Industrial Monster

$25 - $30 (based on 2020 prices)
Makes one cloche

Every year, I have one prop which becomes my favorite build of the season. For 2020’s mad scientist theme, this industrial monster was that prop. I wanted to make something to accompany the heart cloche, using the same random assortment of bolts and screws. I was impressed with the outcome and, after a few slight modifications, entered the prop in the 2022 Colorado State Fair, where it lost the People’s Choice Award by only three votes.

• One human-sized plastic skull
• One plastic cloche with detachable base and handle (roughly fifteen inches tall)
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat black*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in metallic bronze*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in olive*
• One sheet of white copy paper (8 ½” x 11”)
• 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 8 oz. can of oil-based interior wood stain in Jacobean*
• A random assortment of bolts, caps, rollers, and screws
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat black*

1. Disassemble the cloche and, on a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, apply an even coat of black spray paint to the base and handle. Although I only used one coat, 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 by the other paints.

2.  Once the paint dries, detail the base and handle by applying a layer of metallic bronze. You want to give the illusion of worn metal, so gently brush the paint along the raised portions in a quick, back-and-forth motion. It may work best to experiment with a scrap of cardboard first. Also, to enhance the aged patina, randomly smudge olive paint onto the surface with either a paper towel or sponge.

3.  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. 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.  Once the paper has dried, trace the outline of the base onto the sheet, cut it out, and glue it in place. To make the paper appear even more decrepit, crinkle it and create holes before adhering it to the base.

5.  To make the skull appear aged, paint it with the wood stain. Apply a thin coat, ensuring the liquid settles into all the cracks and fissures, and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe it clean using paper towels.

6. Accent the skull with a variety of bolts, caps, rollers, and screws. To ensure they remain in place, use an industrial-strength glue and, for the bolts and screws, drill holes into the bone and glue the items in place.

7. To mask the glue and give the prop an additional level of grime, stipple black paint around the blots and screws. You could also use a deep brown for this process.

8. Center the skull on the base and glue it in place. Depending on the height of the cloche, you may need to adjust the skull’s position so it properly fits under the enclosure before permanently affixing it.  

9. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, paint the cloche with the wood stain. I discovered that applying a thin coat and patting it with paper towels produces a hazed appearance. Likewise, brushing the rim with a swift downward motion creates the illusion of grime buildup.

10. Reattach the handle to the cloche and then reattach the cloche to its base. If you plan for a more permanent display, you can glue the cloche to the base; however, this will make it difficult to access the skull.  

11. To cater the prop to your haunt’s theme, the prop can be enhanced further with additional details, such as a specimen label or biohazard sign.

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