Sell More with a Custom Wig Head-Prop

Written by Kim Selzman of BlissThings.etsy.com

How can you get incredible photos of your hats and headbands without depending on a live model to show your pieces off? Try using a custom-made wig head prop. Here’s a demo showing how quick and easy it is to make one.

The materials you need:

A wig head--cost is @ $3.99 at a beauty supply store.

Mod Podge in a matte finish
Sponge paint brush, small enough to fit in the modge podge jar.

Non-stick work surface (cookie sheet covered in wax paper or foil)

Now comes the creative part! Figure out what you want to use to cover your wig head. Tissue paper is the best material to use: it’s cheap, it comes in all kinds of fun colors and designs, and you probably have several gift bags full of it. Whatever you use, it must be some kind of thin, flexible material like paper. For the wig head I’m showing here, I’m using a leopard print paper that I got, you guessed it, in a gift bag.

And here we go! First, tear up your tissue paper into small pieces – approximately 2 inches by 2 inches but in various sizes. Small pieces are much easier to apply than large pieces. Tear up all of the tissue paper you think you will need to completely cover your wig head BEFORE starting to apply the Mod Podge. If you try to tear while you’re applying Mod Podge, you will have a gooey mess. (I’m speaking from experience here.) Also, tear your paper. Don’t cut it with scissors. The ragged edges you get from tearing absorb the Mod Podge better. Here’s my pile of paper:

Now get to work! Brush the Mod Podge onto the wig head in a small area, maybe 4 inches by 4 inches. Then begin applying pieces of your paper, overlapping them as you go. Once this area is covered with paper, brush over it with a thin coat of Mod Podge, making sure to brush down all edges so the paper is covered with Mod Podge and is smoothly covering the wig head.

Continue working this way over the entire head. Be sure to cover the entire wig head and bring the paper down and over the bottom if necessary.

When you run out of unsticky spots to hold onto, use a fork to help stabilize your wig head.

Cover your wig head completely with paper and Mod Podge. Use your brush, your finger and/or the fork, to work the paper and Mod Podge around the facial features of the wig head. These will show up nicely in your photos.

When you think you’re done, slowly look your wig head over, turning your cookie sheet to make sure you have covered every spot. Apply more paper and Mod Podge if necessary. You do not want to drag all of your supplies back out later to cover one small spot that you missed.

When you’re sure you’re done, throw away your sponge brush, seal up your Mod Podge, and put your wig head to the side to dry for 24 hours. Make sure it is completely dry before use!

And here’s my finished product:

I call the leopard print wig head the Gossip Girl. She’s hanging out with her sister, the Indie Girl (covered in newspaper), and they will soon be joined by their younger sister, the Sweet Girl (to be covered in pink and red Valentine hearts).

Make your own wig head prop and you will be able to take incredible photos of your hats, caps, headbands and earwarmers – any time of the day or night and without the need for a live model. And, don’t be surprised if you feel the need to start your own family of wig heads!

© Kim Selzman 2010
February 19, 2010