A shrunken head is a great Halloween prop that's easy to make. You need to start a few weeks ahead of time to make sure the head has time to dry. Read on to learn how to make a shrunken head.
Make It Yourself: Shrunken Heads
This video uses a potato to make a shrunken head, rather than apples. You'll need scissors, fabric scissors, thread, string, butter knife, paring knife, damp cloth, large potato, unpopped popping corn, beads or buttons, paper towel, toothpicks, and chop sticks. The method used is detailed in the book A Boy's Guide to Life.
Introduction
Halloween is a great time to get creative and allow your inner ghoul to shine through. Shrunken heads are a quick project, and its easy to make several at a time. If you're working with children, make sure an adult uses the vegetable peeler and knife. Children can carving faces with a chopsticks, plastic knifes, and toothpicks.
Step 1: What You Need to Make a Shrunken Head
- 1 large apple
- Vegetable peeler
- Paring knife
- Toothpicks
- Paper towel
- Solution of 4 cups water, 1/2 cup salt, and 3 tablespoons lemon juice in a bowl
- Large paper clip
- String
Step 2: How to Make a Shrunken Head
- Peel the apple, living a small strip of peel at the top and the bottom.
- Carve a face with the knife, using the toothpicks for details. The apple will shrink, so make the features larger than normal.than you will realize.
- Smooth the surface of the "head" with a paper towel.
- Place the carved apple in the salt solution. Add water if needed to make sure the apple is completely submerged.
- Soak the apple for 24 hours.
- Straighten out a paper clip and pass it through the center of the apple. Bend it at the bottom to keep it secure.
- Make a small loop at the top of the clip and fasten to a string
- Hang the apple in a dark dry place for 2-3 weeks to dry.
Step 3: Decorate the Shrunken Head
- Blacken the head with charcoal if you want it to be more realistic.
- Cover it with matte polyurethane to preserve it.
- Attach hair with scraps of black yarn.
- Decorate with feathers, beads, and paint, if desired.
