The Petrified Tree
A simple project that requires minimal skills and is a great beginner project.
The petrified tree is a simple prop to create but it provides a lot to the atmosphere of a haunt.
Since I made it I continuously get compliments and questions about it. It is one of my favourite static props.
Below are some photo’s of the build and brief descriptions of the process.
The materials I used were:
a post;
pool noodle;
3 small plastic skulls;
one life sized plastic skull;
some coat hanger wire;
a few plastic leaves ; (Stolen from one of my wife’s plants…..sshh!)
white glue;
spray bottle;
water;
news print;
fake moss;
some cheap paper towel; and
paint
First step was to attach the wire to the post to get the desired shape. Then attach the pool noodle to fill out the trunk. Next is to attach the skulls. I had to cut the jaws off and glue them back on in a screaming position to get the look I wanted. I used plastic leaves to accent the branches and one small skull. Next I paper mache’d it in 2 stages. Filled out with newsprint then final texture using paper towel.
Starting the mache
Now onto paint. This is where I never seem satisfied to just leave well enough alone. I started with a base coat of light grey all over.
Base colour
Paint some moss
Time to dry brush on some mossy green.
Then dry brush some darker accents to bring out the texture and shadows.
Accent colour
Add some fake moss to complete the look.
Adding the moss
And that’s it. You now have a petrified tree. I like to place mine near a triggered prop since most people like to check it out which in turn gets them close enough to activate the triggered prop.
Now get out there and get building.
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