Bat Specimen

$15 - $20 (based on 2019 prices)

Makes one frame

 

Part of 2019’s twisted carnival theme involved Dr. Victor’s Oddity Museum, a collection of bizarre artifacts meant to resemble the curiosity exhibits customary in turn-of-the-century travelling shows. To achieve this, I crafted a bevy of familiar oddities, from mummified mermaids to shrunken heads. For this particular build, I wanted several animal specimens to adorn the walls and add further detail and interest to the scene. Since then, the prop has proven surprisingly versatile, finding its way into 2020’s mad scientist laboratory and also in a witch-themed display.

• One 11” x 14” wooden frame
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat black*
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat brown*
• One piece of tabloid-sized paper with vintage bat illustrations printed on it
• One piece of 8” x 11.5” copy paper with specimen labels printed on it
• At least four tablespoons of dark roasted coffee grounds
• One pan large enough to soak the paper
• One 4 oz. bottle of all-purpose tacky glue*
• One small plastic bat skeleton
• One 8 oz. can of oil-based interior wood stain in red chestnut*

1. Remove the backing and glass from the frame and, on a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, dust the item with a light coat of black and brown spray paint. To give the appearance of dirt, hold the can over twelve inches away from the frame and make quick flicking motions. You can also apply a flecking of black paint and smears of brown paint to enhance the weathered patina.

2. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, give the backing an even coat of black spray paint. Although this step is optional, it will enhance the aesthetic by allowing a darkened background to show behind the holes created in step four.

3. Boil enough water to completely submerge the paper and pour it into the pan. Add the coffee. The longer you allow the coffee to brew, the darker the stain will become. Likewise, greater amounts of coffee will produce a richer stain. Submerge the paper in the coffee mixture and soak it until it reaches the color you desire. I soaked mine for four days and scattered the coffee grounds over the top to add spots. Remove the paper from the water and allow it to dry.

4. After the paper has dried, roughen it with sandpaper to create holes and crumple it to produce creases. Once you have achieved your desired level of distress, glue the paper to the backing. You can use olive or vegetable oil to add further stains. I discovered that applying a small amount of oil to your index finger and patting it on the paper works well.

5. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, stain the skeleton. I began by giving it a light, even coat with a foam brush. After that, I applied heavy amounts of stain to the ends and patted away the excess with paper towels. You want the color to build up in the cracks and fissures. Although you may use whatever color of stain you desire, I chose red chestnut because it gives the bones a fresh, meaty appearance. Once you have achieved your intended look, allow the skeleton to completely dry. I let mine sit outside in the sun for three days.

6. Center the skeleton on the backing and glue it in place. For a sturdier hold, consider using superglue. Also, to enhance the visual appeal, position the bat upside down, as it would normally hang while resting or sleeping.

7. Repeat the processes in steps three and four to coffee stain a specimen label for the prop and adhere it to the backing just below the bat’s head. For the time-pressed haunter, it may prove easier and more efficient to print the label on the side of the tabloid-sized paper and stain everything all at once, removing the label during step four and setting it aside until step seven.

8. Reattach the backing to the frame. If you plan to display the prop outside in windy conditions, consider gluing the backing in place for additional support. You can also fabricate a loop with steel wire or utilize a store-bought version to hang the prop on a wall.

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