Tutorial - Glowing Halloween Ghosts

Here's a quick way to add a little spooky glow to your Halloween. These little polymer clay ghosts are perfect for decorating a tabletop, hanging on a tree or using as a finger puppet. The directions are super simple and kids over 4 should be able to handle this craft with no problems.

Tools & Materials:

* glow-in-the-dark polymer clay
* black polymer clay
* a disposable foil baking pan
* Aluminum foil

Optional items:
* Fishing line
* needle

Directions:

1. Make a ball of the glow-in-the-dark clay by rolling the clay between your palms . The size you use will depend on how big you want your ghosts. I used about a 1/4 of a block to make my 3 inch tall ghosts, but tiny ghosts are just as scary.


2. Roll out 2 small black balls for eyes and 1 slightly larger ball for the mouth.

3. Carefully flatten the ball with the palm of your hand. You can also use a roller or a pasta machine to flatten the clay into a 1/4 inch thick flat circle.

4. Put your finger in the middle of the circle and pull the clay down around your finger to make the ghost shape.

5. Flatten the eye circles between your fingers and gently push them onto your ghost. The clay will stick very easily. Do the same with the mouth.

5. Take your finger out of the ghost and see if he is sturdy enough to stand on his own. If you made him too thin, you may need to put him over a ball of foil to keep him upright during the baking. He'll be able to stand on his own just fine after baking.

6. If you'd like to have a hanging ghost, place a small hole in the top of the ghost with a needle before baking.

7. Place your ghost in the aluminum baking dish. **Do not use a dish that you use for food.** Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil taking care to seal the it to avoid fumes escaping into your oven. Bake for 20 minutes at 250 degrees.

8. Take your ghost out of the oven and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes.

Put the ghost under a light for a few minutes and then watch them glow. If you want the hang the ghosts, tie a knot in one end of fishing line and thread the other end through the hole in the top of your ghost. Make a loop for hanging. Fishing line works great because it's strong and virtually invisible with the lights out. Hang them from a tree or string several together to make a garland and enjoy the spooky glow.