16. Hanging Cheesecloth Cocoon Victims
Create a terrifying, spider-infested nightmare on your porch by hanging life-sized cocoon victims from the rafters. These eerie props look like unfortunate souls wrapped up tightly in spider silk, waiting for a giant arachnid to return. They are incredibly lightweight, weather-resistant, and sway gently with the wind, adding a dynamic, suspenseful motion to your outdoor Halloween decorations.
To construct a cocoon victim, use a lightweight plastic mannequin, a blow-up doll, or even bundle together plastic milk jugs and newspaper into a human shape. Wrap the entire figure tightly in clear plastic wrap to create a solid base. Next, drape layers of inexpensive white cheesecloth or beef netting over the form, spraying it with watered-down white glue to hold it in place. Pull and snag the fibers of the cheesecloth to make it look messy and organic. Glue dozens of small plastic spiders crawling all over the cocoon, and hang it upside down with thick rope.