Skull Candy Apples

$8 - $10 (based on 2017 prices)

Makes one platter containing three apples

The company I work for has an unofficial decorating contest between offices. For 2017, we decided to pull out all the stops and decorate the entire building. One of the rooms was a twisted circus. Although I have never been fond of the killer clown theme, the concept did give me a chance to explore the circus idea without relying too heavily on clowns. Since the display went up in the middle of September and did not come down until slightly after the start of November, I did not want to use actual food. I originally intended to use fake apples for this prop; however, I failed to find them in several craft stores. In a creative pinch, I used the skulls and, to be entirely honest, the final result is far more fun and intriguing.

• Three small, apple-size skulls
• One twelve-inch plastic charger
• One 3/16” wooden dowel
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in ravishing red*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in tropical mango*
• One 0.44 oz. bottle of clear nail polish*

1. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, give the skulls three coats of red paint. Depending on your desired coverage, you may want more or less. Likewise, you can use a glossy paint to give the props a shiner appearance. I elected to remove the mandibles from my skulls for aesthetic purposes; however, you are free to leave the items intact.

2. Cut the wooden dowel into three six-inch sections. To cater the prop to your specific theme, you can substitute the dowels for popsicle sticks or gnarled twigs.

3. Cut small holes in the tops of the skulls and insert the dowels. Although the hot glue in step four will hold them in place, you can use superglue or another adhesive for added support.

4. Use hot glue to create the caramel drip on the top of the skulls. You can fashion a simple puddle along the crowns or an elaborate dribble that trickles down the sides and onto the charger.

5. Give the dripping three coats of tropical mango paint. Although I used three coats, you may want more or less.

6. Use clear nail polish to give the paint a glossy appearance. I used two coats; however, you are free to apply as many coats as you feel necessary.

7. Glue the apples to the plastic charger. I used hot glue, but you can use superglue for a sturdier hold. You might consider purchasing a charger that is a different color than your apples or covering portions with multicolored paper to provide contrast.

8. For additional detail, use one of the distressed playing cards fabricated for the carnival signs or the “fun house” and “tickets” signs to fashion a label for the prop. To maintain consistency, use cherry cobbler paint and the same scratchy writing style for the wording.

9. Further touches can be added to amplify the prop’s appearance, such as plastic insects crawling on and around the apples or a few strategically placed severed ears and fingers.

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