Here's a "How to" on building this Frankenstein prop. I didn't take any pictures during the process but will likely make another before Halloween 2002 and will take step by step photos.

E-mail me if you have any questions.

Materials Needed:

    Plaster Cloth-Rolls of cloth like material coated in plaster. You cut in strips (12") and dip in water then lay over your model. This is available in craft stores and model train stores. You will need 10-20 rolls (I didn't count and am only giving my best guess.) You will need a bucket, large pot or tub of warm water to wet the strips in.

    Styrofoam Insulation: 4'X8' sheet. Paint black with roller.

    Wiggling Hands: Halloween Prop

    Frankenstein Mask or Head: (You can also make Mummy or other monster)

    Boots

    Airbrush or spray paint: (not needed if you are doing a Mummy.

    Plastic tie wraps: To attach head & hands.

    Staple Gun (or glue, etc.)

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Step #1: Create a comfortable spot for your model to lay. I placed cardboard and an old blanket on the garage floor. Have him/her lay down and cover their bottom half with plastic or trash bags.

Step #2: Cut the plaster into strips (different parts of the body use different size strips. You will be laying the strips horizontal on the body, starting at the ankle. The wet strip (thus the plastic) will lay flat on the floor for about 2", then cover the ankle and back on the floor for about 2". This overlap will form a 2-3" edge all around the body shape. This will be stapled or glued to the foam slab and painted black to match the slab and hold the form to the slab. As you near the crotch you can use a single strip going from the over lap on the floor, molded around the thigh, onto the floor between the thighs, around the other thigh, and onto the floor for 2-3". The arms are done the same way so they are attached to the body for their entire length. Again, paint black between the arm & body to match the slab. Do this from the ankle to the neck. (You can stop and start again the next day....once you let the plaster cloth hardens (30 min.?) you can carefully life off model and start again the next day making top half of body and attach two half with more plaster cloth.)

Step #3: You can attach the mold (which has no back) to the foam slab with staples (not paper staple but hardware) or glue, etc. Be careful handling the mold. Using 2 or more people is recommended. Position the mold at the right height to allow you to just place a pair of boots on the ground and have them go up into the hollow ankle holes. (see photo above (with no boots) and on previous page (with boots)).

Step #4: Paint as desired. You can leave unpainted if you are doing a mummy. You will still need to use black paint to cover the plaster cloth that attaches the form to the board.

Step #5: Attach head and hands. Punch holes in the foam board and use large tie-wraps or string to attach hands and head. I placed a small wedge behind the head to get the angle I wanted. The head I used had lit eyes so I punched a hole in the foam for the cord.

I'll take pix of the next one I make and add them. Email me with questions or suggestions.

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