Have you seen Pottery Barn’s Gus the Ghost popping up all over Pinterest this year? He’s soft, cozy, and oh-so-cute, but his price tag might make you shiver more than the ghost itself!
So today, I’m showing you how to make your own DIY Sherpa Ghost Pottery Barn Dupe for a fraction of the cost. It’s one of those easy DIY Halloween decorations that turns out so adorable, you’ll want to make a whole ghost family.
And the best part? I made two different styles, one tall, one short, and filmed the whole process for YouTube so you can craft right along with me! If you would rather read than watch, keep scrolling.
Now, let's get started making a sherpa ghost similar to the Pottery Barn design.
Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own cozy ghosts:
- White sherpa fabric (about 1 ½ yards) or a cheap sherpa blanket
- Styrofoam cones (I used two sizes: one taller, one shorter)
- Mini pumpkins (for the ghost head or styrofoam ball
- Fabric mini pumpkin (one for your ghost to hold)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Peel-and-stick black felt (for ghost eyes)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape (a seamstress tape works best)
- Straight pins
- Pencil or marker
Tip: I picked up most of my supplies at Hobby Lobby, but Dollar Tree and thrift stores are great spots too.
How to Make a DIY Sherpa Ghost Pottery Barn Dupe
This project comes together in less than an hour and doesn’t require any sewing, just your glue gun, scissors, and a little creativity.
Step 1: Create the Head
Remove the stem from your mini pumpkin and glue it to the top of the cone. I turned my pumpkin upside down. Let it dry completely.
Step 2: Measure for Fabric
Using a seamstress-style measuring tape, start at the bottom of the cone on one side, go up over the top, and down to the other side. Add a few extra inches for drape.
Step 3: Cut the Shape
Fold your sherpa fabric in half. Using your measurement, mark a half-moon shape along the fold. Basically, using half your measurement, start marking the fabric until you have a half circle.
Then cut it out along the markings.
If you want your ghost to look just like Pottery Barn’s Gus, cut a square piece instead of a circle and add a few extra inches so it drapes.
Step 4: Drape the Ghost
Place the circle (or square) of white sherpa fabric over your cone and pumpkin head. Adjust the folds until they look natural and cozy.
Step 5: Give Your Ghost a Prop
Slide a small fabric pumpkin between the folds of the sherpa so it looks like your ghost is holding it.
You can secure it with straight pins or a dab of hot glue. Simply slide the pin into the sherpa fabric and into the side of the pumpkin.
I pinned mine so I can remove the pumpkin later for storage.
Step 6: Add the Eyes
Draw oval shapes on black felt, cut one out, and use it as a template for the second eye. You can also use a Cricut or Silhouette to cut the eyes. Peel off the backing and stick both eyes onto your ghost’s face.
Step 7: Make a Second Ghost
Repeat all the steps using a taller or shorter styrofoam cone for variety. It looks extra charming to display them as a pair!
Also, add more decorations to your ghosts, like my printable witch hats placed on top of the head. These were from decorations last year, and I added a cute gingham ribbon bow to one of the hats.
How to Decorate with Sherpa Ghosts
Now comes the fun part: styling your ghosts!
I placed one on the hearth of my fireplace mantel, sitting on a basket trunk, and the other perched on top of a faux pumpkin from Pottery Barn. The foam makes it easy to press down gently over the pumpkin stem, ensuring it stays in place.
These ghosts look equally cute as ghost pillows on a bed, tucked on a chair, or perched in a cozy book nook.
If you love decorating with ghosts as much as I do, you’ll also enjoy these ideas:
Why Everyone Loves the Pottery Barn Sherpa Ghost
Pottery Barn’s “Gus” ghost has become this year’s cozy Halloween decor trend. With its soft sherpa material and minimalist design, it fits perfectly into any fall home, especially if you love neutral or cottage-style decor.
But instead of spending big, you can create your own dupe with supplies from Hobby Lobby, Dollar Tree, dollar store, Walmart, Target, or even thrifted sherpa blankets.
It’s a fun way to add charm to your home this season while saving money for all those pumpkin spice treats.
Tips and Variations
- Want your ghost to drape lower? Try longer material.
- For a fluffier look, use a cheap sherpa blanket instead of fabric by the yard. I have also read where people are using Sherpa towels or Sherpa car rags.
- Cut a square size piece if you prefer the true Pottery Barn “Gus” look.
- Use a dab of hot glue under folds if you want a more permanent shape.
- Add other decorations like my printable witch hat and bows.
Each little change gives your ghost a new personality, and they make the sweetest, easy DIY Halloween decorations you can use year after year.
Conclusion: A Cozy DIY You’ll Love Year After Year
Cozy, adorable, and done in less than an hour, these sherpa ghosts are proof you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy designer Halloween decor. They really are an easy diy halloween decoration.
They look just as charming as Pottery Barn’s Gus, but at a fraction of the cost. So grab your glue gun and a soft blanket and make a few friends for your Halloween and fall home.
For even more ideas, check out my post on DIY Ghost Decoration Ideas. It’s filled with simple Halloween projects to try next!
Happy Decorating!
