How do I make a fake rock for a Christmas program prop?

Posted in October 20th, 2008

It needs to be fairly easy since I am running out of time. I am in charge of the Wisemen camping out and need more props.

The way I have found that works best, is to take something the general size of what you are looking for (we made a fountain with a rock the size of a chair-ish next to it) and cover it in wire (you may want to wrap the object in a sheet so it doesn't get all dirty and can be reused when you are done). Then cover the chair, or whatever, in expanding foam (you can get it from a hardware store). It is strong enough to sit or stand on, but looks rock-like (textured). It may take you a day or so to do the whole project, due to drying time of the paint and the foam and such, but it's a fairly low work load to get it done…and its really entertainig to watch it expand! good luck!

3 users commented in " How do I make a fake rock for a Christmas program prop? "

Arandomguy said,

in October 19th, 2008 at 7:31 pm

paper mache, wire, and paint? thats the only thing i can think of for a boulder-type rock
References :

dougeebear said,

in October 19th, 2008 at 8:03 pm

You don't mention if it has to be practical (ie someone sitting or climbing on it) or if its a set piece.

If practical, get or build a small stool or bench. Staple chicken wire to it and shape to look like a boulder. Using glue and strips of paper or cloth give the chicken wire a skin. When dry, paint various shades of grey and stipple some green in places to indicate moss.

If a set piece, you could get styrofoam insulation board from your local hardware or home builder's store. Carve the surface into your desired shape, digging in to create indentations or gluing additional foam to build ledges. Paint with LATEX paint various shades of grey, stippling some green for moss. You could also use spray paint on the foam, but spray paint eats foam. This might add some additional texturing that could work for you.
References :

waitingfergodot said,

in October 19th, 2008 at 8:35 pm

The way I have found that works best, is to take something the general size of what you are looking for (we made a fountain with a rock the size of a chair-ish next to it) and cover it in wire (you may want to wrap the object in a sheet so it doesn't get all dirty and can be reused when you are done). Then cover the chair, or whatever, in expanding foam (you can get it from a hardware store). It is strong enough to sit or stand on, but looks rock-like (textured). It may take you a day or so to do the whole project, due to drying time of the paint and the foam and such, but it's a fairly low work load to get it done…and its really entertainig to watch it expand! good luck!
References :
This is where we got the idea:
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fake-Rocks-for-Your-Pond