Headless Horseman Decoration
Introduction: Headless Horseman Decoration
This Halloween as we all know, was a bit "different". However, hope and joy are still all around us. What better way to prove that, than by using the powers of nostalgia and creativity to bring smiles and wonder to children's faces. Halloween is my favorite holiday, and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad has a special place in my heart. I decided to recreate the Headless Horseman that brought me so much Halloween joy as a child. Not only was this piece relatively easy to create, it was also very affordable! I only spent 35 dollars on materials. This fun, spooky piece will grace our Halloween doorstep for years to come. Let's get started!
Supplies
* R-Tech Styrofoam insulation board
2 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. R-7.7 Rigid Foam Insulation
* Box cutter
* Black duct tape
* 2 cans outdoor satin black spray paint
* Red, pink, white and silver craft paint
* Small paint brushes
* Projector (DIY works great) box/magnifying glass/phone
* 2 (4 ft) wooden stakes
* 10 lb Blue Hawk dark wire (optional)
* 1 yard purple fabric
* Hot glue gun/ glue sticks
* 1/3 yard red, orange and yellow shiny fabric
* Hollow plastic Jack O Lantern
* Flickering red light for Jack O Lantern
* Cardboard
* Dollar store fan
* Yellow party streamer
* Hot knife (if pumpkin is not an open top)
Step 1: Step 1 Project Your Image
If you own a projector, this step is very simple. If you don't, it can still be extremely easy. You'll just need to make a DIY projector. You can actually use this simple homemade one right here on Instructables.com !
https://www.instructables.com/Make-an-Easy-Homemad...
Once you've made you projector, stand your foam board up against a wall in a dark room. Project your image onto the board, keeping in mind it may be backwards (which makes no difference in the end). 644
Adjust your image to the size you want, then outline your image with a permanent marker. You may find that to make the image fit, you need to cut out certain pieces separately. For example, to make this image as large as it could be, I needed to cut out the Horse's leg separately. I will connect it with duct tape later.
Step 2: Step 2 Cut Out Your Horseman
Using a box cutter or Exacto knife, cut out the Horseman, and any pieces you may need to add. Don't try using scissors, Styrofoam is very messy, and scissors only make the problem worse. I also recommend doing this in a carpeted area, so that you can vacuum up later. Styrofoam is nearly impossible to sweep up!
Step 3: Step 3 Duct Tape Edges
Take time to duct tape the edges of your Horseman for 2 reasons.
1. To ensure that the edges look finished and smooth
2. To prevent spray paint from touching the Styrofoam. Certain spray paints contain a chemical that can actually melt Styrofoam, so making sure that the paint doesn't leak into the project is important.
Add any pieces you may have cut separately, then edge the entire piece.
Step 4: Step 4 Spray Paint
Be sure and choose a spray paint that is outdoor use with a satin finish. A shiny finish will reflect the sun too much, and a matte finish will get dirty.
I chose to use black, but you could use any color you like. I also chose to paint both sides, as the back and front of the piece will be visable where I'm placing it.
Spray and let dry twice.
I used 2 full cans.
Step 5: Step 5 Paint Details
I used simple craft paint to create the detail lines. You could try eyeballing this part, if you are more of an artist type.
If you want to get the lines exact, get out your trusty projector for a second time, and trace the lines in pencil first then paint.
Step 6: Step 6 Cape
That ominous purple cape is such a fun part of The Headless Horseman' look! This cape was super easy to create.
Using a full yard of shiny purple fabric, simply round the edges of the piece, then hot glue the cape in place on the back of your horseman. You can also add this fabric to the front collar for dimension.
Step 7: Step 7 Jack 'O Lantern Flames
If your plastic pumpkin does not have an open top, you will first need to open it using a hot knife. You can smooth the edges with a box-cutter. 6