Creepy Doll Wreath

$15 - $20 (based on 2017 prices)

Makes one wreath

To build on the haunted house’s La Llorona theme, I incorporated elements from La Isla de las Muñecas and filled the haunt with dolls. Back in 2015, I created three voodoo talismans and was thoroughly impressed with the results. I decided to replicate the props using a wreath rather than stars. Although not as striking as the originals, this version made a creepy addition to the random assortment of dolls.

• Two twelve-inch vinyl dolls
• One grapevine wreath
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat black*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat brown*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flesh tone*
• One 8 oz. bottle of wood glue*
• Two yards of light brown twine
• One 4 oz. bottle of all-purpose tacky glue*
• One ½ oz. bag of feathers
  

1. Dismember the dolls and remove their clothing. On a newspaper-lined surface, paint their limbs and heads black. Although I only used one coat, you may want more depending on your desired coverage. Keep in mind, though, that this is the base coat for the crackle paint and much of it will be covered up by the second layer. While I chose black, you can use a different color to tailor the props for your specific needs.

2. Once the paint has dried, use a thick brush to apply a smattering of wood glue to the props. Try not to over think your application (a random pattern produces the best results). Also, it may be easier to work with one limb at a time rather than attempting to glue and paint the entire lot at once. Let the glue sit for a minute to become tacky and then cover the limbs with the flesh-tone paint. Here, too, I only used one coat; however, you may want more. As the glue and paint dry, they will form cracks, making the base coat visible.

3. Once the glue and paint have fully dried, brush a light coat of brown paint onto the props to simulate dirt. During this process, try to focus on areas where dust and grime would normally accumulate: in the lines between fingers and toes, along the creases of elbows and knees, and inside the ears and mouths. If you want to give the props a creepier appearance, cut out the eyes and darken the holes with black paint.

4. String up the doll’s torso in the center of the wreath. Wrap twine around the body numerous times. This will not only provide additional support, but add extra detail to the prop. If both of your dolls have torsos (one of mine had a cloth body), consider repurposing the second one for another project or melding the two together to form a freakish hybrid to showcase in the wreath’s center.

5. Arrange the limbs onto the wreath and glue them in place. To give the prop further detail, alternate the items. Although I only used one doll’s head (I utilized the second for another prop), you are free to attached both.

6. Wrap twine around the limbs and grapevine to make it appear as though the dolls have been lashed to the wreath (the glue will hold them in place). Trim the excess and glue the knots to reinforce them.

7. Glue feathers under the head and inside the torso’s openings. For visual interest, vary their colors and sizes.

8. If the wreath did not come with hanging loops, you can create your own with the extra twine, knotting the ends and gluing them for reinforcement.

*You will not use the entire bottle’s content for this project.