#diy bones

Easy, Inexpensive Papier Mache Bone Prop Tutorial

In theatre, there’s no limit to the number of odd props that you’ll end up needing for shows.  On several occasions, I’ve actually needed bone props.  This method came in handy for my Halloween Haunted Theatre where there was a need for a large quantity of “bones”.  It’s definitely cheaper to make them than to purchase them.  Also, if it’s not…

This is exactly what it sounds like.

Awful deathly smells, wiggly maggots and dripping oozes.

If you have not read Step one, I highly advise that you to. That step will prepare you for what the sanitary rules are for bone collectors. This is not limited to what else might be around sanitation wise, so please be careful when handling dead matter.

Things you will need:

Rubber Gloves (Surgical Grade)

Mask ( respirator or surgical mask)

Wear clothing you don't mind getting a bit dirty. We always do out best to not come into contact with anything dead, but things do happen when in the field.

A Small to Medium Cage that you can use to let the Body decompose without any other animals interfering.

Recommended:

Vick's Vapo Rub: If you rub a small bit underneath the nose, it will distract your smell away from the body's Interesting aromas.  This also helps you focus on the task at hand a keep you from getting too nauseous on the job.

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When you harvest Bones after letting Nature do it's thing, There will still be tissue on the bones that will need to be removed.  Before removal, you must let nature remove what you can't, Safely. Decomposition may take from a few weeks (Small animals) to Months (Medium to Large animals).

Removal of tissue with bacteria is called maceration.

The " Boil" Method requires you to Simmer the bone until the skin and tissue fall off the bone. The method name is inaccurate and if you Boil the bone enough, you can cause your bones to become greasy and very difficult to clean.

I am however using the "Cold Water" maceration method as Jana explains on her blog: We are not literally using cold water. It actually means that you leave bones submerged in room temperature water for a few days to a few weeks, depending on how much Bacteria is needed to break down the unwanted tissue. Changing out the water can cause your bacterial breakdown 'process' to take longer than expected. Remember that the smaller the animal, the less time it takes to macerate or separate from itself. You can tell when you are nearing the end of the maceration process when the tissue has been dissolved and or floating free from the bone. Please be sure to put this outside or in a ventilated area where you will see the container every day. This will urge you to check it constantly, allowing you to decide when the maceration process is finished for your creature.

I live In a warm area of the US and the warmer the weather, the better chance your bacteria will survive and do the work for you.

I have seen other bone bearers incubate water to remain at a constant warm temperature when the weather is not helpful. Colder climates can hinder the maceration process greatly.  If you live in a colder area, I suggest a small fish tank or aquarium to be used, though the smell will be quite dreadful. For that reason we recommend you keep anything incubated in a shed, or area away from the general living space.

A thermostat will also be needed. From various sources I have learned that Aquariums can be heated from 72º  to 82º Fahrenheit. This will keep the bacteria happy and help you Macerate the bones effectively and safely.