Asked on Oct 08, 2018
What is the best way to make lifesize props/like zombies?
by
Amy33853896
+5
We do a haunted walk every year and are always looking for ways to add new things on a budget. What are your best tips for building People formed props (see picture where the pvc pipe and golfball joint guy didn't hold up one night). PLUS what is one of the best and most popular halloween diy props you have done!?
My most popular Halloween DIY is a DIY Crypt Gateway https://familyfocusblog.com/diy-halloween-yard-decor-crypt-gateway/
Catch the after Halloween sales and buy stuff at 75% off. stuff trash bags(black ones with leaves, Styrofoam etc.) empty laundry jugs or cat liter jugs can be glued together for frames for different things. I was on a walking trail and they took an old armed wood chair and put a light bulb and gas mask over it for an electric chair. the glow in the dark paint would help add spook. old drums or paper carpet rolls could be used for forms too.
my daughter has a life size figure of a character. it is just heavy cardboard with props on the back to hold it up. looks very realistic.
When using PVC for figures, you should use 3/4 inch (you may have done that can't tell in the photos). Also, if you use CPVC they have a thicker side wall and are sturdier than regular PVC (cost a bit more but worth it if you want stuff to last year to year). It appears to me that you may not have used PVC glue to assemble your zombies. I understand it makes it easier to take them apart for storage and that would be ok in most circumstances. However, the point at which the one bent over maybe glue just that joint and any others that may be load bearing. Another trick you can use, for legs and arms (and body if you are creative) is to use 2-Liter bottles. If you cut a hole in the bottom of a 2L bottle the size of the PVC then you can slip these over (the top hole is already big enough) the PVC. This will add circumference to your legs, arms, etc., but especially the legs, and this will increase stability of the zombie and also allow you to use them for other stuff, like putting pants on them, without adding much weight. Cut out a "shoe/foot" from 3/4 inch plywood, drill hole for the PVC and then you will have sturdy "feet" for them to stand on (add paint, shoes, etc. as desired). Hope this helps.
I would go on the cheap and duct tape branches together to form the initial structure. Fill some of those plastic grocery bags with leaves and tape them to the branches to form the legs, arms, body and head. Then I would dress the structure and maybe use an old mask for the face and corn husks and branches for the hair.
Amy 3385 Build your bodies with chicken wire.
This was a little crazy.....
Motion light on the porch -> screw in a receptacle adapter in place of a bulb (leave the other bulb out) -> hang a sawzall from the ceiling with the trigger held in by a wire tie. Hang a skeleton in place of the blade, and watch people run when the skeleton moves!