There’s something so nostalgic about art class meets Halloween — and Donna from Do Dodson Designs has captured it perfectly with her Spackle Art Ghost project. This fun, accessible DIY turns a simple piece of plywood into spooky-cute wall art using spackle, paint, and a little imagination. Whether you’ve done lots of crafts or are just getting started, this tutorial makes creating seasonal décor feel totally doable (and totally satisfying).

(The following is an excerpt from Do Dodson Designs. Read the full article here) 

Hey, fellow crafters! Have you seen the trending Michael’s spackle ghost art painting? I jumped all over this one, and I know you’re going to love creating this fun Halloween wall art, too. I felt like I was back in fifth-grade art class all over again.

DIY spackle art ghost painting with a wood frame and textured white ghosts on a black background by Do Dodson Designs.

Supply List:

Here is what you’ll need to make a spackle art ghost painting.

  • plywood 22 x 24 inch (scrap wood) or canvas
  • wood sander
  • spackle (1/2 pint)
  • craft sticks
  • paintbrush
  • artist brushes
  • Anchor SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint (background)
  • Elderflower SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint (ghost)
  • Golden Ash No Pain Gel Stain (for the wood frame)

STEP 1: Prepare The Wood For Paint

After choosing my wood, I sanded it smooth on both sides with 220-grit sandpaper.

Preparing a wood board for DIY spackle art by sanding the surface smooth with a SurfPrep sander.

STEP 2: Painting The Background Black

Okay, before we start messing around with the spackle to make those adorable little white ghosties, we need a black background. It adds depth to the painting and will make the art ghosts pop!

I went with this gorgeous, rich black from the SILK line by Dixie Belle Paint Co. It’s called Anchor. It’s an all-in-one paint, primer, stain blocker, and topcoat, all rolled into one!

I painted two coats, allowing ample dry time between each coat. This ensures a smooth, even finish and helps the paint adhere properly.

Painting a wood board with Dixie Belle Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint in Anchor black using a paintbrush.

STEP 3: How To Create Spackle Art Ghosts

I read a lot of tutorials on how to best make these ghosties, and what I decided on was the ready-made spackle.

To make the spackle art ghosts, I used a craft stick and literally painted them on.

Applying pink DryDex spackling compound with a wooden craft stick for a DIY textured art project.

I started with the first ghost in the middle of the board and worked my way from the sides to the middle. Overlapping is key to getting that stacked look.

Don’t worry about the lines on the ghost; I think it adds character. It gives the appearance of lines on the ghost’s sheet. More depth!

Applying pink DryDex spackling compound with a wooden craft stick for a DIY textured art project. Applying pink DryDex spackling compound with a wooden craft stick for a DIY textured art project.

Use more at the head and less as it tapers downward. The transition is everything! Allow the spackle to dry overnight.

STEP 4: Painting The Spackle Art Ghosts

The next day, before painting the spackle, I used a soft-bristle paintbrush to knock off any stiff and or loose bits from the dried spackle.

Next, you need to seal the (spackle) drywall. You can do this in several ways. Paint and apply a sealer over the paint, or use an all-in-one paint like SILK by Dixie Belle Paint Company.

It leaves a matte finish that’s not shiny while sealing the drywall, making it durable for artwork.

I only used one thick coat of this paint since it’s an art project. The spackle was white, so I didn’t think it was necessary for a second coat.

Painting textured ghost shapes with Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint in Elderflower using a fine brush for a DIY Halloween art project.

STEP 5: Painting The Ghost Eyes

I used the same black paint from the background and artist brushes to give each ghost its own unique look, complete with eyes. I even threw in a few with open mouths – for some extra spooky fun!

Painting textured ghost shapes with Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint in Anchor using a fine brush for a DIY Halloween art project.

STEP 6: Adding A Wooden Frame

While I was waiting for my ghosties to dry, I measured my Art board for a DIY wooden frame. Black, white, and a wood frame! What could look any better than that for this neutral, spookily cute wall art?

Applying Dixie Belle No Pain Gel Stain in Golden Ash to wood slats with a cloth for a DIY ghost art project frame. DIY spackle art ghost painting with a wood frame and textured white ghosts on a black background by Do Dodson Designs. DIY spackle art ghost painting with a wood frame and textured white ghosts on a black background by Do Dodson Designs.

We hope this Spackle Art Ghost project has inspired you to dust off your craft supplies and make something seasonal and fun! It’s amazing what a little texture, contrast, and creativity can do to turn scrap wood into something that feels like it belongs in a gallery (or at least over the mantel). If you try one of your own, send us a photo or drop a comment — we’d love to see how your ghosties turned out. Big thanks to Donna for sharing this playful, creative idea with us — here’s to more crafts, more joy, and a little more frightfully cute décor this season. 👻🎨

For another fun and easy ghost project, check out our blog, Easy Ghost Paintings on Thrifted Art for Halloween.

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Guest Author, Holiday, Home Decor Ideas, How To, Seasonal Projects

About the Author

Do Dodson Designs

Donna, also known as Do, is a decorative furniture artist, photographer, DIYer, author of Do Dodson Designs Blog. Do's true passion is attached to the paint brush and encouraging women. She has a successful online group where she teaches women how to merge their passion for furniture painting with business growth.

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