Introduction: Skull Spider, Mini & Posable (Kid-safe Project!)

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About: I discovered Instructables when I was looking to buy a bunk bed. Instead of buying, I decided to build the sturdy bunk bed that my kids now sleep in every night. And thus I discovered that I loved building t…

This project came about while I was making the Large Skull Spider... which my kids wanted to help with but which I said not this time. Therefore, in all fairness, I told them we would work on another project together. Thus the Mini Skull Spider came out--just in time for Halloween and, a safe & fun project for all ages!!

Supplies

  • Bag of mini plastic skulls, each approximately 2" diameter x 2" height (from 'DollarTree' store; 8 per pack for $1.25!)
  • Some old wire (small gauge, very flexible) that I had laying around, therefore free
  • Wire cutter (every toolbox should have one)
  • Knock-off leatherman (my kids all have one from Cabelas; about $5/each)
  • Paint (optional but fun and extra points if ends up creepy!)

Step 1: Cut & Prep the Wire

  1. Reasonably straighten the wire & cut 4 pieces off that are approximately 16".
  2. Bend each wire in half.
  3. Place all 4 folded ends together. While holding the middle of the wires, use the multi-tool's pliers to twist all 4 folded ends together (4-6 twists should be sufficient). The twisted end should be tight enough to hold the wires together but should be no longer than an inch to an inch and a half. The opposite end should be 8 wires (legs).

Step 2: Attach Legs to Skull

  1. Determine where you would like the legs to mount to the skull. The skulls already had a small hole just under the jaw but I felt the center, where the spine should have been, would look, & work (support-wise), better.
  2. Using a pointed end of the multi-tool (knife, screwdriver, etc), carefully make/poke a hole (slightly smaller) than the twisted end of the wires into the bottom of the skull.
  3. Press, while turning, the twisted end of the wire into the hole, until it stays in firmly (or reasonably so). Optional: If needed, one could use hot glue to hold the wire in place if there is too much movement.
  4. Spread out the eight legs evenly to either side of the skull.

Step 3: Fine Tune & Enjoy!

  • Bend the legs so that the skull spider sits the way you want. Adjust as desired.
  • Paint, for more fun, if you choose.
  • Enjoy yours, & your kids' handiwork!