PAPER MACHIE HEADS

Paper machie is a cheap (all you need is some old newspaper and glue) way to make realistic props. For my 2001 Halloween display, I decided I needed a new prop and came up with this.

Step 1-Start out with a balloon. Inflate it to the size and shape that you want it. Using tape to "pinch" certain parts in can also help you shape the balloon. Once you're done with that, you could move on to step two...

Step 2-Rip up a bunch of strips of newspaper, and get some glue. As a subsitute of glue, you could use flour and water, but make sure you get it sticky enough for the paper to stick to the balloon. Now, start covering the ballon with strips of newspaper. Before, it drys, make sure you at least have the whole balloon covered, but the thicker the better. Keep on adding on until when it's dry, the thing that you're making feels solid. Next, dip some tissues into the glue, and crumple them up. Using these, try to make your prop's features. I made the nose with mine. Here's a picture of the progress of covering the balloon...

Step 3-Cover the whole thing with white strips of paper, or strips of brown paper bags. This will make it easier to paint. Heres a picture of what I did...white strips of paper

Step 4-Decorate the head. I added some paint and cut out a hole for the mouth. I used white acrilic paint, that doesn't show up to the normal eye, but under black light, has a great purple glow.

Step 5-Next, cut a small half inch round hole in the bottom of the head to attach the neck. The neck is a PVC pipe. If the head is the right shape, you can just slide it on and off with out it falling. If not, you can apply some glue.

Step 6-add some kind of body. I just taped a black garbage bag around the neck (pvc pipe) and then my monster was all done. Below is the finshed product on halloween night.

Good luck making your prop!