Thread: PVC pipe characters

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I started using PVC pipe to build all my character props a few years ago and it works out great. I am able to put character props in all types of positions using this. My only problem is that there is not much "bulk" to the bodies of these props. Any suggestions to build up the bodies under the clothes. I have stuffed packaging peanuts, garbage bags, and even old pillows, but there has to be a better idea and an inexpensive idea.

I use chicken wire. It is light and I can form it any way I want.

-Stygma

Foam pool noodles. Just slice down the side and they fit right over the PVC pipe.

i use chicken wire here too....

Originally Posted by ajbanz

Foam pool noodles. Just slice down the side and they fit right over the PVC pipe.

Yeah, I like the pool noodles too. Dollar Tree was out of them by the time I needed them, this year. But Kmart still had some and they were clearanced down to a dollar so I was happy.

Just duct tape them onto the PVC and dress the character. So easy!!

I'd vote for chicken wire too, because I do have one body that a friend made, and it's great!

However, I'm extremely cheap, so I use packing tape to make "bodies" out of plastic grocery bags. They do go flat after a year or so (I just add more), but they hold up nice enough for the current season if you have enough bags. I started out simply stuffing bags into the clothing, but taping them together into a body form works better for me.

I noticed at Menards how they use the really big sewer pipe connections to make an arm/shoulder display for t-shirts. I thought it had lots of possiblities but much more expensive of course.

I'm trying some tomato cages on a new prop this year. I still have some adjusting to do but it looks good so far.

After last Halloween, I scoped out places selling off costumes and bought several "muscle bodies". They are like a padded shirt with padded arms and chests. Worked really well for my werewolf prop. I also use pool noodles to fill out the legs. Have also used long sleeved turtlenecks and stuffed them with plastic bags (recycling) or fiberfill stuffing.

I use bubble wrap around my PVC Characters. If you look on craigslist under "free" there is almost always someone recycling it.