faux chimney w/ kicking Santa legs

How was Santa going to visit us if we didn’t have a chimney? So I built one! And to add a little humor – and try my hand at animating something – I added a stuck Santa with kicking legs. Progress pics and videos in action below. Enjoy!

 

wooden structure for faux chimney
the frame was built from leftover 2x4s and plywood I had on hand
faux brick made from foam
rigid wall insulation was treated with a heat gun to make the surface irregular
faux brick made from foam
a base coat of white then washes of grey and tan to match the mortar of the brick on the actual house
faux brick made from foam
masking taps was cut to make irregular edges to tape off the mortar
faux brick made from foam
the pattern was taped to match the brick design of the house
faux brick made from foam
The actual brick is pretty irregular in color and texture so I used lots of splatters and blotting.
faux brick made from foam
faux on left; real on right. after removing the tape to reveal the mortar.
faux Santa legs
A layer of fabric then wrapped with duct tape. Thanks to Dop for his assistance.
faux Santa legs
the fabric/tape was carefully cut off.
faux Santa legs
boots were first wrapped in garbage bag then black duct tape
faux Santa legs
boots were first wrapped in garbage bag then black duct tape. from a distance these will look realistic
faux Santa legs
the structure of the legs was made of 3/4″ plywood
faux Santa legs
the wooden structure was placed inside the legs and they were taped shut
faux Santa legs
the leg on the right has been filled with spray foam. Perfectly plump.
faux Santa legs
pant legs (tubes of fabric, really) cover the legs. Since they’ll just be seen from one side, they were pinned in place.
wiper motor for automation
the wiper motor and speed control were anchored to a board which was attached to the chimney structure.
faux chimney with santa legs
starting to put it all together.
faux chimney with Santa legs
need to keep the motor out of the elements.
faux chimney with Santa legs
the sides will be covered by foam but the top is open to the rain/snow so this roof will protect the motor and electronics.
faux chimney with Santa legs
detail of the axis on which the legs pivot.
faux chimney with santa legs
starting to put it all together on the roof.
faux chimney with Santa legs
the finished product!
faux chimney with Santa legs
…and at night
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