Thursday, October 6, 2016

Grandma's “Alien in a jar” big Halloween hit – Instructions included

Halloween here at Grandma's house goes to extremes sometimes. Humans aren't our only victims. Besides, what's more creepy than an alien in a jar? Not much, right? That's what I thought too. So, a few years back, I came up with a pretty reasonable facsimile of a preserved, dead (or maybe alive...who knows?) alien in a gallon jar.

Too bad I can't find the picture we took among my online or boxed photos. He's long gone now. But I assure you, he was a big hit at our Halloween party that year.
Care to give it a try? Here's how you can make your own alien in a jar. Please read instructions and notes/precautions completely before beginning.
You will need:
  • A gallon pickle jar
  • Rubber gloves
  • A small baby doll with a cloth body
  • A package of green fabric dye
  • A white, all cotton fabric square, big enough to cover the doll head.
  • Cotton balls
  • Permanent black marker
  • Two black guitar picks
  • E-6000 glue from the craft store
  • Assorted rubber-bands
  • Water to fill the jar
  • Green food coloring to color the water.

Instructions:
Immerse the doll and the white fabric in the prepared green fabric dye. Soak for 2 hours.
Remove them and squeeze out the dye in the sink, using rubber gloves for protection.
Hang both outside until thoroughly dry. This may take a bit. Perhaps even overnight.

Place the cloth loosely over the doll head, marking eye location with the permanent marker.
Remove the cloth from the head.
Position the guitar picks on the eye marks and glue in place.

Coat the dolls head thoroughly with the E-6000 glue.
(Be sure to coat the dolls mouth/lips with glue as well.)

Glue cotton balls to the doll's head to increase brain size.
Put a few drops of glue on the top of the cotton balls too.

Before any of the glue dries, drape the cloth over the doll with the eyes in correct position.
Create the alien's mouth by pressing the cloth firmly to the mouth/lips of the doll.
Smooth the rest of the cloth down over the doll head, Rubber-band it to the neck if needed.
(Don't worry about the wrinkles. They build character!)

If desired, create muscles by strategically rubber-banding the cloth arms and legs.
Let your alien dry thoroughly.

Glue your alien's head to the inside top of the jar lid.
Let dry.

Fill the jar with water.
Add food coloring to the desired shade of green.

Lower the alien into the jar.
Screw the lid on.

That's it! Your alien in a jar is ready to display in your haunted house, on your front orch or hwerever you like!
Please note:
E-6000 glue emits a toxic odor. Be sure to work in a well ventilated area.

The water in the jar will expire. I recommend it be drained every year, at which time, the alien should be hung to dry. The water should not be refilled until next Halloween season.

The water may collect bacteria and grow mold. If this happens, you may not be able to save your alien from imminent doom. It may be necessary to dispose of it in an undisclosed location. Or your trash can. Whatever. LOL


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