How to make a Life Size Scary Shakesperean Witch for Halloween

Step by step instructions on how to easily and cheaply make a fun, scary witch from common materials that will be a part of your Halloween fun for years. And, she is easy to store!


SUPPLY LIST:
One 8' section 1" pvc pipe
One 8' section 1/2" pvc pipe
One 1" 4-way "X" pvc adapter
Three reducers, 1" to 1/2" pvc adapters
saw for cutting pvc (hack saw is best or your edges will be ragged)
Outdoor Umbrella Stand
Mannequin Head or Styrofoam Wig Stand
Wig
Witch Mask
Witch Hat
Straight Pins
Black Witch Costume
2 pieces Extra Black Fabric to hide pvc at neck and the umbrella stand
Two 2" x 4" pieces of foam padding for her sleeves
Pair of Witch Gloves
Safety Pins to attach the gloves to the sleeves.
Pillow to tape to the pvc for the witches body
Long piece of Black Fabric to use for a sash
2 Pair of socks, rolled to soften the pvc "shoulder"
Witchy Broom
Black Tape to secure glove to the broom and the pillow to the pvc
Clear fishing line if you plan to have your witch outside
drill
9/32 drill bit
3" bolt
3' Metal tomato stake to use instead of an umbrella stand *


Assemble all your supplies...Decide how tall you want your witch to be. It should depend on the size of the witch costume. Don't make your witch too tall, or you will see that she has no legs! Take into consideration the height of the umbrella stand. Also remember that the pvc X adapter is to attach the arms and head to the body. Keep proportionality in mind too; each shoulder should only be about 8", and the neck should only be about 3".


The 1" pvc is for the witch's body up to her neck. The 1/2" pvc pipe is for her neck and shoulders. After you make your cuts, place the 1" pvc X adapter directly on the 1" pipe. Insert the 1" to 1/2" reducing adapters in the X adapter for her neck, and shoulders. They make 1/2" elbow adapters, so you could make your witch have pvc arms too, if you wanted. You would need 4 adapters; 2 for her shoulders and 2 for her elbows.

Here is a tip if want to use your witch outside....You may want to use a stake in the ground for the pvc pipe to go over instead of an umbrella stand. You can use a 3' metal tomato stake and drive it down into the ground and then simply slip the pvc pipe over it. Either way you go, you should have your witch next to a tree or pole so that you can use fishing line to secure her. You don't want your witch flying off!

After you have cut and assembled your pipe, insert the pipe into the umbrella stand and mark where you need the bolt to go through. Using a 9/32 drill bit, drill all the way through the pvc. Return the pipe to the umbrella stand and insert the bolt through the hole. Wedge cardboard into the hole until it is stable. Next, tape an old pillow to the shoulders and place a pair of socks on the ends, to soften her shoulders.

Use Safety pins to attach the gloves to the sleeves of the dress and stuff the sleeves of the dress with 2" foam. You can use scrap fabric for this or even newspaper; but the foam is very light. Also, if you are planning to use your witch outside, there is a possibility that she may get rained on. The foam dries very quickly and does not absorb water. Be sure and wrap your fabric or newspaper in plastic if that is what you decide to use. A newspaper wrapper is ideal for this.

She really starts coming together when you put the dress on the frame!

Now for the head....I love using the mannequin head because the eyes make her so spooky; but you have to have the right mask to use those eyes to your advantage. The mask I have on my mannequin head is called a "living" mask and I am not sure if they are still available. It is very thin foam and came blank white. I painted it and spray glued it to her face. I actually make 3 witches (Shakespearean, of course. MacBeth would be scared!) every year, and I use the Styrofoam wig forms for the other 2.

The wig forms are actually easier to use, since you can just use straight pins to attach the mask, hair and hat. It is a little tricky pushing those pins into the mannequin head! Be careful! Here is another tip if you are planning to use your witch outside...stuff her hat with plastic grocery bags so it won't blow over and get caved in. Once you have attached her mask, hair and hat, you can stick her head on her neck and use a scrap of black fabric to cover the pvc. Use more black fabric to cover the umbrella stand. Then use the long piece of black fabric to cinch in her waist.

The last step is to tape her gloves to the broom, wellah, you have got your scary witch, and you will be the talk of the neighborhood!

I hope this has been helpful to you. Please look for my upcoming How To videos on Decorating.






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