Skull Spider, Large

We set up a skeleton Halloween yard every year but purchasing skeletons can be pricey. So every year I try to add a bit to the yard but this year I decided to add some DIY spiders using some plastic skulls (as the body/base) which I had gotten for a great price during a previous Halloween blow-out sale.

Originally I hoped to make giant spiders using pool noodles... but it was less than stellar as it was hard to pose (see pic 1) and, to be honest, wasn't creepy enough. Then I came up with idea of re-using some drip line tubing that our dog destroyed when we first got him. Black plastic HDPE still didn't look great initially (see pic 2) but was a start.

• Plastic skull, approximately 6-7" diameter x 6" height
• Old hpde pipe/tubing, various lengths cut to size
• Heat gun
• Utility knife
• Paint (optional)

• Decide on a length and using a knife, cut as required. Exact measurements not required, as next there will be necessary variances when positioning legs.
• Using a heat gun, gently heat an area of the tubing until it begins to either lose its shape, or bend/flex. A little experimentation is required as you don't want the tubing to melt to the point of dripping, nor do you want fire or smoke.
• Once the desired thickness is achieved, you have two suitable shaping options (that I used) that must be quickly done:

1. Hold one side of tubing (above heated area) while turning the other side of tubing (below the heated area). This creates a 'twisted' look/area (see pics 3-5 of the same piece at different angles). Use caution, as pulling sides apart will make a very thin, unappealing look & may possibly pull leg apart. Bending at the same time will allow 'joints' or leg segments to be made. Once the desired shape is achieved, hold both sides steady to allow the tubing to cool sufficiently (needed to retain it's shape). This may take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
2. Hold one side of tubing (above heated area) while pushing the other side of tubing (below the heated area) into the top area, bending as desired. This creates a 'bulge' or compressed knuckle segment (see pic 6 & 7).

• Repeat multiple times on each leg to get your desired bends/joints/leg segments.
• Ideally, you will need 8 legs for the best look, for each skull.

• Select eight spots where you wish for legs to be attached to skull.
• Using a utility knife, create a slit large enough to fit/push one side of tubing/leg into the skull (pic 8).
• At this point, test out how the legs hold up the skull & adjust as necessary by removing & re-heating/forming tubing before re-inserting.

Assess your completed handiwork. End result is a skull spider that is approximately two feet in diameter. Add some red paints, er... I mean blood, to liven things up! Place into your Halloween decor & prepare for the compliments!