You don’t need expensive animatronics to make a statement this Halloween.
This DIY PVC clown structure is lightweight, wind-resistant, and fully customizable.
You can swap out the clown face for a skeleton or ghost mask, adjust the pose, or add LED lights to the eyes for an eerie after-dark glow.
The long, draping cloth and exaggerated limbs give it that haunting, skeletal silhouette that looks alive when it moves with the breeze.
Materials Needed
- 1-inch PVC pipes (5 pieces, 6 ft each)
- PVC elbows and T-connectors
- Foam mannequin or mask head (clown face preferred)
- Black cheesecloth or tattered fabric for draping
- Spray paint (black and gray)
- Zip ties and duct tape
- Old gloves or mannequin hands
- Red wig or yarn for hair
- Plastic pumpkin or prop accessory
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Build the base frame using PVC pipes and T-connectors.
The legs should stand about 6 feet tall, with the torso and head adding another 3-4 feet. You use cross supports for stability.
Step 2: Attach the arms using angled PVC elbows so they reach outward.
For a creepier look, make the arms slightly longer than human proportions, around 4 feet each.
Step 3: Secure the mask or mannequin head to the top of the frame. Then wrap duct tape or foam padding around the neck area to keep it stable.
Step 4: Drape tattered fabric or cheesecloth over the frame, layering until you get that ghostly texture. Let some pieces hang loose for wind movement.
Step 5: Spray-paint the frame black and gray for depth. Once dry, add details like gloves on the hands or a small pumpkin prop dangling from one arm.
Step 6: Finish by attaching the wig and adjusting the pose, slightly leaning forward gives a more menacing presence.
Tips:
To anchor it outdoors, drive two metal stakes beside the legs and zip-tie them to the PVC frame.
At night, shine a red or purple spotlight from below, it’ll make your clown look like it’s watching every step you take.