DIY Skeleton Hand Prop
Ahhh, Spring. The days are longer, the sun is shining, and birds keep attempting to build a nest in my front door wreath. When I’m not shooing away the latest avian assault, I’m haunting it up. Yes, I realize that it is only March, but is it ever truly too early to craft for Halloween? I think not.
You may recall that in the ninth hour last Halloween season, I was scurrying around trying to put together a Skeleton Bones Gallery vignette. While the look was complete, it was not fully as I envisioned, so I’m working on finishing up the remaining projects for this season. One such project is a DIY skeleton hand prop.
This disconcerting little display is quick, simple, and inexpensive. You can crank this out with plenty of time left to gut a pumpkin and roast some seeds.
So, let’s dig in, shall we?
First up, we’re going to need a skeleton hand. I grabbed a pair on Amazon, but you can find these wherever fine Halloween wares are sold.
While you’re out, grab a frame that will fit your hand and a can of spray paint. I’m going with my new favorite, the Krylon Foil Metallic Gold that I used in our Boo For Two Halloween Party.
Lastly, plug in the glue gun and get it warmed up.
This frame comes from my stash. I picked it up on clearance at Hobby Lobby several years ago – I love the wallpaper-look background. While this item is long gone from stores, you can recreate a similar look using scrapbook paper or, for the really ambitious, paint and a stencil.
The focal point in my frame is these interesting utensils which I carefully removed and will use on a future project.
I want to point out that your frame does not need to have glass. In fact, if your frame is not deep enough for the hand, skip the glass. You can use an open frame as long as it has a back piece. If your frame does not have a back, cut one from cardboard and disguise it with scrapbook paper or fabric.
Now that your frame is ready let’s head outside to give our hand a touch of glam. Give your skellie a few light coats, spraying from every angle. Check to ensure there is paint in all the nooks and crannies.
Once your decayed digits are dry, all we need to do is position the hand within our frame and glue it into place. Our petrified palm is now ready for display.
Or, skip roasting the seeds (grab some at the Kwik Shop instead) and take a little extra time to add a stately cuff and a ring to your hand.
Since I had a pair of hands, I made an alternate version. Instead of gold spray paint, I opted for some acrylics in shades of brown. I then added muslin cloth to craft a mummy hand. I think I’ll put this one on the bar or near the appetizers at our next party.
