Sarah Brown
Giant mushrooms can be built for a variety of purposes, including Halloween decorations, Alice in Wonderland-themed parties, weddings, and theatre. They can be made using a combination of wood, chicken wire, cheesecloth, spray foam, paint, and spandex. The size of the mushrooms can vary, typically ranging from 5 to 10 feet tall. The process involves creating a sturdy stem and cap structure, using materials like plywood and chicken wire, before applying foam, paint, and lighting to achieve the desired appearance. Giant mushrooms can also be crafted using arts and crafts supplies, such as tissue paper, cardboard tubes, and glue, for a fun and colourful display.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 5-10 feet tall |
| Materials | Wood, chicken wire, cheesecloth, 2-part spray foam, paint, spandex, plywood, lag screws, washers, steel wire snips, staple gun, scrim, spray adhesive, face mask, LED lights, string lights, nylon spandex, velcro, zip ties, cardboard tube, dried beans/rice, masking tape, cling film, tissue paper, glue, dried moss |
| Steps | Cut plywood into circles for the top and bottom of the stems. Cut 2x4s to desired height for the center of the stems. Connect the 2x4s to the plywood bases using lag screws and washers. Wrap the stems in chicken wire and cover with scrim using spray adhesive. Apply foam and paint. Attach the cap to the stem and add lighting. Cut and attach strips of velcro to the cap base and perimeter. Cut a cardboard tube and fill with dried beans/rice. Seal with masking tape. Line a bowl with cling film and fill with tissue paper and glue. Cover with a cardboard circle. Attach the stalk to the circle and cover with tissue paper. |
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What You'll Learn
Use plywood, chicken wire, cheesecloth, spray foam, paint and spandex
To build a giant mushroom, you'll need to prepare the necessary materials: plywood, chicken wire, cheesecloth or scrim, spray foam, paint, and spandex. The size of your mushroom will determine the quantity of materials needed, but for reference, a 10-foot-tall mushroom will require plywood circles with an 18" diameter for the top and bottom of the stem.
First, cut the plywood to size using a jigsaw. The center of the stem can be made with 2x4s, with lag screws and washers connecting them to the base. Remember to pre-drill holes for the conduit to pass through. You can use chicken wire and cheesecloth or scrim to create the skin that the foam will adhere to. Attach the scrim to the chicken wire using spray adhesive, being sure to work in a well-ventilated area while wearing a face mask.
Once the skin is prepared, you can apply the spray foam. After the foam has cured, it's time to paint. You can use spray paint or airbrush paint, depending on the look you want to achieve. If you want to add more detail, you can use a hot knife or a 2-part apoxie clay.
Finally, it's time to add the spandex cap. Purchase enough white nylon spandex to cover the mushroom cap, and attach it using staples, hot glue, or Velcro. Adding Velcro allows you to remove the spandex when not in use. You can also add LED lighting or string lights to the underside of the cap for a magical touch.
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Cut the stem and base from plywood
To build the stem and base of a giant mushroom, you'll need plywood, a jigsaw, lag screws, washers, and a screwdriver.
First, cut two circles that are 18 inches in diameter out of plywood using a jigsaw. These will serve as the top and bottom of the stem. Next, cut three 2x4s to the desired length, depending on how tall you want your mushroom to be. These will form the centre of the stem.
Now it's time to assemble the stem. Place one of the plywood circles on a flat surface and attach the three 2x4s to it using lag screws and washers. The washers should match the diameter of the screws, which should be about 3/8" in diameter and 4-5 inches in length. This will create a sturdy base for your mushroom.
Once the centre support is secure, attach the second plywood circle to the top of the 2x4s using more lag screws and washers. This will form the top of the stem, providing a stable structure for the cap of the mushroom to be attached.
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Wrap chicken wire around the stem
When creating a giant mushroom, the stem is a crucial structural component. To build a sturdy stem, you'll need to use chicken wire, which will serve as a supportive skeleton for your mushroom. Here's a detailed guide on how to wrap chicken wire around the stem effectively:
Prepare the Stem Base:
Before wrapping the chicken wire, ensure you have a secure base for your stem. Cut a circle from 3/4" plywood, approximately 18" in diameter. This will serve as the bottom of your stem. You can use a jigsaw to cut the plywood, creating a sturdy base for your mushroom.
Wrap with Chicken Wire:
Now, it's time to wrap the stem with chicken wire. Use 1-inch chicken wire and wrap it around the stem from top to bottom. Secure the chicken wire in place using steel wire snips and a staple gun. Make sure to wrap it tightly and securely, creating a cylindrical shape around the stem.
Attach the Stem to the Base:
Use lag screws and washers to attach the stem to the base securely. The lag screws should be approximately 3/8" in diameter and 4-5 inches in length. Choose washers that match the diameter of the screws. This step ensures your mushroom stem stands firmly and can bear the weight of the cap.
Prepare the Surface for Foam:
To prepare the stem for the application of foam, you need to cover the chicken wire with a suitable material. You can use cheesecloth or scrim. Scrim is a more affordable option, and you can buy it in bulk by the yard. Use spray adhesive to adhere the scrim or cheesecloth to the chicken wire. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a face mask while spraying.
Add Foam and Paint:
Once the scrim or cheesecloth is in place, you can move on to the foam application. Apply the foam evenly over the stem, following the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the foam to cure completely before painting. Choose a suitable paint colour and use a sprayer to achieve an even coat. Let the paint dry thoroughly.
By following these steps, you will create a sturdy and realistic-looking stem for your giant mushroom. The chicken wire provides the necessary structure and shape, while the foam and paint give it a smooth and life-like appearance. Remember to take your time, work in a safe environment, and always follow the necessary precautions when using tools and adhesives.
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Apply cheesecloth or scrim to the chicken wire
To apply cheesecloth or scrim to the chicken wire, start by purchasing your material. Cheesecloth can be rather expensive, so consider scrim as a cheaper alternative. You can buy scrim in bulk by the yard from online fabric stores. Once you have your material, cut it into strips that are long enough to wrap around the chicken wire with some overlap. Adhere the scrim to the chicken wire using spray adhesive. It is important to work outside or in a well-ventilated area and to wear a face mask while spraying adhesive. Layer the strips of scrim until the entire structure is covered, creating a skin for the foam to adhere to.
If you are using cheesecloth, you can also use a spray adhesive to attach it to the chicken wire. Alternatively, you can use hot glue to attach the cheesecloth to the chicken wire. This method may be more time-consuming, but it avoids the need for spray adhesive and its associated health risks. Cut the cheesecloth into strips and apply a line of hot glue along the length of the strip. Quickly attach the strip to the chicken wire and hold it in place until the glue dries. Repeat this process until the entire structure is covered with cheesecloth.
Once the scrim or cheesecloth is attached to the chicken wire, you can move on to the next step of preparing your giant mushroom for foam application. It is important to ensure that the scrim or cheesecloth is securely adhered and that there are no gaps or loose areas, as this will impact the final appearance of your mushroom. You can use a spray bottle with water to dampen the scrim or cheesecloth, which will help it conform to the shape of the mushroom and create a smooth surface for the foam to adhere to.
After applying the foam, you can begin to create the gills of the mushroom. This is a tedious part of the build, involving pleating, stapling, velcro, and hot glue. You will need to attach lighting to the underside of the chicken wire using zip ties. Cut different lengths of velcro strips and stick them to the outer top edge of the cap base. Then, attach the lights to the velcro strips and stick the strips to the entire perimeter of the outer edge. This will allow you to remove the lights when they are not in use.
Overall, applying cheesecloth or scrim to the chicken wire is a crucial step in building a giant mushroom. It provides a surface for the foam to adhere to and helps to create a smooth and realistic final product. By following these steps and choosing the appropriate materials, you can achieve a professional-looking giant mushroom for your desired purpose.
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Paint the mushroom and add lighting
Once the foam is completely cured, you can start painting your giant mushroom. Spray paint is a good option for this, as it will allow for even coverage and a smooth finish. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions when using spray paint, such as working in a well-ventilated area and wearing a mask. You can choose any colour you like, but if you're going for a realistic look, you might want to opt for shades of red, brown, or white.
After the paint has dried, it's time to attach the cap to the stem. This is also when you can add lighting to your mushroom. LED lights or string lights can be used and attached to the underside of the chicken wire using zip ties. This will create a beautiful illuminated effect, perfect for evening events or displays.
When it comes to lighting, you have a few options. You can choose between LED lights and string lights, depending on the desired effect and your personal preference. LED lights will give a more focused and bright light, while string lights can create a softer, more whimsical atmosphere. Additionally, consider whether you want steady lights or flashing lights, as this can also impact the overall ambiance.
If you're using LED lights, you'll need to connect them to a power source. You can do this by running an extension cord from a nearby outlet or, if your mushroom is intended for outdoor use, you might want to invest in solar-powered LEDs that can be charged during the day and will illuminate your mushroom at night. For string lights, ensure you have enough length to reach your desired power source, and consider using a timer or smart plug to turn them on and off automatically.
Finally, once your lighting is in place, you can finish off the gills. This part of the process can be tedious, involving pleating, stapling, velcro, and hot glue. First, cut strips of white nylon spandex to size and attach them to the outer top edge of the cap base using velcro. Then, stick the strips around the entire perimeter of the outer edge, creating a pleated effect. This will give your giant mushroom a realistic and textured appearance.
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