Welcome to part two of my DIY Alien Grey Corpse. To see part one, please click HERE!
After waiting a few days, I realized that I wanted to change up the position of the skeleton slightly. The legs and arms are designed to go parallel to the body and have limited range of motion. I undid the screws that attached the leg to the pelvis and repositioned it. The ball joint of the leg had a peg on it that I removed so that I could change the position of the leg entirely. I also did this with the other arm.
After everything was in place, I reinforced the joints with hot glue and let it dry. I kept the skull separate from the rest of the skeleton. My thought here is to corpse the skull and skeleton on their own, re-connecting the skull as one of the last things I do. Since you will be doing both sides of the skeleton, the joints should be very secure (the corpsing process will strengthen these bonds).
Once everything is where you want it to be, it’s time to start adding the rubber cement-soaked cotton. I always like to start on the back side of the skeleton. I start by stretching out a cotton ball to make it thin. I then apply rubber cement to the part I am working with on the skeleton. Then, using the brush that comes with the rubber cement, I add more cement and start stretching and shaping the cotton. This will allow the cotton to achieve detail and adhere more natural looking to the skeleton. There is no wrong way to do this.
I find that doing smaller areas at a time work best. As you start each new area it is easy to blend into what you have already done. The brush that comes with the rubber cement is your best tool at this point. This method is also ideal for hiding joints and screws. Your goal is to create different layers in every section you work on. When it comes to dry-brushing later, it will help to create a more organic look.
I find the corpsing process very relaxing and enjoyable. It’s also a process that you can take breaks from with no worry of issues later. New cotton and rubber cement easily adheres to the work you have already done. You will continue this process throughout the back side of the skeleton.
NEXT UP: corpsing the front and the skull!