The first front yard decoration is on display! I hoped to finish this 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. So far so good on my "no budget" creations this year. This one made with stuff I already had.
It's pretty simple. The busted hole is plywood painted black with picture wire attached to hang. 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 snapped 1 x 3's. It could use a couple more.
She has two store display legs I inherited from a past TV show. Mannequin and parts are easily found on the internet. 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. I might take time to make bigger. I've got plenty else to do and not going to let it bug me. I replaced it's original bamboo stick with a solid 3/4" dowel. I attached the two snapped pieces with eye hooks so 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!