Clown Doll

$10 - $15 (based on 2017 prices)

Makes one doll

2017’s haunt explored the legend of La Llorona. To expand on the element of prolicide prevalent in the folklore, I drew inspiration from La Isla de las Muñecas and filled the haunt with dolls to represent the specter’s drowned children. Although the process of transforming dozens of dolls into macabre monsters eventually became rather tiring, the final result was well worth the time and effort.

• One twelve-inch vinyl doll
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in black*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in cocoa*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in brown spice*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in gray*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in steel gray*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in red*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in yellow*
• One 0.44 oz. bottle of clear nail polish*
• One dozen pom poms in various colors and sizes
  

1. Disrobe the doll and, on a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, give it three even coats of gray paint. The number of coats, of course, depends on your desired coverage, so you may apply more or less.

2. Use a brush with splayed bristles to create a stippling effect around the doll’s joints and the features of the face. I found that working from light to dark (i.e. cocoa to brown spice to black) produces the best results. Also, create contrast along the body by smudging steel gray over the gray surface.

3. Detail the doll by fabricating a clown-like face with black, red, and yellow. You could create a frown like the one pictured or fashion a sinister sneer. To complete the look, paint the eyes a lifeless black and use clear nail polish to give them a glossy appearance.

4. Modify the doll’s original oufit by gluing pom poms to the clothing. You could use one specific size and color to achieve a unified look or vary both the dimensions and hues for a more chaotic appearance. Likewise, you can apply the pom poms in a random pattern or create an intricate design.

5. Smear the dress’ surface with black and brown paint to create the illusion of dirt and use a pair of sharp scissors to shred the fabric. Concentrate your actions around the edges of the collar, skirt, and sleeves.

6. Clothe the doll and, if you want, apply further details, such as additional tears and holes to the dress, a tattered bow in her hair, and a mangled tutu around her waist or repurposed as a ruff about her neck.

7. If you want an additional level of grime, muddy the hair with black, brown, and gray paint. If you don’t mind the mess, spread the paint onto the palms of your hands and use your fingers to brush it into the tuffs. Do not worry too much if the hair becomes matted and tangled during this process (it will only enhance the appearance).

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