Ghost wind socks are a perfect Halloween party craft

Walk into stores right now and you might be confused. Travel down one aisle and it's all about ghosts, witches and creepy creatures. Stroll down the next and you've got everything Christmas (and pretty soon you'll see Valentine's Day).

I'm all for planning ahead and I know the super organized among us have already bought and wrapped their presents and made their holiday crafts. I applaud you. I really do. But how about slowing it down a bit and taking it one holiday at a time?

Halloween is up next, so Halloween it is. If you're a teacher, group leader or you're planning to have the spookiest party on the block, I've got a craft for you.

This one is simple, cheap, and great for children of all ages.

What you need

• White Bristol board
• Scissors
• Black crayon, pencil crayon or permanent marker
• Roll of white streamers
• Craft glue
• Stapler with staples
• Hole punch
• String

Before you start: Whether you're making a ghost wind sock at home with your own child or working with a group, there are a few things to think about before getting crafty with kids.

1) Know the age and skill level. Can they cut, glue, colour and staple on their own? Or do they need help? With this in mind, you'll know how much prep work to do before you start and whether to bring in reinforcements.

2) Consider attention span. Children between two and five years old tend to lose interest more quickly. If the project takes too long, you'll find yourself finishing it. On the other hand, if you do too much prep work, older kids will finish too quickly. Prep to suit the age and attention span. And a little hint: make a batch of orange or black play dough and keep a few Halloween cookie cutters to entertain kids who finish quickly or for those who lose interest (even the big kids love play dough).

Step 1: Cut white Bristol board into a rectangle about 16 inches long by 6 inches wide.

Step 2: Draw two black eyes and a circle mouth in the centre of the Bristol board.

Step 3: Flip it over, making sure the eyes are at the top and mouth near the bottom. Cut lengths of white streamer (about 12 inches long) and glue them from one end of the Bristol board to the other. Set aside to dry.

Step 4: Face side out, make a tube and staple.

Step 5: Use a hole punch to make one hole on each side of the ghost's face. Attach string and hang where the wind blows.

A weatherproof version: This ghost wind sock is pretty hardy, but if the forecast is calling for rain and heavy winds, make a few changes to weatherproof your ghost. Once you've cut, and coloured the eyes and mouth, use clear shelving vinyl to laminate both sides of the cardboard. Trade in the paper streamers for gauze or tulle. Glue these fabric strips in place with weatherproof glue.

Instructions for scented, sparkling play dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup salt
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid
• Extra fine glitter

Mix all dry ingredients together. Add cooking oil and water. Mix thoroughly. Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the dough is firm. Knead when cool. Store in an airtight container or Ziplock bag.