Skull Sculpture DIY 💀

Welcome to the world of the Skull Lamp, where creativity meets functionality! This unique project allows you to transform simple materials into a striking decorative piece.

Crafted from styrofoam and embellished with vibrant glass pieces, this lamp not only illuminates your surroundings but also adds an edgy aesthetic that embodies both artistry and style.

In this tutorial, we will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating your very own skull lamp, from shaping the base to adding intricate details. By the end, you’ll have a stunning piece of art that beautifully blends light and shadow, enhancing the atmosphere of any room. So, gather your materials, unleash your imagination, and let’s get started on this illuminating journey!

1. Styrofoam
2. Sandpaper
3. Gauze Cloth
4. Cardboard
5. Ornamental chains
6. Glass shards
7. Plaster (POP)
8. Paint & Brushes

We started from combining 1.5" styrofoam pieces into layers and making a cube.

1. Use the marker to sketch the basic outline of the skull on the surface of the Styrofoam.
2. Be patient and take your time during the cutting process to avoid mistakes.

1. Carefully follow the outline you’ve drawn, applying even pressure to cut through the styrofoam. For more intricate shapes, make small, controlled cuts to maintain precision.
2. Refine details, such as hollow eye sockets and cheekbones. Use a craft knife or hot wire cutter for precision.

1. Use a sandpaper to remove imperfections and rough areas on the Styrofoam surface.
2. After sanding, use a clean cloth or brush to remove any dust and debris from the surface.

1. Soak gauze cloth in water mixed with adhesive or plaster to give it form.
2. Wrap the gauze around the skull. Smooth it out over the Styrofoam, covering the entire surface. This will create texture and durability.
3. Allow the gauze to dry completely, forming a sturdy outer layer.

1. Once the gauze is dry, apply a layer of Plaster of Paris over it for extra durability and smoother finishing.
2. Use a brush or hands to ensure even coverage over the skull, including the detailed areas like eye sockets and teeth.
3. Let this second layer dry thoroughly.

1. Wrap the glass bottle in a cloth or plastic bags to contain the shards and reduce noise during the breaking process.
2. Using a hammer or mallet, gently tap the bottle at the base or on the side to break it into smaller pieces.
3. Keep the bottle wrapped while breaking to minimize the risk of flying glass.
4. Once the bottle is broken, carefully unwrap the cloth and collect the pieces of glass.

1. After the plaster is dry, attach small glass pieces to the skull. Use strong adhesive to glue the glass to areas like the brow, eyes, and teeth. Here we glued the glass pieces with teaspoons of plasters.
2. Arrange colored glass (green for teeth, amber for the brow, or others) to create a vibrant design.

1. Once everything is dry, sand down any rough areas of the skull. Focus on smoothing out the plaster for a clean, polished finish.
2. If necessary, apply a final coat of Plaster of Paris to areas that need refinement or touch-ups.

1. Cut two circles from cardboard to form the ear cups.
2. Cut a long strip of cardboard for the headband and bend it gently into a curve.
3. Glue the ends of the headband to the ear cups, ensuring they’re positioned comfortably.

1. Using a brush or sponge, apply a thin layer of Plaster of Paris over the entire surface of the cardboard headphones. Ensure even coverage, focusing on all areas, including the ear cups and headband.
2. If you want a thicker, more durable finish, allow the first layer to dry completely, then apply additional layers of plaster as needed.

1. If using acrylic paint, use a brush to apply a base coat over the entire headphone surface. This will provide a uniform background color.
2. Once the base coat is dry, use different colors to add details

1. Lay out your chains and glass shards on the headphones to decorate the whole look.
2. Cut the chains into desired lengths. You can use one long chain or several smaller pieces.
3. Apply hot glue to the back of each glass piece and place them on the headphones where you want them. Ensure that the shards are securely glued down to prevent any movement.