Introduction: Burnt Corpse / Burning Embers Halloween Prop
In this Instructable I will show you how to make your own Burnt Corpse Halloween Prop.
This is some what of an update to a previous Instructable of mine found here https://www.instructables.com/id/Burning-Embers-Halloween-prop/
This is some what of an update to a previous Instructable of mine found here https://www.instructables.com/id/Burning-Embers-Halloween-prop/
Step 1: Materials Needed
Materials Needed:
1-3 cans of Great Stuff spray foam insulation
1 cheap plastic thrift store Halloween skull
1 x-acto knife or utility blade
1-2 sets of orange string lights
plastic water bottles and or plastic sheets
wooden rods, sticks, bamboo, metal rods, etc. These will form the skeleton of our victim
1 can Grey primer
1-2 can black spray paint
1-2 can red spray paint
1 can rubberized undercarriage spray
Ash
Optional:
wire
tape or glue
1-3 cans of Great Stuff spray foam insulation
1 cheap plastic thrift store Halloween skull
1 x-acto knife or utility blade
1-2 sets of orange string lights
plastic water bottles and or plastic sheets
wooden rods, sticks, bamboo, metal rods, etc. These will form the skeleton of our victim
1 can Grey primer
1-2 can black spray paint
1-2 can red spray paint
1 can rubberized undercarriage spray
Ash
Optional:
wire
tape or glue
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Our burnt corpse will be resting on a pile of smoldering embers. Here is a link to a previous Instructable of mine that details how to create this effect.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Burning-Embers-Halloween-prop/
I'll quickly explain here, but if you want more detail follow the link.
Cut open the water bottles with your utility blade and run the string lights through them, you can also use cheap plastic floor tarps/sheets.
Cover the lights with the Great Stuff foam insulation spray enough to cover everything but still allow the light through.
Once the foam is dry spray it with primer, then black and or red spray paint one that is dry.
Once the paint is dry apply a light layer of the rubberized undercarriage spray, then cover in ash while still wet. Apply additional coats of the rubberized spray and ash as necessary.
I also included a plank of wood angling out of the pile so that it looks like remnants of a burnt pole.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Burning-Embers-Halloween-prop/
I'll quickly explain here, but if you want more detail follow the link.
Cut open the water bottles with your utility blade and run the string lights through them, you can also use cheap plastic floor tarps/sheets.
Cover the lights with the Great Stuff foam insulation spray enough to cover everything but still allow the light through.
Once the foam is dry spray it with primer, then black and or red spray paint one that is dry.
Once the paint is dry apply a light layer of the rubberized undercarriage spray, then cover in ash while still wet. Apply additional coats of the rubberized spray and ash as necessary.
I also included a plank of wood angling out of the pile so that it looks like remnants of a burnt pole.
Step 3: Prepare the Skull
Take your x-acto and cut the empty space (the black area) in the mouth.
Next cut along the back seam of the lower jaw where it meets the skull and around the sides to remove it.
Reattach the lower jaw using tape or glue so that it's hanging a gasp as seen above
Next cut along the back seam of the lower jaw where it meets the skull and around the sides to remove it.
Reattach the lower jaw using tape or glue so that it's hanging a gasp as seen above
Step 4: Prepare the Burnt Corpse
The body of the corpse can be made using any number of materials, metal rods, sticks, plastic tubing, etc.
Choose a material for the spine, a broom handle or thin wooden stake works great. Cut an opening on the bottom of the skull just large enough for it to pass through. Secure this with tape or glue.
I used bamboo sticks for the arms and ribs. These were lashed to the spine and shoulders using wire for durability and strength. You can see this clearly in the above picture.
Next take the Great Stuff spray foam insulation and apply foam over the spine, ribs, skull, and arms.
Spray the body with Grey primer after the foam has dried. Wait for the primer to dry and follow up with red and black spray paint.
You can now lay the corpse down on the burning embers pile and position to your liking.
Choose a material for the spine, a broom handle or thin wooden stake works great. Cut an opening on the bottom of the skull just large enough for it to pass through. Secure this with tape or glue.
I used bamboo sticks for the arms and ribs. These were lashed to the spine and shoulders using wire for durability and strength. You can see this clearly in the above picture.
Next take the Great Stuff spray foam insulation and apply foam over the spine, ribs, skull, and arms.
Spray the body with Grey primer after the foam has dried. Wait for the primer to dry and follow up with red and black spray paint.
You can now lay the corpse down on the burning embers pile and position to your liking.
Step 5: Apply Ash to Corpse
Grab the can of rubberized undercarriage spray and apply a thin coat to the corpse. While it's still liquid shake ash over it. Repeat this process a few times until you are satisfied. It should now look similar to the above images.
Step 6: Examples of Other Build Materials, Effects
Here I have another burnt corpse made with metal rods. I bent the rods to create a rib cage. The illusion of melting, or dripping flesh is created as an additional bonus as the foam drips as it dries. You can also use the end of the nozzle to grab foam as it's still wet and stretch it.
This corpse is a bit of a work in progress, but you can get an idea of what's possible.
This corpse is a bit of a work in progress, but you can get an idea of what's possible.
Step 7: Finished
