Nothing is better than your porch light flickers, a tricycle creaks, and out of the shadows rolls Billy the Puppet.
Building him is surprisingly achievable, and the magic lies in the details.
You’ll use PVC pipes to shape his skeleton, giving him movable joints and lifelike posture.
Plus, a foam head and dark wig bring personality, while the tailored suit adds movie-level drama.
Materials Needed
- 1″ PVC pipes – about 8 ft total length
- 4 PVC elbows and 4 PVC tees
- Foam or latex Billy mask (standard adult size)
- Mannequin hands or plastic gloves stuffed with fiberfill
- Black suit (child size 6-8 for 4 ft figure)
- Red bow tie and pocket square
- Mini tricycle (seat height around 15″)
- Black and red acrylic paint + brushes
- Hot glue gun, screws, and PVC adhesive
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Measure and cut the PVC pipes including two 18” pieces for legs, two 14” pieces for arms, a 24” torso, and a 10” neck connector.
Dry-fit everything using tees and elbows to form the skeleton frame.
Step 2: Attach the foam head to the neck pipe securely using glue and screws.
Then, paint or touch up the mask if needed, adding the red spiral cheek marks for detail.
Step 3: Dress the frame in the suit, gloves, and bow tie. If the fabric looks loose, use safety pins or tape inside the clothing for a snug fit.
Step 4: Seat Billy on the tricycle, adjusting the legs to bend naturally over the pedals. Secure the figure with zip ties to keep it stable.
Step 5: For extra creep factor, add a motion sensor with a flickering light or voice recording near the setup, it’s a simple trick that makes this prop unforgettable.
Tip:
You should spray a light coat of matte sealer on the mask and suit to protect it from outdoor moisture.