Well, this year we're adding skeleton pirates to the Manor. All pirates need a treasure chest so I decided to make one when I spotted this great decorative metal chest at Ross on sale for $17. This prop actually took me about half an hour to make. I didn't have to do a thing to the chest itself - it has a great finish and looks a little beat up from being on the shelf so long . . . perfect!
First, I created a false bottom by cutting a scrap half inch styrofoam board to fit cattycorner inside the chest making sure the board was several inches shorter than the top of the chest. This will support the false bottom. (Figure 1) Next, I measured and cut another piece of styrofoam to match the measurements of the inside of the chest and layed it on top of the cross piece. This piece should fit snuggly against all sides of the inside of the chest. (Figure 2)
After fitting the styrofoam into the chest, I cut a piece of black poster paper I purchased at A.C. Moore for 65 cents to fit over the top of the styrofoam. This was a lot quicker and easier than trying to paint the foam board black. (Figure 3)
Party City sells pirate coins for kid's theme parties so a few bags of these covered the top of the false bottom creating the illusion that the chest is full of gold coins. Add a few strands of pearl necklaces, some jeweled pins and old gold chains, and you've got a real treasure!
- Horrorencia |
