Thread: Best Sculpture frame?

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So, I know that Halloween just passed but I am already in the spirit for next Halloween! I want to perfect and try new things I haven't or never thought I would...

I want to make sculptures for my new grave yard, as in Roman sculptures, maybe not the original size of the sculptures but still pretty big.

I have been thinking of ideas for the frame of the sculptures..

I have come up with 2 ways
- PVC pipe
- Chicken wire

That is only because those are the only ways I know best to create something that large. PVC doesn't seem like the obvious choice because it is harder to form into shape with limited tools. Also I am looking for the cheapest or most economical way to build these. I am thinking at least 2 of them.

What is the best way to create the framework for a sculpture or prop that is going to be of human form in the sculpture???

Also, for those of you who like to make sculptures for Halloween, what would you recommend me using as the outer layer of the actual sculpture? Monster Mud? Dry Lock? Need help on brainstorming on how I will create these.

Thanks!

Post the "in progress" pics as you go.

I will certainly do that. Once I get the list of all the materials I need to create something like this.

Although I've never used it I've read alot around here how heavy monster mud is. Also, it's known to crack.

Paper mache and drylock is the route I would go. Check out Stolloween's website. That man is amazing!

Very good information, thanks!

Yes, I am looking for a good framework that is lightweight and easy to manipulate for a sculpture, but also looking for a good substance to cover the framework and create the actual essence of the sculpture, that needs to be lightweight as hell, easy to work with and form and then also has a marble look to it, or a marble texture.

That would be my problem.

I've never done paper mache or used dry lock before, so those will both be a new experience for me.

Also, what TYPE of dryloc do I need to use for the project? I assume there are more than one type, base wise. Ill do some research on that though.

www.stolloween.com has some really good information and how to's. He's also doing a weather test on one of his mache creations.

The Drylock brand name has a sandy texture too it. Boy, I can't remember the name of it, but I picked it up at Menard's, it is the comp to drylock, it didn't have that sandy texture. If you're looking for a marble effect you might want to look into that. Some people will suggest a spar varnish. I've used it but it's extremely expensive and clear so you can't see if you miss any spots. I made a very large root system for my pumpkinrot and it succumbed to the rain the first year, even with a couple cans of spar.

PVC and chicken wire stuffed with plastic bags would be light. Wrap the wire in duct tape to give the paper mache something to stick too.

As far as mache, it's easy. It just takes TONS of time. Start saving your newspapers, paper grocery bags, cans & plastic bottles! You'll see after you go to Stolloween's site. Oh....and dryer lint too! (Great for a moss effect)

Keep us posted!

I personally like to use chicken wire for shape





You can heat PVC with a heat gun or a open flame to shape it so you can just about get any pose you want.

For a light weight skin that you turn into the look of stone you need I would use paper towels soaked in a mixture of oops latex paint ($5) and some drywall mud mixed in . Maybe a one to one mix, just enough to stiffen up the paper towels.

This is carpet latex glue and paper towels over chicken wire

Haha I have looked at his site and it is very impressive how creative he is.

Here are a few pictures of what I want to ATTEMPT on making... to give you a better look at what I am dealing with...






You see they are big, detailed, and those of course are heavy. I want them to be biggish, light and detailed, without so much of an "aged" look to them. Of course that could always change in time if I am not able to achieve the affect I want I will go in another direction.

That’s very ambitious of you. Good luck!

For the first picture, I was thinking to make this more possible..

burlap and a lot of it for the bottom person
the top person, a type of 'flapper' 1920's wig, wings, a toy arrow, then possible for the faces I could use Styrofoam mannequin heads and form them with their features. Arms and legs I was guessing chicken wire for the frame and them to cost them with something light and durable.

The second sculpture is going to be a lot harder then the first one just because of the sheer detail in it.


The first work of arts' dimensions are 11ft by 6in. Obviously I don't want it to be that size. Probably half that but also the base of the sculpture is what takes up half of that anyway. Maybe no base or no visible base at all.

Still looking on feedback on how to/what to use to form the frames and then Ill work on this project very gradually. Hoping everyone has input on it!