Spellbinding Halloween Decoration: Creating a Unique Skeleton Piece You’ll Want to Show Off!

I really hope that I’m not breaking the rules.... Now I’m actively writing the text and preparing photos.... However, I don’t have time before the end of the competition.... I’m publishing it as it is.

The idea of creating this kind of decoration came to me quite some time ago—around a year ago, to be exact. But I only started bringing it to life now. To put it briefly, I'm creating a decoration that will stand out with its originality and a touch of Halloween magic...

First, I’ll need a small piece of brass sheet, 1.5 mm thick. This is a soft brass alloy that works well with both machine tools and hand tools. Plus, brass has a very attractive and rather costly look… And, honestly, it’s my favorite metal! 😊

After securing the blank on my workbench, I begin milling. The milling process itself is simple and doesn’t need much explanation. The only thing worth mentioning is the development of the vector drawing for the detail, which I did beforehand. This step is fairly challenging and takes experience and time.

Using an engraving tool, I work on the recessed areas. Technically, I could skip this step, but without it, milling marks would be visible, and the figure wouldn’t look “alive.”

For a more original look, I darken the skeleton using a special blackening chemical. I start by degreasing the metal surface, apply the chemical with a brush, and let it dry.

At this stage, I need a small piece of aluminum sheet to make a circular blank with a 38 mm diameter. For convenience, I glue a matching circular part to the blank using fast-drying glue. I then mount everything in the lathe chuck and turn it to the exact size I need.

(How do you like my lathe tool holder? 😉)

After turning, I drill two holes, each 5 mm in diameter, and insert neodymium magnets, securing them with a few drops of glue. I also make a similar circular piece from brass with magnets as well.

I connect the first and second parts using epoxy resin. A mechanical fastening method would be preferable, but since the decoration won’t be under heavy strain, adhesive bonding will be sufficient.

I use a wooden blank for the base. I’m not exactly sure of the wood type, but I can say it’s very hard. I mill out slots in the base for the skeleton figure and the coin. I glue the skeleton into its slot, as well as a steel washer. As you might guess, thanks to this washer, the coin can magnetize to the base.

I finish the wood with oil to protect it from adverse effects and give it a more refined appearance. I could apply a thin layer of varnish instead, but I prefer not to have an overly glossy finish.

Initially, I planned to use this item as a decoration for my desk. However, a friend saw it, asked if he could have it, attached a cord to it, and wore it on Halloween, surprising his friends. Many couldn’t figure out how he changed the text on the coin… 😄

With best wishes,

Anton Pisarev