MDF board.

Using a jig saw, carefully cut out the outline of your ghost. You’ll want to clamp your wood down to hold it in place. It will make it easier and safer to cut.

After you have cut out your ghost shape, you’ll want to move on to the eyes and mouth holes. In order to do this, you will want to drill a large hole in each eye hole and the mouth hole. The hole you drill will need to be large enough to fit the jig saw blade in it.

Insert the jig saw blade and begin cutting the hole out. Sometimes you need to do small sections at a time, until you can smoothly cut around the circular hole.

After you have done all of your cutting, you will want to use sand paper and/or a sander and sand the edges and eyes and mouth holes to make them smooth.

Step 2: Painting your ghost

Paint the front and sides of your ghost white. I used a mini paint roller because I was painting multiple things at the same time, but you can use a sponge brush if that’s all you’ve got.

I rolled on about 2 coats of paint. Just make sure your board is coated well.

This is how I paint all of my projects: Quick dry painting technique even if I’m using a mini foam roller.

Set aside to dry completely before moving on.

Step 3: Sand your ghost

You want to sand the surface of your ghost as well as the sides.

You will want to put a little more emphasis on different parts/areas of your ghost to remove some of the paint and make it look antique.

When you are done sanding, brush it off very good and get the surface nice and clean. At this point you can be done or you can accessorize your ghost by painting some bats, a spider, or something festive on it.

Step 4: Accessorizing your ghost with glitter bats

Decide the location where you want your bats or other design to go.

Begin to peel back the paper backing of your stencil.

Place the vinyl stencil in place and press firmly all over the stencil to get it to stick good.

Carefully peel the transfer tape off of your stencil.

Using a sponge paint brush, paint the bats or other design black.

Let the paint dry and then apply the black glitter medium using a small bristle paint brush.

After you have applied the glitter, remove the stencil BEFORE the glitter medium dries completely. Make any touch ups you may need and then display it someplace where you can see it often!