DIY Concrete Witch Ghoul

It’s almost halloween again and I have been enjoying my Spook so much over the last year that I just had to give him a friend… a Girl friend! This sweet witch is just as easy to make and also sits perfectly on a step or a tree stump. She sports a awesome hairdo and perfect boots! Let me show you how to make your own DIY Concrete Witch Ghoul!

Step #1: The body

To make things easier later on I have used a double layer of balloon for the head this time. Put one balloon inside the other and blow them up together. It may be a bit more difficult but you don’t need it very large. I used 2 so that I was assured of no bursting…(don’t ask how I know this)

The beauty of using the bottle for the torso is that it is easily cut later and it can be filled to provide a nice stable weight. Tape the sticks or tongue suppressors across the back and the balloons at the front of the bottle. I know she does not have the best posture but she looks comfortable.

Every witch needs a hat! Don’t be too fussy as it will be covered later on. Make a brim out of cardboard, and then roll a cone until it fits as you like. Tape it securely and then cut to fit the brim.

To make some arms use whatever wire you have on hand. This is covered copper wire but you could use coat hangers as well. Tape it to the shoulders. To add some ‘bulk’ (muscles) wrap some plastic bags around it. Tape the bottle to the styrofoam and add some ‘flair’ out the back with some tape.

She needs skinny little witch legs and some boots. Again using wire, add the shape by forming with tin foil. Some pointy toes and little heels were in order. Make a couple long rectangle boxes for her 2 legs/thighs and tape the wire legs to them.

Step #2: The Hair

She needs great hair! I wanted some curls so I untwisted a cording that I had on hand (reason to keep practically everything) but you could also use rope, or even a mop head. It should have some fibre for the concrete to absorb into.

I made a ring of ‘hair’ to go around her head (under her hat) that included her bangs and long sides.

Be creative, and imagine it with the draping…

Step #3: The Fabric

I like to do a test-drape to make sure I have the right amount of fabric. One rectangle for each leg and one large rectangle for the sleeves and back coat. If there is extra it is easily tucked underneath.

Step #4: The Cement Work

The Spook has held up really well to all the temperature changes here in Canada so I have used the same mix on this. It is Quikrete portland cement. If you are new to concrete you may start here.

Mix Portland cement and water to a slurry that is somewhat like melted ice cream. Set your armature Witch on a step and cover it to protect from the concrete.

Start with the feet and legs. To cover the boots I used the slurry concrete like paper-maché.

Rip small pieces and layer the feet/boots and smooth it out. Give it a few layers and roll some paper towel for the ankles. They can remain quite thin

Dampen the fabric before dipping into the slurry, as then it will not suck out all the moisture from the concrete. Work it well into the concrete so that the fibres absorb enough concrete.

Drape each leg over the thighs first. Fold over a bit at the bottom, and tuck any extra under at the sides.

Then use the large rectangle and drape it over the shoulders tile it meets the floor at the back and around the front arms. Play with the folds and how the sleeves rest on the legs. A brush helps smooth the cement.

The hair was a bit tricky as it was somewhat fragile in the mix. Some strands needed to be reattached. Perhaps a mop-head would be perfect! It’s like playing with mud…

I dipped a coarse mesh fabric (sold for halloween decor) into the slurry as well and wrapped it over the hat when in place. Brush extra cement on to give it a good coverage. It creates great texture and absorbs the concrete well.

It comes together quite quickly with the cement. You can fuss with the hair, and add cement to keep the strands in place.

Step #5 The Finishing

After the cement cured over a couple days I pulled out the bottle and popped the balloon. Pull out any pieces like tape and cardboard. The cemented fabric should be stiff enough.

I then added another brushed layer for good measure. It probably didn’t need it. I included a bit of acrylic paint into the thin concrete ‘paint’. I tend to be a bit fussy with finishes… my bad.

Misting it with water slows the setting which does help to add strength.

I couldn’t help but smile as she was coming together… Such a cool DIY concrete witch Ghoul! Her weight lets her sit well in a step or stump.

Since she is hollow, you can add some light. (battery or solar operated are the easiest) Make her a broom stick in case she needs it…

She will keep an eye out for any wayward spooks…

The best thing… you don’t need to sculpt a face. You just have to use your imagination to ‘see’ a face.

They make the best pair; perfect for halloween. I think I can hear them whispering… I know you want one of your own DIY Concrete Witch Ghouls or Concrete Step Spook or The Cat

(Intended for personal use only: Publishing of this design is prohibited without permission)