The Crusader is a faithful knight, still at his post, though fleshless from years of patient waiting. You can still see the red symbol on his tabard, though it is tattered and torn. Still bright, however, is the sword that killed him. He stands at the stronghold's lower gate, faithful to the death-- and after.
To make the Crusader, you will need: a three-dimensional plastic skeleton ($10--$12 at variety stores); wire; cord; a piece of cloth about half a yard by 1.5 yards--an old sheet is fine; a black permanent marker; red paint (spray or regular); gray or white hair or cobweb material; rubber cement; and a sword, plastic or real. You may need a steel fencepost to support him.
1. Using the permanent marker, fix any defects of the factory paint job that came on the 3-D skeleton. Fully blacken in the eyeholes, draw black lines around each hand and foot bone, etc.
2. Find a place for the Crusader to guard. You may need to pound in a metal fencepost, or you can use a tree, post, or gate to support him.
3. Cut a round hole in the fabric, as shown in the first diagram, and cut a slit about ten inches long, to go down the back of the tabard. This is so you can slip the tabard over his head. Also, cut a slit in the front just large enough for the sword blade. If you wish, round the corners of the fabric, as shown, with scissors. Make the edges as ragged and irregular as you like.
4. Using the red paint (spray or paintbrush), make a large red cross on the center front and center back of the tabard. You can use a stencil if you like, but crude is just fine.
5. Stand the skeleton upright next to the support post with his feet just touching the ground, and using wire or cord, tie him to the support. Attach him to the post at the neck and at the spine just below the ribcage. Put his tabard on.
6. Stick the sword through the front slit. The blade should pass right next to the skelly's spine and the post. Using cord, tie the sword blade to the skeleton and the post at a point just below the ribcage. The sword blade should pass out the back of the tabard, so once you have it secured to skelly and post, make a slit in the back of the tabard for the blade to exit.
7. Tease out a small piece (perhaps 6 inches square) of gray or white artificial hair or cobweb material until it is very thin and floaty. With rubber cement, glue this to the top of the skull. You want most of it to float free in the breeze. You will be surprised at how this small bit of "extra" will make your Crusader look real.
Now the Crusader will guard faithfully any treasure or entrance, and in doing so, will lend spooky atmosphere to any gathering.
Coming next: Making Amon-Ratep, the Mummy.
Previous Haunt: Making the Grim Reaper
Strange Things of the Universe
Uncialle's Fly-by-Night Haunting Tips
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