New Scarecrow

**Herman Secret** · 06-12-2008,04:03 PM

One of my projects this year is to replace my scarecrow from last year. I was not happy how it turned out last year, and I am sure that part of the reason was that the proportions were all wrong.

This year I want to make the scarecrow more 'realistic'. To do this I will need a skeleton to work with. I see little point in investing in a bucky when most of the skeleton will be covered in burlap, and a blucky would give the same proportion problems.

So I have set about making my own skeleton with what I have lying around and I will explain my process so far on the making of the torso.

First, I used chicken wire to form a basic shape of a rib cage.

For the ribs I used part of a bleeding chest prop that I bought at the thrift store, the type that has 'blood' running between two layers. Well the prop no longer had any liquid in and the item was on 99c. Although it was broken it would work well for me

I cut around the ribs separating the the two layers - this gave me one set of ribs painted and one set in clear plastic - these will be painted and used later on another prop.

Back to the chicken wire frame... taping the rib cage to the wire frame I fashioned the wire to the same shape as the rib cage.

Next, I rolled some chicken wire up and used this to make a spine, and taped this in position on the wire frame.

Using some 1/2" PVC pipe and a T connector, I put this in where the neck and shoulders would be, then extended the collar bone on the rib cage with good ole' duct tape.

Next I needed a pelvis ... ever tried making a pelvis ? Well I studied a few pics to get the feel for the shape, then again using chicken wire, patience and some dexterity I managed to form a basic pelvic shape. This I covered in duct tape and then a couple of coats of paper mache.

Before fixing this to the spine I knew the spine needed beefing up.
So to pad out the spine I used a length of pipe insulation. Then I got the brainwave to use cable ties to;
1. hold it in place and
2. make it look like vertebrae.

This is how the progress so far looks :

The hands will be used from the skeleton last year (made using my skeleton hands how to), this was the only part that I was really satisfied with !

As for the skull, I have a number of skulls to choose from.

So the next step will be arms and legs ... and of course, I will post progress and pics

**Skullie** · 06-12-2008,04:09 PM

Herman,
Man that looks great. I need a chest for my pirate too. I will have to come up with something soon. I don't have any problems with arms and legs and heads. I love the spin, that was clever. can't wait to see more.

**DeadTed** · 06-13-2008,04:18 AM

Great project. This is also one that I'd like to do for this year. I can't wait to see the progress. Scarecrows are becoming an underrated prop in my opinion.

My inspiration is coming from pumpkinrot.com. Amazing stuff. Good luck.

**RookieSpooker** · 06-13-2008,09:34 AM

That's awesome, Herman. That's the best idea for a spine that I have seen. realistic but still shape-able. Looking forward to seeing your progress on this.

**HD-Lilly** · 07-31-2008,04:14 PM

your spine looks great ...good thinking
overall is looking good
looking forward to update

I love your avatar..I have the kit to do that same face with.

**Herman Secret** · 07-31-2008,04:56 PM

Here's an update on the skeleton frame for my scarecrow

I've made the arms out of 1/2" PVC pipe, and built them up with aluminum foil to get the shape then covered with papier mache. The hands are made using the same process as my tut on skeleton hands. Bungee cords were attached to the hands, threaded through the arms and linked up at the spine (there is a T connector for the neck and shoulders)

The skull was one that I cast from a foam skull an age ago, this was made by covering a skull with aluminum foil then papier mache. The original skull was closed jaw but I've now cut that open and currently working on the jaw and inside of the mouth to build it up

I've given the torso and arms/hands a quick spray with off white spray paint just to get an idea of how its looking. Still some work to do though, but I'm happy with the progress so far

**bethene** · 07-31-2008,05:28 PM

wow, Herman, very cool, I can't hardly believe you made all the bones, fabulous job. Love the spine, can't wait to see what you come up with next!

**cylonfrogqueen** · 07-31-2008,08:54 PM

Dang, Herman! That Rock> Love everything you've done, especially the spine, I think that's everyone's downfall when they are impovising. Yours looks great and flex to boot.
Your going to have one fine looking scarecrow when your finished.