Thread: Pumpkin head scarecrow project started

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I just started my Pumpkin Head Scarecrow. Thought I post some pics and any tips I find along the way. Below is doodle that was the base for the project Ill get some photos up of the progress shortly.

Finished project

Inspired by Stalloween and Pumpkinrot I started this project. This is my first attempt at mache since my 4th grade volcano for a science fair project. Its a basic cross frame made out of 2" PVC. Originally I planned on using my umbrella stand as the base but decided against that since I wasn't sure how to store it with out a stand. So the stand is a 3/4" plywood roughly 2'x3' with 4 2x4 with 2" holes drilled in it. The vines are made from some plotter paper rolls I had laying around. Several 7' - 8' lengths of paper were twisted into "ropes" then loosely taped with masking tape. Taped into place and connect the rib cage made from cardboard. I mached the bottom 2-3' let that dry in an attempt to not put too much weight on the cage. I Last night I was able to add some more mache to the vines. So far its going well. I did have to use a short piece of romex connected to the pole and the cage to keep the cage from compacting.

I meant to reply to this earlier, but work got in the way (stoopid work!). Anyhoo.... I applaud your start. Interestingly enough, the Mrs. and I were discussing the creation of something very similar to what you're doing here only last night. Because of that, I'm looking forward to following your build here.

If you get the opportunity, it would be nice to see your armature (structure) from the side.

Keep up the efforts! It comes together quite quickly in the end.

GhostTown,
Ill get some more photos of the armature tonight for you.

Love the concept drawing. cant wait to see it complete!

first coat of paper mache strips are done. Very time consuming process. Hindsight I would have mached the entire armature first. I would have also considered macheing the vines then hanging them. Hope to have the second and third coat this weekend. Im working on the arms and going back and forth on the placement, length etc. Sorry about the fuzzy pics, my digital battery was dead so I had to use my HTC but its not so good at night.
Front
Side

Looks awesome very nice!

Looks great! I look forward to more!

Great job I like the curvature of the body frame so far. I am exicted to stay on this thread and watch this beast come to life!

I was able to do some more work this weekend though not as much as I hoped. I was able to attached the arms and one hand. 2nd coat of mache strips on the upper section 3rd mache coat on the lower section. The thing I'm slightly disappointed about is the ridged and obvious PVC cross effect for the shoulders. In hind sight I would have either melted and bent the shoulders so they slightly curved down or used some type of elbow like a 22 degree to help with a curve. Its too late now and I guess working at 1:30 in the morning can cause these types of lazy decisions to be made, like it will look fine just keep going Halloween's just around the corner.
Main Section


Hand armature


Arm vine structure. The Arms detach at the shoulder, I used two 1" screws to hold the arms in position. The arms joints are otherwise joined with PVC cement. I did this for storage.