Glowing Skeleton

Instructions

1

Project Overview

First, let's take a look into the whole process.

2

Carve all the parts

Let's get started on this cute guy! Open easel project and carve all the parts with your CNC machine. I used a 6mm bit (smaller I had at the time for 8 mm chuck) but I recommend you using a smaller bit. I also cut the bigger pieces on the bandsaw but you can cnc it all!

Glowing Skeleton — Carve all the parts
Glowing Skeleton — Carve all the parts (image 2)
Glowing Skeleton — Carve all the parts (image 3)
3

Sanding and primer painting

The pieces will come a bit rough straight from our carving so it's important to sand them smooth and break the sharp edges. You can skip the primer painting step but I think it looks great to get this little buddy covered in white. I used a wood acrylic primer.

Glowing Skeleton — Sanding and primer painting
Glowing Skeleton — Sanding and primer painting (image 2)
4

Glowing in the dark effect

To give this specific glowing effect to your skeleton, you need to find a glowing paint already made or you can mix a tiny amount of phosphorescent powder with a matt acrylic medium (you can find those in an art supplies store). Turn the lights off and see the glowing effect while mixing and painting!

Glowing Skeleton — Glowing in the dark effect
Glowing Skeleton — Glowing in the dark effect (image 2)
5

Connecting all the pieces

The last step before you play is to connect all the pieces. You can do that by drilling holes and wire them up. I recommend to leave them a bit loose to make the whole build flexible.

Glowing Skeleton — Connecting all the pieces
Glowing Skeleton — Connecting all the pieces (image 2)
6

Play around

Now you just need to take your new friend to a big light source to accumulate some light and glow with more intensity in the dark. Done!

Glowing Skeleton — Play around
Glowing Skeleton — Play around (image 2)
Glowing Skeleton — Play around (image 3)