i want to make several static props for my yard (mainly upright bodies) if any one has suggestions on building please post!!!!!!![)]

in front of him, a werewolf, behind him, the headless horseman. it was time to make the hardest decision: what to be for halloween

PVC piping first of all.You can make just about any static prop with different sizes of PVC.You can also make static props by making the bodies from wood boards then staple chickenwire(as you somewhat form the body parts).Hope this helped.

rod spain

Definatly go with the pvc frame. You want to use 1/2 or 3/4 inch stock. I use 3/4. The fittings are very cheap, usually 20-30 cence. YOu can use PVC glue and/or Sheet metal screws. I generally use sheet metal screws. From there you can either make a chicken wire frame or use bubble wrap. Then simply cloth it. Another option is the Duck tape double. Have someone wear old clothes. that leaves no exposed skin. Have them pose and wrap thenm in 3-4 rolls of deck tape. Then cut everything off down the back. Re duck tape the seems and fill it with expanding foam. You may want to advise the otehr person too where a second set of clothes underneeth so they are not naked.

Michael Ball

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I use a combination of 1 1/2" PVC and 2X4s for the frame and then use chickenwire to give the "static" better form. Here is a great link to get some ideas.

-fly

Check out my props here

With PVC you can heat it up a bit and it will become soft. That way you can shape it into more natural curves.

Ooh, curves

Michael Ball

Check out my photo album!
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Curves...YEA BABY.......
Using a blow torch for this process. I do not think it takes to much heat to make it bend....

If you get scared, you will like it. If I scare you, I will LOVE IT.

I'll have to experiment with that... Maybe a heat gun might give better control? Of course, I don't have EITHER at the moment...

-Stryker
"The body is but a coffin for the soul."

Those propane torches are cheaper, plus they have fire, which is fun. I think A heat gun will work because I used one on a plastic radio flyer wagon and it made the plastic vert soft, almost gooey, and yes, I think you would hav ebetter control with a heat gun.

Michael Ball

Check out my photo album!
http://halloweengallery.com/index.php?cat=10014

A lighter will work just as good as a heat gun. It only takes 3 to 5 seconds to soften it up enough to bend. After you bend the PVC run cold water over it (a second or two) and the curve/bend will keep it's shape.