This is a simple and cheap way to make a fake wound for Halloween, low budget films or even for a party. All you need are a few household items that most everyone has on hand. If not, they’re cheap enough to purchase at a dollar store.
Supplies:
Toilet paper (1 ply is best or just peel apart the 2 ply)
Glue (like Elmer’s or tacky glue)
Q-Tips
Foundation (powder or liquid)
Paint or Halloween make-up
Since we’re using non-cosmetic items avoid the face because the skin is very sensitive. We’ll use the arm as an example; it’s a great place to practice because it’s within easy reach and sight.
Project Steps
1. Make sure the skin where you want the wound is clean and dry.
2. Put the glue on a paper plate or in a cup so it’s easy to reach. Feel free to water it down a little if you think it’s too thick. Take a Q-Tip and dip it in the glue and dab it on your arm. Try making an organic shape like an oval.
3. Gently place the toilet paper on the wet glue area. Gently dab it so it sticks and becomes damp. Once it’s damp pull the edges so the dry paper rips off.
4. Dab a little more glue on the toilet paper already on your arm and repeat step three. Do this twice more so there are about three or four layers of toilet paper.
5. While the paper is still damp, use a fresh Q-Tip to make holes in the paper. To do this, apply a little pressure to the paper so it separates. Maneuver the Q-Tip to push up the edges of the hole. This gives it a three-dimensional look. Allow the paper and glue to dry once you’re happy with your hole, or holes.
6. Put some foundation in a little cup. I’m using liquid because it is what I own, but powder works just as well. Use the Q-Tip to dab on the foundation, make sure to cover the paper evenly. Blend it with your skin as well so the tones match or are close.
7. Allow it all to dry
8. Time for the color. Using your paints (acrylic or temper, but not oils) or Halloween make-up, apply a dark color like black or dark green first inside the holes — do not go outside the ridges yet. This will add to the wound’s three-dimensional look.
9. Apply a few splotches of yellow into the wound over the darker color. This will give it a decayed or festering look.
10. Time for the red, fill the gaps with red to make the wounds look fresh. To add a little realism dab a little onto the ridges and outside of the holes. Feel free to experiment.
11. Allow this to dry.
12. Fake blood has a wonderful effect, but is not necessary. If you do use fake blood be sure not to use too much on the wound. Remember, it’s only glue and toilet paper.
Now you have a wonderful wound for any occasion that calls for it, and clean up is a breeze. Just soak the wound in water for a bit and then use paper towel to scrape it off.
