GLOWING SKULL PROPS

Nothing is scarier than a severed backlit skull with glowing eyes. Easier than it looks, I fabricated these from simple Dollar Store items.

You may also want to check out my other Halloween props and decorations:

https://www.instructables.com/DETACHED-HEAD-PROP/

https://www.instructables.com/FOUR-SIDED-ROTATING-JACK-O-LANTERN/

https://www.instructables.com/Travelling-Casket-Prank/

Dollar Store Shopping List:

Plastic skulls

Can of nuts (optional)

Halloween battery operated light strings

AA batteries

Halloween stickers (optional)

TOOLS

Hot glue gun

Drill, Step drill bit

Kitchen shears or metal shears

Electrical tape (optional)

If you don't want your skull to sit on a pedestal, you can eliminate this step. See alternative mounting system: Step 4.

First, eat the nuts. Remove the label from the can and decorate it any way you want. I used vinyl stick on woodgrain and Halloween stickers. Keep the plastic lid as it will close off the bottom. NOTE: The metal bottom is now the top. This is where the skull will sit. Drill some holes in it then use the kitchen shears to cut a round hole big enough for the battery holder to fit through. CAUTION: THE EDGE IS SHARP SO PROTECT YOUR FINGERS AND THE WIRING BY COVERING THE EDGE WITH ELECTRICAL TAPE.

Drill some holes as starters then use the kitchen shears to open the base of the skull to allow access for wiring. Drill out each eye socket so the lights just fit through. 

Install the batteries to make sure the string works. Find the last 2 lights in the string. Push one into each of the eye holes from the inside.Lay a bed of hot glue in each socket from the outside, then hold each light in place till the glue solidifies. This will ensure that each light is oriented correctly.

Stuff the remaining string of lights into the skull cavity. Drop the battery holder into the nut can through the hole. Hot glue the skull in place. Turn on the switch and replace the plastic cover (BOTTOM). You’ll have to remove the cover to turn it on and off but since the lights are LED, the batteries will last a long time.

ALTERNATE MOUNTING SYSTEM: Hot glue the battery case to the bottom of the skull if you desire a floating display. Make sure you can access the switch and slide off the cover for battery replacement.

 Make no BONES about it, these will be scary Halloween props.