The New T-Rex’s Perch & Fun for Halloween

This was previously where Dominic hung out. Dominic has moved to better hunting grounds. This spot had to be adjusted for the larger frame on this T-Rex, David. Six more buckets of sand, leveling and two more 15-inch x 15-inch stepping stones will do it. Jerome one of my greyhounds likes this spot too!

When I painted the first stepping stones, I did not prep them first which has resulted in the painting lifting on some of them. Using a wire brush, I was able to remove the old paint relatively easily on all except the last 4 stones. I will need to use a paint stripper on the 4 challenging ones. After dusting, washing and drying the same acid wash material used to remove rust on the metal works for etching the concrete. Although it’s a diluted mixture, 1-part etching acid to 4-parts water. In addition, only 10 minutes is needed on the concrete vs. overnight with the metal. Then wash off excess acid, let dry and it’s time to paint.

Sherwin-Williams Double Latte will be the primary color, Cavern Clay for the Dino-Prints, Offbeat Green to add some Moss accents and Baked Cookie for Shadow Highlights. The previous template for baby Dino-Prints is still good for making more. Varying the amount and location of the Dino-Prints on each stone provides for a random & natural look. Same with the Moss touches. Artist brushes aid with adding Moss and the Shadow Highlights.

Dinosaur cut-outs made on Yellow Foam Sheets where added to the Wizard Hat. I used a pencil followed with Sharpies to add more color. I found it necessary to add some wire to the Wizard Hat to keep it from collapsing. One of the cutouts has been added to the robe for the Dinosaur Wizard. The White Foam Sheet will allow me to make a Dinosaur Head for the Wizard Staff (Surprise until Big Reveal). Removeable Putty holds the mini candle light in place on the Wizard Staff. I’m always amazed at how soon Christmas decoration arrive in the stores. Halloween still more than 2 weeks away and retailers are already preparing for Christmas. In my case this turn out to be a good thing. The mini candles are a seasonal Christmas item.

Jeffrey the Velociraptor will be joining me at Haunted Halloween at the Museum (A Members Only Event!). He will be “Jeffrey the Green” a Raptor Wizard. I found a piece of wood months ago that gave me the idea for a staff to make Jeffrey the “Raptor Wizard”. I measured his head for determining the size for Jeffrey’s Wizard Hat. A cardboard box awaiting recycling became the base of the hat. Three cardboard sheets from inside the dog biscuit box taped together and rolled into a cone made an excellent top. Joann fabrics in Oxnard provide a yard of Emerald Green cloth with tiny Gold beads for the covering. And this time the fabric I needed was on sale!