The Making of the Keeper of the Graveyard...

Here we go with a more in depth look at the methods behind the madness that is " The Keeper of the Graveyard ". The 8' 6" monster that I built for Halloween 2011 and maybe 2012 as well!

Arduino source code now posted on last page.

Wiring diagram NOW ON LAST PAGE...

and video clip of monster in action to follow ASAP...

Step 1 The basics, chicken wire, phone bills, PVA glue and lots of mess!

The whole idea came about after seeing some of the factory produced large theatrical costumes wandering around a shopping centre and me thinking that I could do the same. Work started when I liberated some large holed chicken wire from between mine and my neighbours house. (For the purpose of this instructable I'll refer to the Keeper of the Graveyard as "He").
The stuff in question is the plastic coated 2mm wire mesh with 2" by 4" rectangular holes. First this was formed into a cylinder and then by forming the top three level of holes into an inwards ruffle the shoulders were formed. I trimmed the excess to form a waist line and used the off cut to form a smaller version which I then twisted together on top of the large one to form his head.
Now the messy part starts. with a very sharp knife and a straight edge I sliced up four years worth of household utility bills into 2" and 4" strips (so that they would neatly go through the holes in the wire) and starting from the bottom of the shell, layered them up like roofing shingles after dipping each one in a PVA glue and water mix (about 10 water to 1 of glue). The inside of the shell was strengthened with some 4mm steel rod that I fashioned into two semicircles, fitted in front and back and then tack welded the ends together to form a strong ring. Two uprights of c-channel aluminium were added and holes drilled in them to accommodate welding wire being twisted trough to hold it all together. You can just about see the internal harness that is attached to the strong points inside along with the waist band to stop it toppling forward. The arms at this stage are just old tent poles bent to shape and wire tied and welded into place.

Comments

[tinker234]

wow i might do a cheaper verison out of pvc,paper machie and chesee cloth

[l8nite]

Bil is AWESOME ! your job SUCKS !

[roofletch]

Yes Sir, It does. My Son wore it for Halloween and did a great job by all accounts. There were tears from a few of the littler children! Oops!

[ashwinlit]

Hi, this is TOTALLY AWESOME! But I actually would love to see a video with this in action! With all of the sounds and stuff. (I'm sorry for my terrible english, i'm from holland and only 13 :/

[roofletch]

Thanks for the comments little buddy, I'm away from home and my monster at the moment but when I get back (After Halloween sadly) I'll Make a video of him in action and upload it for all to see. (along with the wiring diagram and code for the arduino). Glad you like him but would you like him so much if he chased you down the road on Halloween night?! :-)

[Kiteman]

That is an incredible job - I hope it's properly appreciated on The Night.