You have stumbled upon the incredible DIY project from Wicked Makers, Jaimie, and Jay. They transformed a simple Halloween store skeleton into a gravecrawler with a portable mound of dirt. Using materials like a heat gun, epoxy putty, and spray foam, they disassembled the skeleton, created joints for the arms, and painted the prop to make it eerie and realistic. This challenging yet successful project is perfect for upgrading your Halloween decor with a unique touch of spookiness.
Jaimie and Jay guide you through the process of turning a plastic skeleton into a gravecrawler that seems to be crawling out of its grave. They share tips and tricks on repositioning the skeleton, creating joints for the arms, and attaching the head to complete the look. With some basic materials and a bit of creativity, you can follow along at home to create your own DIY Halloween prop that is both portable and hauntingly realistic. Let the dead rise and add a touch of spooky fun to your Halloween decorations with this engaging project.
Overview
Introduction to DIY Halloween prop: The Portable Gravecrawler by Wicked Makers
In this DIY project, Jaimie and Jay of Wicked Makers took a basic Halloween store skeleton and transformed it into a spooky prop known as the Portable Gravecrawler.
Summary of the creation process and materials used
The creation process involved disassembling the skeleton, repositioning it, creating joints for the arms, spraying foam to make a mound of dirt, painting the prop, and attaching the head. The materials used included a Halloween store skeleton, a heat gun, two-part epoxy putty, steel wire, spray foam, black spray paint, and hot glue.
Materials Needed
Halloween store skeleton
To create the Portable Gravecrawler prop, you will need a skeleton from a Halloween store. This will serve as the base for the project.
Heat gun
A heat gun is necessary for softening the plastic of the skeleton to allow for disassembly and repositioning.
Two-part epoxy putty
This strong adhesive is used to create joints for the arms of the prop, ensuring stability and realistic movement.
Steel wire
Steel wire is used to reinforce the joints created with epoxy putty, providing additional support for the prop’s arms.
Spray foam
Spray foam is sprayed onto the skeleton to form the mound of dirt, giving the appearance of the gravecrawler emerging from the ground.
Black spray paint
Black spray paint is used to paint the prop, giving it a realistic appearance of dirt and enhancing its spookiness.
Hot glue
Hot glue is used to attach various components of the prop together, such as securing the head in place.
Creation Process
Disassemble the skeleton
The first step in creating the Portable Gravecrawler is to disassemble the skeleton to prepare it for repositioning and customization.
Reposition the skeleton
With the help of a heat gun, the skeleton is softened and repositioned into a crawling out of the grave pose, creating a more dynamic and spooky appearance.
Create joints for the arms
Two-part epoxy putty is used to create strong joints for the arms of the prop, allowing for realistic movement and stability.
Spray foam to make the mound of dirt
Spray foam is applied to the skeleton to create a mound of dirt, giving the illusion that the gravecrawler is emerging from the ground.
Paint the prop with black spray paint
Once the foam has set, the prop is painted with black spray paint to achieve a realistic dirt-like appearance, adding to the overall spookiness of the prop.
Attach head to the prop
The final step is to attach the head to the prop using hot glue, completing the transformation of the skeleton into a spooky Portable Gravecrawler.
Challenges
Complexity of disassembling and repositioning the skeleton
One of the main challenges of this project is the disassembly and repositioning of the skeleton, requiring careful handling and precision to achieve the desired pose.
Creating realistic joints for the arms
Creating joints for the arms that are both realistic and stable can be a challenge, as they need to withstand movement while maintaining the overall look of the prop.
Spraying foam evenly to achieve the desired shape
Applying spray foam evenly and in the right areas to create a natural-looking mound of dirt can be tricky, requiring practice and patience to achieve the desired shape and texture.
Painting the prop to look like dirt
Painting the prop with black spray paint to give it a dirt-like appearance requires attention to detail and skill to ensure a realistic finish.
Successes
Project completed within set timeframe
Despite the challenges faced during the creation process, Jaimie and Jay successfully completed the Portable Gravecrawler project within the set timeframe, showcasing their creative skills and dedication to the craft.
Portable and storable design achieved
The design of the Portable Gravecrawler allows for easy transportation and storage, making it a versatile prop that can be reused for future Halloween decorations.
Realistic appearance of the prop
Through careful planning and execution, the Portable Gravecrawler achieved a realistic appearance, captivating viewers and adding an eerie atmosphere to any Halloween display.
Tips & Tricks
Use caution when using heat gun and hot glue
When working with a heat gun and hot glue, always exercise caution to avoid burns or injuries, ensuring a safe and successful crafting experience.
Plan out the repositioning of the skeleton carefully
Before repositioning the skeleton, carefully plan out the desired pose to avoid unnecessary adjustments and ensure a seamless transformation into the Portable Gravecrawler.
Apply spray foam in layers for better control
To achieve the desired shape and texture of the mound of dirt, apply spray foam in layers, allowing each layer to set before adding more for better control and results.
Use reference images for painting the prop
To create a realistic dirt-like appearance on the prop, use reference images of dirt and soil to guide your painting process and achieve a convincing finish.
Final Thoughts
Reflect on the experience of creating the Portable Gravecrawler
Creating the Portable Gravecrawler was a challenging yet rewarding experience that allowed for creativity, innovation, and Halloween spirit to come together in the form of a spooky prop.
Encourage others to try creating their own Halloween props
As Jaimie and Jay have shown, creating DIY Halloween props can be a fun and fulfilling activity for Halloween enthusiasts of all skill levels. Encourage others to unleash their creativity and try their hand at making unique decorations for the spooky season.
