Jarred Skinned Head

$25 - $30 (based on 2020 prices)

Makes one jarred head

 

A mad scientist needs lots of hapless victims for experiments and I was eager to fill the laboratory for 2020’s haunt with as many human specimens as the doctor required. For this version, I fashioned a skinned face contained within a bloody jar to nestle among the towers of equipment and stacks of medical textbooks.

• One human-size plastic skull
• One 8 oz. can of oil-based interior wood stain in red chestnut*
• One latex mask
• One 0.14 oz. bottle of superglue gel
• One 0.3 fluid ounce bottle of red food coloring*
• One 4 oz. bottle of clear, all-purpose tacky glue gel*
• One sheet of white creepy cloth
• One eight-inch glass jar 
• One 8 oz. can of oil-based interior wood stain in Jacobean*

1. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, stain the skull. I began by giving it a light, even coat. After that, I applied heavy amounts of stain 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 skull a meaty appearance. Once you have achieved your intended look, allow the skull to completely dry. I let mine sit outside in the sun for three days.

2. Cut the elastic band off the mask and, for visual interest, trim the edges to give it an uneven look (as though it had been haphazardly cut off).

3. Starting from the chin and working upward, glue the mask to the skull. I found this step works best if you move in stages: apply a layer of glue to one section, hold the latex down until it sticks, and then repeat the process. For a sturdier hold, use superglue.

4. In a plastic container (because the food coloring will stain, use something disposable or that you won’t mind dying), pour in your desired amount of clear glue gel and slowly add red food coloring to the solution until it achieves the sanguine hue you desire. To give the blood further density, add blue food coloring and mix well.

5. On a newspaper-lined surface, apply the blood glue to the skull. You can use an old spoon or plastic utensil to dribble the liquid or haphazardly pour it for a gory mess. Try to cover as much of the skull’s surface with the glue to make the item appear more lifelike.

6. For additional detail, cut a small swatch from the creepy cloth, soak it in the blood glue, and then spread it across the skull’s exposed bone to create veins, separating the strands for a more realistic appearance.

7. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, paint the jar with the Jacobean stain. I discovered that applying a thin coat and patting it with paper towels produces a hazed appearance. Likewise, brushing the rims and base with a swift downward motion creates the illusion of grime.

8. Ball up the creepy cloth, place it inside the jar’s base, and drizzle its with the remaining blood glue. You may have to play with its arrangement before placing the skull on top.

9. After the cloth is situated, add the specimen, positioning it so that it is prominently displayed. You can enhance the prop further with additional elements like a specimen tag or biohazard labels.

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