This is a lesson in pulling a solution out of one's ear. Meredith College's Opera Workshop is mounting a "semi-formal" production of Henry Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" this evening. I usually help out by assisting with some costumes and moral support. This time I wound up doing props as well. I wanted to model as much from Inigo Jones, the seventeenth century architect and designer of court masques, as I could. With no budget this is quiet the challenge. There is a line that Aeneas sings:
"Behold, upon my bending spear
A monster's head stands bleeding,
With tushes far exceeding
Those did Venus' huntsman tear."

Well, Aeneas (who doubles as the director for this production), put the monster's head on the props list. Now I no longer count any taxidermists among my wide collection of friends, so I was at a bit of a loss as to just how I was going to create a mounted monster's head.

Then I had a vision, of sorts. I should note that there is no budget for this. Any monies I spend had best be on things that I can reuse later for another project so I can claim them on my taxes.

Here in so many steps, is how to make a mounted monster's head out of common or household items. You will need the following items:
a styrofoam wig head, black paint, a pig's snout (rubber will do), a tattered wig, a dowel, some red ribbon, rubber demon horns, a paint brush, scissors, yellow headed pins, and ten penny nail and hammer.

1) Paint the styrofoam head, dowel and pig's snout with the black paint. Allow to dry, do any touch ups needed.
2) While the paint is drying cut the red ribbon in long, varying lengths.
3) After the paint is dry attach the rubber pig's snout to the styrofoam (you can use a little hot glue to secure the snout in place).
4) Put the wig on the head, secure with yellow pins.
5) Pin the rubber horns on the top of the wig.
6) Nail the red ribbon to the top of the dowel so that the they cascade down the dowel.
7) Put the painted, besnouted, bewiged and behorned styrofoam head on the dowel.

Now you have a scary monster's head. Parade said scary head around the room. Drive around with it in your car. Show it to guests at your brother's birthday party cookout. Use it for a production of "Dido and Aeneas."

When I get the pictures from the photographer I will attach them.

Enjoy your Tuesday.
David