Framed Anatomical Drawings

$15 - $20 (based on 2020 prices)

Makes four frames

 

One of the things I have learned over the years is that little details have the greatest impact on reinforcing the theme of a haunt. Due to this factor, I make it a point every year to build a series of simple props to help set the stage. These framed anatomical illustrations were some of those items created for 2020’s mad scientist theme. While they were not as impressive as props like the toxic waste skeleton, they served a vital role in establishing and reinforcing the haunt’s story.

• Four 8” x 10” picture frames
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat black*
• 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 flat maroon*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in metallic silver*
• Four pieces of copy paper with vintage anatomical illustrations printed on them
• At least four tablespoons of black tea (e.g. Darjeeling, Earl Gary, English Breakfast, etc.)
• One pan large enough to soak the paper
• One 4 oz. bottle of all-purpose tacky glue*
• One plastic centipede

1. Remove the backing and glass from the frames and, on a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, give them an even coat of black spray paint. Although I only used one coat, you may want more depending on your desired coverage. Keep in mind, though, this is the base coat and much of the paint will be covered up by the rust patina.

2. Gently dry brush metallic silver over the raised areas of the frames to create the look of aged metal. If this aesthetic complements the theme of your haunt, you can stop at this stage; however, for a more weathered appearance, you can apply the techniques in step three.

3. Begin the rust patina by dabbing maroon paint onto the frames. I used an old paintbrush with splayed bristles; however, a sponge or paper towels will work well. As you do so, concentrate your application on areas where rust would naturally form, particularly along the edges. Once the maroon paint has dried, repeat the process with brown paint. During this application, be careful not to cover too much of the maroon paint. To complete the patina, apply a slight flecking of black paint. You can do this by either quickly flicking a paintbrush or using an old toothbrush and strumming your finger across the bristles. Since this process flings paint everywhere, it’s best to perform it outside.

4. Boil enough water to completely submerge the paper and pour it into the pan. Add the tea. The longer you allow the tea to brew, the darker the stain will become. Likewise, greater amounts of tea will produce a richer stain. I found that a combination of English and Irish Breakfast brewed for over ten minutes produces a nice, deep brown. Submerge the paper into the tea mixture and soak it until it reaches the color you desire. I soaked mine for eight hours and scattered the loose-leaf tea over the top of the paper to add spots. Remove the paper from the water and allow it to dry. Although it can be time consuming, this process works best if you stain each sheet of paper individually.

5. 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 backings. 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.

6. For an additional level of grime, create a wash of brown paint and allow it to run down the images. The shade of dirt depends on your ratio of paint to water: less water will produce a darker brown; more water will yield a fainter hue.

7. Accentuate the props further with little details like insects crawling across their surfaces to cater the items to your haunt’s specific theme.

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 props on a wall.

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