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Here are some plans for constructing life size static props, but, before I begin, I should give credit where credit is due. The majority of the inspiration for these designs came from Steve's props at www.terrorsydicate.com, so if you think any of my stuff is good then you owe it to yourself to check out one of Steve's Prop Building Handbooks.

Using your imagination, you can apply the basics from these designs and use them in whatever twisted fashion you wish. I've been somewhat sloppy in the past about building some of my figures, so I wanted to rebuild them properly, making sure that special attention was given to stability, detail, and storage ability. In the past, my designs consisted of PVC "skeletons" covered with black sheets or clothing, mounted onto flimsy boards or held up with heavy-duty Christmas tree stands. Now I've constructed sturdy bases of 1/2 inch plywood that support wooden frames, PVC appendages, & chickenwire torsos reinforced with a mixture of joint compound and black paint, or, as it is known to Home Haunters, Monster Mud. Remember, a little planning on paper first will save you some time in the long run. By using these guidelines, you can create very realistic props that will cost you a mere fraction of what specialty shops and web sites charge for similar products. Plus, you get the satisfaction of doing it yourself and making your Halloween Creations come to life!


Here is a basic list of materials I use to build my monsters.
1. 1/2 inch plywood, cut 2' x 2'
 This provides a stable platform to build your figures onto. Most home improvement stores will have these pieces already cut for you.
2. Assorted lengths of 2 x 4 lumber
 These are the foundation/legs of your figure. Cut them any size you want depending on how tall you want your creature to be.
3. Paint
 Buy exterior grade black paint by the gallon because you will use a lot of it. For details & highlights, using an airbrush is the best. However, an assortment of spray paints in different colors, which is what I use, works just fine.
4. Chickenwire
 Get a role of 1" gage chickenwire to construct limbs & bodies for your figures. It can be bent & shaped easily, but be careful working with it since the wire can be sharp. Have a good pair of wirecutters & gloves handy.
5. PVC pipe & assorted fittings
 These plastic pipes are easy to cut with a hacksaw and come in a variety of lengths. The different fittings come in cross, tee, 45 & 90 degree shapes. You create the "skeleton" of your monster with these pieces by fitting them together like Tinker Toys.
6. Assorted U-bolts & wood screws
 U-bolts can be used to attach the PVC "skeletons" to the wood frames of your figures. If I have to tell you what screws are used for then you probably shouldn't be reading this.
7. Landscape burlap
 Landscape burlap is much cheaper than the same material you will find in a fabric store. When coated with Monster Mud, the burlap can be layered onto the chickenwire for texture and stability.
8. Joint compound
 Sold at home improvement stores in 5 gallon buckets. Mix it with black paint to create Monster Mud.
9. Foam in a can
 Cans of urethane foam sealant, like the kind I use for my skull molds, can be used to add creepy details, make bones, or shape into hands for your creatures.
10. Masks & wig forms
 Use any kind of mask you wish, cheap or expensive. I buy my masks from www.deathstudios.com. I also suggest going to a wig shop to buy some styrofoam wig forms to support the masks, although, it's just as easy to stuff them with newspaper.

Use your imagination when designing these props. Take inspiration from your favorite horror movies, books, and web sites.The Mr. Barlow prop was inspired by Tobe Hooper's made-for-TV movie based on Steven King's novel "Salem's Lot." Mr. Chaney is none other than Lon Chaney himself from "London After Midnight." Check out how I built them by following the links below. There's no limit to what you can dream up. Have fun!