Grave Digger

[GhoulishCop]

I've begun a new grave digger prop for my yard display this year and wanted to try my hand at sculpting. Rather than use Celluclay or similar products, I'm going to try using a paper clay mixture based on Stolloween's recipe.

Below are a few work-in-progress pictures showing the process. I'm starting with a paper mache skull base and adding the paper clay to that.

The pictures show a rather lumpy surface, and that was one of the concerns I had with this, but I've been smoothing it out a bit by using water after its applied. In the future I'll try making a smoother "clay" to start with but this is what I had on hand.

Rich

[FRIGHTGUY]

I like it Ghoulish! I am actually doing a similar technique with my mini clown greeter prop only I am using Claycrete to cover the mache. I posted pictures on my blog http://grimlockmanor.blogspot.com/20...ad-sculpt.html

I am much further along now and need to repost some updates on him. I am not sure how the celluclay dries but with claycrete you can sand, grind and chisel details into it. For and large gaps or cracks I use wall spackling paste to smooth our rough areas.

Can't wait to see this guy further along!

[MacabreRob]

Any thoughts on how you are going to do his eyes?

[Dark Angel 27]

this is an awesome start!

[RoxyBlue]

I rather like the lumpy look. It gives the face tremendous character.

[MacabreRob]

very scabby

[Rahnefan]

I'm a very big fan of the lumpy look.

[GhoulishCop]

Thanks all! I have a few more pics I'll be posting in a bit. I've filled out some low areas, trying to give a more fleshy look, and have mached over the entire form, neck and all.

MacabreRob, for the eyes I have a pair of "sticky eyes" I got a Wal-Mart two years ago. I will then create lids using a sheet mache technique used by Dan Reeder. I used it on a prop last year and it gives very natural looking folds of skin. If I ever run out of those sticky eyes, though, I'll probably make a paper clay one, but continue to use the sheet mache technique.

Frightguy, the texture does indeed look very similar to your Claycrete. However I found that squeezing the paper clay mix tightly first before applying helps smooth out some of the lumpiness, and then after it's applied, I dip a chip brush in water and dab it on the clay. Then patting it with a finger, it makes it more pulpy and thus smoother.

What does the Claycrete cost? A fairly large bale of blown insulation goes for $11 at Home Depot. And it lasts a real looong time. I haven't even begun to make a dent in it the bale I bought last year.

There is something to be said for the corrupt, lumpy look the regular paper clay gives and I may incorporate that into another character. I have a few props in mind for this year.

Thanks again, all, for the comments.

Rich

[GhoulishCop]

The updated pictures, and now I just have to work on ears. I had originally attached a pair, but he looked like Dumbo. Ears generally lay against the head for the most part (unless you're like some Presidents) and mine looked that. So I removed them and will rework them and attach them in the future.

To attach this head to the frame of the prop I'm building, I'll be inserting PVC into the neck and was thinking of securing it with Great Stuff. I'll then stick that through a hole I'll drill in the armature of the frame.

[niblique71]

Looking GREAT Rich!!