[Neuf350Z]

I'm building an entirely new theme this year - zombies! I don't have anything zombie related in my current stash so it's a "start from scratch" effort over here.

I thought I'd start a thread dedicated to those of us with zombie themes this year so that we could share our progress and ideas. Seeing someone's work can spark new ideas so let's see what you've got!

After sketching out the major points of my haunt (zombie containment unit, zombie cage, zombie holding pen & some other type of contraption that will utilize a zombie projection), I started building the door to the containment unit:

My basement is very small and the ceilings are low so I'm limited on how much I can build on this, but I have to say that this is a REALLY fun build because of all the details I have for the unit. It's a lot of fun to go to Home Depot and Harbor Freight to poke around and see what kind of things I can add to it (switches, pipe, vent covers, etc.). Since I'm limited on this build until I get outside in the spring, my next project is to build a fuse box with flickering LED's.

While I wait for a bunch of parts to come in, I also started work on one of the many zombie heads I need to make. It's my first time manipulating styrofoam heads so I'm really looking forward to this one! Kinda looks like a muppet right now more than anything else LOL!:

I'm busting out the dremel today to take more away from it. My eyeball blanks from Monster Guts should be here tomorrow so I'll make some glossy gross eyes and pop 'em in there.

Anyway, I don't have much at the moment - got a late start this year due to the holidays and work. There's only 281 days left as of today so I better hurry.

Sorry that the photos are horizontal, not sure why since they are vertical on my computer. It's still early and I haven't had my coffee yet to figure it out. EEK!

 

[booswife02]

Pretty excited about this thread

 

[jbaum]

I made a partial Zombie area last year. Took a 10x10 dog kennel and used three sections to make a fenced in area, it was on the back side of my rooms for the back wall. Made the door partially open with zombies escaping. Some full size barrels with orange and red lights inside for simulated burn barrels and a little fog. Some signs for zombie zone and called it for the year. This year I will be adding more zombies and other stuff. My goal is 10 moving zombies and a few static ones. I need to do better background this year. I was thinking of the background like the fear the walking dead 1st episode the wall outside the church.

 

[coxboy316]

Once I start building i will add some post until then I am just going to follow along.

 

[Neuf350Z]

Got a few things done today. One of which was breaking the plastic container that I was going to use as part of the containment unit to hold some fuses. I didn't realize my brute strength.

Made some teeth and an eyeball for my first zombie head. Added some paper clay to build up some spots. Latex and toilet paper are next.

 

[coxboy316]

Here is my first attempt at creating a zombie head from a Styrofoam head, latex paint, cotton ball, and paper towels. Hopefully when I get to adding details it will really start looking creepy!!

 

[Neuf350Z]

Here's any update to my first zombie head with latex and toilet paper.

I have to add another layer because it's too thin for my liking, then it's on to painting.

 

[coxboy316]

Here is the final with the different stages

 

[matrixmom]

Oh my...I love the touch of the open brains....

 

[coxboy316]

Here's any update to my first zombie head with latex and toilet paper.

View attachment 273260

I have to add another layer because it's too thin for my liking, then it's on to painting.

What Latex are you using???
I have been searching online to find some that doesn't cost me an arm and leg...

 

[Neuf350Z]

I bought a 16oz bottle of latex used for special effects makeup off Ebay. Just that small bottle cost me about $20. I probably won't go the latex route on the next head because the latex is very thin. I'll end up using the whole bottle on this one head.

 

[coxboy316]

Well I bought some Latex from Michael's This past weekend (only because I had a 50% off coupon) so I will do my next Zombie head with that and see how it turns out.

 

[Neuf350Z]

I ended up getting some nice skin from using the latex and toilet paper. This is 3 layers.

Overall, I'm happy with him. Onto paint this weekend.

Haven't had much time to work on anything. Got a few more heads carved out this weekend and am going to try paper mache, paper clay and spar varnish on the next one.

The balls on the toothpicks are the eyeball blanks I picked up from Monster Guts. I really like the all white, milky look of zombie eyes - something that has a slight blue tinge to it.

Just bought a vinyl cutter so I'm hoping to get some zombie signs and decals done this weekend.

 

[coxboy316]

Second head. I utilize Latex from Michael's and toilet paper. Still need to add some paint and a little more latex to seal it better.

 

[Neuf350Z]

I finally got around to finishing up my first head. I'm hoping to work on the next one tomorrow.

 

[coxboy316]

Finished another zombie head with latex and toilet paper. Just need a paint job

 

[Neuf350Z]

Finally got a chance to play around with my new vinyl cutter. Just need to rough these up a bit. I'll probably make a few more different ones to scatter throughout my haunt.

 

[nosefuratyou]

Them are some scary looking zombies Rockstar. How many are you planning on making?

 

[Neuf350Z]

Thanks! I'm only planning on doing 3 for this year because I have so many other things to build. But who knows, I might change my mind and make more!

Here's my progress on the second one.

About to start the third one today. I used latex on the first two but am going to try paper mache and paper clay on the last one and see how it goes. I really like the texture you get from latex and toilet paper.

 

[coxboy316]

Finally finished up my zombie heads