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Joseph/dreamcoat – how to do ‘ blood’?

nmog | Posted in Gather For A Chat on

I have made a tunic and coat for a ‘Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat’ production (thank you everyone for your past help!) and am wondering how to make the part of the coat that looks like a goat ate it (or Joseph). I have a rectangular crazy quilt that I will use for this, and I’m wondering if I should put red fabric dye on it, how many holes to cut, etc. I don’t know if I should just shred it, spray it with water and then put it in the dryer to fray. I know that lots of people have more experience than I do at this, so I’m hoping to get loads of ideas. Thank you so much!
Nicole

Replies

  1. Cityoflostsouls | | #1

    This is beyond me frankly but I would suggest tearing the material and not cutting holes.  It will look more natural.  You have my permission to tell me I don't know what I am talking about and I will understand!!

  2. User avater
    Becky-book | | #2

    I would do a combination of small holes and tears.
    For the blood... fresh blood would be red but it dries quickly to a redish brown and stiffens... so I would consider craft paint of a red/brown color. (poke your finger, bleed on some cloth, let it dry and you will see what I mean! ...Just kidding!)

    Becky

  3. Teaf5 | | #3

    You could do the bloody part as a separate applique, using scraps leftover from the crazy quilt that you batter, shred, and paint (fabric paint works well, but a thinned acrylic will work, too) to to the desired effect before stitching it on.

    Working with the "damaged" part separately will allow you to experiment without damaging the rest of the coat, and making it an applique will allow you or someone else to re-use the coat without a gruesome part.

    Even if you don't have plans at this time to re-use the coat, you may find that the actor or other member of the cast loves it and wants to use it again. By simply snipping off the appliqued "damage," someone might have a very interesting piece of art-to-wear.

    1. galigator | | #4

      I would consider adding stylized fabric / ribbon strips in vivid red to represent blood (Think about the scene in Chicago where something like this is done). It's been used in theater for years & most people understand the reference if you are careful about it & it is seen in the context of the performance.

  4. User avater
    CostumerVal | | #5

    I haven't read that script, but am I to understand that he is not wearing the "eaten" coat?  So you do have 2 props here.  He wears one, and the second is found and bloodied.

    1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 qt white corn syrup,  1/2 cup non-suds soap, 1 oz red food coloring, 15-17 drops blue food coloring.

    Mix the pb with enough corn syrup to make it runny.  Add soap and food colors and mix well.  Add remaining corn syrup and shake until a good solution is obtained.    This solution is safe for hands and face but if it's in the mouth leave out the soap.  Its usually washed out right after the show.  Here's another one in case your worried about the oil from the PB washing out of your quilt.

    2 teaspoons flour, 1 cup water, 1 oz red food coloring,  drops of green food coloring, and some soap. 

    Boil the flour and water then simmer for 1/2 hour, let cool, then stir in soap and food colors.   I've also heard that Jello makes a great colorant and is nice and sticky also.  I haven't tried the jello, but I will next time.  You should rinse it out right after the show, and line dry.  Since it is food grade, a soak in Oxy clean should do the trick if you run into a problem.

    1. nmog | | #6

      Wow! You sure know your stuff! I hadn't even realized that it would be possible to clean the coat afterwards and get rid of the blood. I've made a full coat for him to wear and then used a scrap piece (still quilted) that I will do all of the stuff to. I'll keep your recipes in my sewing file - thank you!
      Nicole

    2. Teaf5 | | #7

      Oooh, how I love this forum!  Who knew we'd find the recipe for stage blood here?  I'm copying those down for next Halloween.  Thanks!

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