Thread: Has anyone built a BIG monster costume?

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Next Halloween, I want to have a giant monster costume to walk around in. I mean something BIG. Stilts to add another foot or two to my height and a shoulder mounted head structure that adds another foot or two above my head (I'd probably look out the next or something).

Originally, I was thinking of some sort of tree monster, but I could also go with snarling ogre. I just want something that is really big, but still proportional.

Here are some examples:





Has anyone built something like that?

I've never built one, but I'm planning on building something like that for next halloween. That tree monster is awesome. Did you design that?

Check out the build pics for indeva's and others' stalkarounds from a few years ago: my stalk-around

Don't think that he used stilts though.

Originally Posted by pitchforknumb

I've never built one, but I'm planning on building something like that for next halloween. That tree monster is awesome. Did you design that?

I wish I could take credit for the tree monster design, but it's actually a digital marque from Diablo III.

Originally Posted by Saruman of Many Colours

Check out the build pics for indeva's and others' stalkarounds from a few years ago: my stalk-around

Don't think that he used stilts though.

I guess what I want to do is create a stalkaround with stilts. I'm hoping to make a tree monster where, if I stand still, people might not even notice me at the entrance to the park. (This way, if I'm still, I won't scare little kids.)

But when I see older kids come along, I can walk out from the park into the street and scare people! Maybe even walk up and down the street for more effect.

There was a VERY cool one a guy build where he had a giant metal looking robot wolf / coyote with a tiny roach operating from inside it's mouth (head's up display, moved the levers back and forth as he walked to look like he was moving it, light up eyes, sound robot voice, etc). It was auctioned for charity for something like $1k. I think he said he had more in it.

Anywho, long and short of THAT story is he used a couple of heavy 5 gallon buckets as his stilts hidden within the foot (I think...maybe I'm thinking of another one) where he just bolted a pair of old shoes directly to the buckets. The bolts tops can be still hidden / not hurt by placing under your shoe foam pads on the inside. Cheap, effective, and more stable than trying painter stilts or others. Forget about managing any stairs though.

The first Halloween thing I ever built after I found this site was a stalkaround. That was back in 2005 I think. Used the backpack frame and pvc structure approach.

A couple years ago I bought some drywall stilts intending to build another big costume. But after trying to use them I realized that, at 44, I was way too old to be learning how to use stilts! LOL It just wasn't worth the risk of me falling and breaking something.

Anyway, you didn't say much about your background or what you like to work with. I would suggest rethinking using both stilts and a structure above your head. The head structure makes you pretty top heavy and going too high on stilts with the weight on top might be dangerous. One mistep and you might take a bad tumble. Maybe you could get some of those costume boots that could add 2 to 3 inches to your height and work from there.

As for the structure of something like a tree monster you might be looking at a latex skin over a foam body suit of some type. Or maybe just straight foam, maybe carved from blocks. In researching different halloween props I've come across cosplay sites that go into a lot of detail about costumes like this. There's a whole community of people who build costumes and dress as TV, movie and video game characters. You probably already know that. You might find some good info there on building giant monster costumes.

Whatever you do keep us posted!

I started this year to late in building one. I tried using 5gal buckets for the height on my feet. My son wanted to see me walk. I stepped off the sidewalk onto the grass. My son watched me fall on my face instead.

I am building one this year.
Have not started a build thread but will shortly.
Stalkabout/Stalkaround/Lurker - google those words
So far I have my backpack frame (kijiji), massive hands, giant foam skull on it's way and my drawings completed.
Next step will be the "putting it together" stage
I figure the hardest part will be the fabric costume (as I am not good with stuff like that)
Good luck with what you end up building!
Tech

Originally Posted by BooBoo

I started this year to late in building one. I tried using 5gal buckets for the height on my feet. My son wanted to see me walk. I stepped off the sidewalk onto the grass. My son watched me fall on my face instead.

I love how the tutorials here tend to assume it will be easy for anyone to use a Stalkabout costume. Stilt walking is a skill that needs to be learned and practiced! On soft grass!