[Y.pestis]

Help! I've carved my foam pumpkin and am in the process of corpsing it up with mod podge and cotton. I think I even have mod podge in my own hair lol! So everything is plugging along well but I want to add a long, creepy looking stem to him and I'm not sure what to use. This is my first pumpkin king build so any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[EdgarWhelp]

I have seen combinations using wire/paper mache, wire/aluminium foil/paper mache, rope/paper mache to make the stems.

Alternatively I think these are pretty cool - http://www.halloweenforum.com/for-s...-arms-legs-stems-villafane-now-available.html (no affiliation)

 

[Ellie13]

I used a thick wire like a hanger and poked it through the pumpkin and then used newspaper to thicken it and then brown tape and then used liquid latex to water proof. Then paint as well to waterproof. Someone here did an awesome tutorial maybe they will direct you to it.

 

[Ellie13]

I have seen combinations using wire/paper mache, wire/aluminium foil/paper mache, rope/paper mache to make the stems.

Alternatively I think these are pretty cool )

Yes they are (c: I own 3 sets and they were a big hit last year at my work. and very pose-able as well.

 

[Y.pestis]

So here's what I have so far. This is my first attempt at corpsing a pumpkin. I used a butt load of mod podge and cotton, then a base ocat of black with orange dry brushed over the top. I'm thinking another lighter coat of orange just in high spots tomorrow. Any input is welcome.

 

[Adam Beth Fix]

This is my sentinel build from a couple of years ago. For the stem I used coat hanger wire wrapped in aluminum foil. I then finished by blending the paper mache.

 

[Y.pestis]

Looks sweet, thanks. I believe that's what I'm gonna shoot for using the wire wrapped in masking tape and then mache. I'm thinking the hands will be done similarly. I want him to be BIG with long creepy fingers.

 

[Ferryman's Wake]

Going all in on pumpkins this year as well...used a stick with fabric dipped in mache glue for this. I plan on testing some theories this year however.

 

[Oak Lane Cemetery]

I used a full length of coat hanger covered in shop towels soaked in latex. I first twisted the latex soaked towels around the wire to get the basic shape. Smaller twists of towel formed rib details along the stem. To finish I used pieces to skin the stem over and make appear one piece.

This is about the clearest pic of the finished and painted stem I have...

 

[Ellie13]

I do so love your pumpkin guy nighfisher. Mine turned out less than impressive. )c: I wish I could see it in person.

 

[matrixmom]

Looks great y.pestis....I would cut the eyes and mouth a little larger? Thats my only comment. It also could be the angle that you took the picture that the expression seems small for that great size of a pumpkin. You have a nice size pumpkin there, the cotton/modge is looking great. PS love your name here on the forum....(my theme this year is plague doctors )

 

[Y.pestis]

Thanks for sharing Nightfisher. Your build is wicked!!! I'll be happy if mine comes out half as good.

 

[UnOrthodOx]

Work in progress..

The vines are jute netting unravelled and dipped in a paint/liquid latex mix.

 

[Y.pestis]

Looks great y.pestis....I would cut the eyes and mouth a little larger? Thats my only comment. It also could be the angle that you took the picture that the expression seems small for that great size of a pumpkin. You have a nice size pumpkin there, the cotton/modge is looking great. PS love your name here on the forum....(my theme this year is plague doctors )

Thanks for the input. I was kinda thinking I should have gone bigger with the face. I believe I'm gonna use that first pumpkin for a smaller build and carve a new one for my big center piece. I'm hanging him off the front of the house and I want him to be big and to really pop...so bigger eyes and mouth. Breaks my heart to have to do another one (not). Lol. Can't wait to see pics of your plague doctor theme. I bet it;s gonna be bad ***.

 

[matrixmom]

I still think you can cut them larger, and just re-cotton a little the small areas, or line them lightly with a black spray as others have done.

 

[Y.pestis]

So I've made some more progress on my Pumpkin Sentinel. Thought I'd share a few progress pics. Next I need to attach his head and hands. Then comes the hard part...the 2 foot long root legs that will be growing into the base he's secured to. Wish me luck on those, I think they're going to be the most time consuming part. So far I'm feeling pretty good about this guy, especially for my first pumpkin build. Hope you guys enjoy and thanks you everyone for all the tips and inspiration!!!