Dr. Frankenstein’s Degree

$5 - $10 (based on 2020 prices)

Makes one degree

 

Although they can be overlooked by most guests, little details can have a big impact on a haunt, setting the tone. Because of this factor, I always make smaller props to reinforce the narrative. For 2020’s mad scientist theme, I wanted simpler items like journals and this medical degree to help solidify the story.

• One 8” x 11.5” picture frame
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat black
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat brown*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat khaki*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat red*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat tan*
• One piece of 8” x 11.5” copy paper with a degree certificate printed on it
• Four tablespoons of black tea (e.g. Darjeeling, Earl Gary, English Breakfast)
• One pan large enough to soak the copy paper
• One 4 oz. bottle of all-purpose tacky glue*
• One round gold sticker

1. Remove the backing and glass and, on a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, give the frame an even coat of black spray paint. Although I only used one, you may want more depending on your desired coverage. Keep in mind, though, that this is the base coat and much of the black will be covered up by lighter colors. Also, if you plan to make excessive holes in the degree during step four, consider painting the backing black during this stage.

2. Use varying hues of brown to achieve an aged wood patina. I found that working from light to dark provided the deep tones I wanted to contrast with the lightness of the tea-stained paper; however, if you need brighter shades, work from dark to light.

3. Boil enough water to completely submerge the copy 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.

4. Glue the stained paper to the cardboard backing. To make it appear even more decrepit, crinkle the paper and create holes. You can also use olive or vegetable oil to add additional stains (rub the oil onto the tips of your fingers and gently pat them on random spots across the paper’s surface).

5. Give the sticker a rusted patina by starting with dabs of brown paint and, once that has dried, dabs of red. During this process you want to ensure each layer does not overpower the last, since you want equal parts of the brown, gold, and red to show. If you cannot find a gold sticker, you can paint a circular disk of cardstock gold and then apply the rusted patina.

6. Attach the sticker to the lower-left corner of the degree. For added age, you can run a light coat of glue along the backside of the edges to make it appear the emblem is beginning to peel off the certificate.

7. Attach the frame to the backing. If you plan to display the prop in windy conditions, glue the backing in place. For safety concerns, I discarded the glass; however, you can incorporate it into the prop and even give it a light brushing of Jacobean wood stain for a grimy appearance.

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