Body Worlds

This homemade costume was inspired by the international science and art exhibit "Body Worlds." I purchased a mannequin and padded it to be my dimensions (she was skinnier than me, go figure :)  ). I purchased a plain black lycra full body cat suit, and put it on the mannequin to paint.  Using water based fabric paint and a variety of brush sizes, I hand painted the deteriorating skeletal and muscular systems on to the suit, and then on to old black clogs and stretchy gloves.  I used regular acrylic paint to paint the brains on to a latex skull cap, although it flakes off fairly easily and needs occasional touch ups.  I sewed some painted canvas strips on to the neckline to give an aspect of three dimensionality, and to show the skin peeling off a bit.  I also sewed pieces of beef jerky on to the costume for an extension of the painted muscles in a few places (this was a big hit with the two pit bulls at my friend's house party, unfortunately). The fake skin was made with unflavored Knox gelatin mixed with hot water, and then applied to my face after it had cooled/thickened a bit.  Last, I applied face paint to my face and neck, creating the spinal cord in the back, neck muscles and throat, and keeping my face a bright pink while painting the eyebrows and lips a yellow-ish white (true to the exhibit).