DETACHED HEAD PROP

Nothing freaks out Trick or Treaters like a severed head. This is a cartoon representation of one of the most famous ones- Frankenstein’s Monster, and is meant to be humorous rather than scary.

Supplies

Materals

An end cut of 6 x 6 fence post or landscaping tie 

some scrap pine

construction adhesive

2 large bolts

baling wire

staples

round stuff for eyes (washers, bolts, etc) I used 2 large washers and 2 nail-on furniture feet.

White things to resemble teeth. I used round white plastic hardware spacers.

paints- green, red, black, white

brushes

Simple tools: hammer, drill and bits to fit bolt sizes, staple gun and staples

Step 1: PREPARE THE HEAD

Mark the ears and nose on a square of scrap wood by drawing angles at the corners then cut them off. Don’t worry about symmetry, size or sanding- rough and angular is better. 

Drill holes in the block for the bolts.

Cut the unibrow and mouth shapes from pieces of scrap as well. 

Glue the ears and nose in place on the big block, then paint the entire head green.

Paint the unibrow, mouth and furniture feet black. Paint the large washers white. 

Step 2: ADD THE DETAILS

When all is dry, paint the hairline detail using black paint. 

Glue the unibrow, mouth, teeth and big washers (eyes) in place.

Nail the furniture feet through the centre of the washers (eyes). If lop-sided, all the better. 

Use a hammer to pound the bolts into the pre- drilled holes. 

Brush a red streak across the forehead and when dry, staple a length of baling wire across it to resemble sutures.

At this point, you can use a small brush and various paints to add highlights and your own finishing touches.