The first front yard decoration is on display! I hoped to finish my variation of the classic Witch Crash gag last night but it needed another hour or so today to get done. At first, my idea was just having the legs and broom sticking out of a nearby shrub as a small accent. Telling my niece Devin about the plan, she pushed the gag to this level... I had to do it. This is made with stuff I already had.
It's pretty simple to make.
The busted hole is a piece of plywood cut into a rough oval shape, and painted flat black. I used wire and eyelets on the back to hang, like any ordinary picture frame. The cracked plaster is cut pieces of foam core coated with spray can ceiling texture to mimic stucco. They were painted our house color and hot glued on. I added some broken 1" x 3" wood boards
Her legs are mannequin legs I inherited from a past TV show, but they're easily found on the internet for sale. I didn't have fancy stockings, so I just painted a plain white pair I had in one of my many boxes labeled "odd junk to make stuff with". Even had the old shoes handy. If you like making props or just being creative, having a stash of things to use pays off often. You do walk a fine line. I'm often in fear of becoming one of those talk show "pack rat" syndrome guests.
The broom is one of those cheapo CVS brand ones I also had in my stash. I'd love the sweep to be much larger, but it works for now (ideally I'd make bigger). I replaced it's original bamboo stick with a solid 3/4" dowel. I attached the broken end with eye hooks so it will sway in the breeze. Who needs fancy animatronics, huh?
I forgot to give her big shoe buckles. That missing detail will bug me for some reason. I'll have to add tomorrow.
Awesome! I really enjoy your blog and find it inspiring. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas.
ReplyDeleteThat is AWESOME!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is SUPER cute! I'll be linking to this.
ReplyDelete...No. 127 on my List of Things I Wish I had Thought Of Before Dave Lowe.
ReplyDeleteExcellent execution on that. I particularly like the way the broken wall pieces look.
really amazing! enter that contest!!!
ReplyDeleteSo very cool!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I'm really impressed. I'm finding it hard to believe that that is build-up from the exterior wall, and that it's not recessed into the wall at all. The illusion is great.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the crashed saucer.
This turned out great!
ReplyDeleteAt the risk of sounding like an echo: fantastic concept and a darn convincing illusion!
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I've become tired of the 'crashed witch' decoration over the years. I distinctly remember it was literally everywhere for a couple years, as though a massive cloud of witches on their brooms all lost control simultaneously and slammed into the earth, leaving barely a house on the big night free from a flattened witch. However, this is so beautifully done and enough of a novel take that I love it. The swaying broken broom is a brilliant touch!
would you be able to show picture by picture directions?
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
This prop may be getting a much needed make-over for 2012, so I'll try and do a step by step with pics if happens.
DeleteAbsolutely adorable and so creative! You and your niece are very imaginative and talented. Great laughs and great memories - I am sure. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Trying to find legs, did you use a right and left?
ReplyDeleteYes, I used Left and right legs, but the only reason you'd notice is by the feet. If you used 2 of the same, as long as the shoes or correct, know one would notice.
DeleteI have mannequin legs to o ths - but they are heavy! How did you secure the legs to the plywood? This is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI placed the legs on the wood where I wanted them, and traced where they would go. Then I drilled small pilot holes into the wood for screws. Then I glued the leg's in place and screwed them on through the pilot holed from the back of the plywood. Hope that makes sense?
ReplyDeleteIt does - or rather it will for the hubby ;-). We have a fixture surplus store here in Austin ( kinda creepy in and of itself!) and I think I will be returning for more legs and parts after seeing your amazing blog! I swear it looks like the legs are disappearing somehow up into the plywood - I don't know how you did it, but I shall try!!! Thanks for the quick response.
ReplyDeleteMy mother and I are getting ready to make this for a party. Are you still planning a redo? I would love to know what you're updating before we buy our supplies.
ReplyDeleteAWESOME!!! You are so TALENTED!!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you don't have a set of prop leg like most people don't. You can use a pool noodle.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! Imagine how the kids in my neighborhood would react... Currently testing a miniature version with doll legs :-)
ReplyDeleteIt really looks like you punched a hole in your wall...Im trying to figure out how its not a hole. I understand the directions...but the illusion is amazing (or you really punched a whole in your wall and are fooling us lol)
ReplyDeleteDave, what did you use to hold the whole prop on your house.I am not sure how to hang the whole contraption. This is just fabulous! thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would buy this u should consider selling them!!!
ReplyDeleteJ'ADORE !!! merci pour le partage : pour le prochain Halloween, je veux la même !... je cherche des freebies sur le web, mais je recherche aussi des créations : lorsque je trouve des choses qui me plaisent, je partage mes "bonnes adresses" : la vôtre y sera !... http://pinterest.com/lemondedis/ (j'ai déjà plus de 13000 liens vers des téléchargements gratuits et quelques autres milliers vers des projets de création !)
ReplyDeleteThis is why I never drink n fly. Some "ladies" just can't hold their liquor.
ReplyDeleteCould you possibly do something similar in a mirror? For indoor.
The only problem with it is that all the pieces of wall are shoving outward. By how the witch flew into the wall--they should be angling inward. Otherwise this is very cute.
ReplyDeleteDave, my sister just sent me a photo of the witch crash and I am like "HOLY COW!!" That is pretty awesome! I am working to build my Halloween collection by making my own. I hope that I can learn and barrow your ideas and techniques.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't want to use mannequin legs you can do Packing tape legs. Its so much lighter and realistic because you form it to your or someone elses legs. Look Under "packing tape ghost" on the internet and you will see what I'm talking about. You can the fill the legs woth a dowel for support then fill with spray foam insulation. This looks so awsome and way lighter.
ReplyDeletePLEASE MAKE A HOW TO DO VIDEO ON THIS AND POST THE LINK HERE. THIS IS AMAZING
ReplyDeleteYour instructions are really easy to follow, from 08 - 2015, this won't ever "get old"! Love it!
ReplyDeletethis is fantastic!
ReplyDelete