Thread: Shrunken Heads

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I love the dried apple/pear/whatever shrunken heads people make, but wanted something just a bit bigger.

And so, I set out to make shrunken heads myself.

So, for this project, you will need:

Some garbage paper. (newspaper works) I'm using some packing material from a bunch of makeup my wife ordered, and the packing from the Lindberg Skull.

Duct Tape. (gotta love it)

Crayola Model Magic. (I buy the boxes at Michaels/Joanns with the 40% coupons, so I get 4 pouches for ~$10)

Liquid Latex. (I'm using the Mold builder from the skull molds)

String

Superglue

Stain

Leatherworking needles

decorative items.



Just ball up the paper to the desired size, and use a little duct tape to hold it's shape.



Now, break out the model magic and make little faces on the balls of paper. We're using model magic as it's light, and dries soft. We'll be punching the needle through it later, and while there may be other clays that will work (playdoh?), I know this one does, and for fairly cheap.

Just make little depressions for the eyes unless you plan on sticking a marble or something in the socket. Don't worry too much about it looking great. You just need the general shape.

I'm not convinced ears are at all needed.

I spread it out as thin as possible, myself. But, here are the 2 styles of mouths I've found work best:







Note that we are just covering the face, not the back of the head with the clay.

I was able to get 5 heads out of the 1 pouch of model magic. That's roughly $.60 each.

Now it's time for the skin. AKA latex.

Tape on a string for easy drying.

I just dunk em, remove most the excess to not be wastefull, but I like a little running and dripping to add to the look. 1 layer is typically enough, but I like to reinforce the lip area with a second coat to prevent tearing when I start sewing.



Now, spray on, or sponge on some oil based stain, and wipe off, getting the color you want.

(this is the one that I was complaining in the other thread turned out too dark for my taste, specifically because I left it on too long to take this picture...)



Now then. Sewing the mouth shut.

You'll want some leatherworking needles from the leather section of your Craft store. The BIG curved needle, specifically.

I won't sugar coat it, this next part can be difficult, and I've stabbed myself more than I care to admit. I've actually taken to using pliers to pull the needle through.

But, sew up the mouth how you would like. And go to town decorating it to your heart's desire.

For 'stitching' the eyes, I superglue in grains of rice with a pair of tweezers.

Adding on hair is done with yet more latex. This is a hair extention. I'll be getting some loose hair from a salon as well, to give me a little more freedom with how it looks.

This is awesome, very nice job...ill be making some very soon!

did you add any paint before you dunked them in the latex?

Excellent job!!!

Really nice job.

Originally Posted by Shattered

This is awesome, very nice job...ill be making some very soon!

did you add any paint before you dunked them in the latex?

Good eye, but no, I normally don't.

The ones hanging in the pic there with the wet latex were made using some "earth tones" Model Magic I picked up by accident. I was curious whether it would make a difference, as well. The difference on the end product was negligable, if any.

That said, I would think a REALLY bright green coupled with less stain might give a nice sickening tone. And if I ever have such a paint laying around, I'll give it a try.

Originally Posted by UnOrthodOx

That said, I would think a REALLY bright green coupled with less stain might give a nice sickening tone. And if I ever have such a paint laying around, I'll give it a try.

Ok, i work at Michaels arts and crafts so i can get all the paint and clay for really cheap Ill try the bright green, and ill post my results if it turns out good.