Foam & Prop BuildingNo. 8320 · The 2026 edition
Build a Halloween prop using a costume and PVC
Transform a simple PVC skeleton into a spooky Halloween prop with this step-by-step guide.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at hungryhappenings.com.
This project combines PVC piping, chicken wire, and a costume to create a life-sized zombie figure. By shaping the wire into tubes for the limbs and torso, and attaching a masked styrofoam head, you can build a customizable prop perfect for Halloween displays.
You'll need
Directions
- Assemble the PVC components according to the provided diagram, ensuring all joints are securely connected.
- Shape the chicken wire into a supportive framework that will give volume to the costume's body.
- Form two cylindrical wire sections for the legs, then secure them to the PVC skeleton by cutting the wire and twisting the ends around the pipes.
- Construct smaller wire cylinders to serve as the arms and shoulder pads.
- Insert the PVC arm segments into the wire tubes, guiding the wire up and over the shoulder joints to lock everything in place.
- Wrap a larger wire cylinder around the midsection to complete the torso shape.
- Drill or carve an opening in the base of the styrofoam head, sized to fit a PVC pipe segment snugly.
- Place the mask over the styrofoam head to conceal it.
- Dress the figure in the costume, attach the head assembly, and add footwear to finish the look.
