Automata Artist Exhibits Contact
Resources Links Blog Miscellaneous
Automata Portals:Automata Kits Automata Books / Tools / Toys Automata @ eBay Automata Search Engine

The Halloween Top Hat Automaton

Make Magazine Halloween Issue

When asked to write and article for my favorite magazine -- MAKE, I jumped at the chance. Editor-in-chief Mark Frauenfelder asked me to document how I made the trick top hat for their first-ever special Halloween issue. The entire issue is dedicated to Halloween DIY projects.

The top hat contains a hidden mechanism that is attached to a bicycle brake cable and lever. The wearer runs the cable down one sleeve and discretely holds the lever in hand. A little yellow finger-puppet monster bursts out of the top of the hat anytime you squeeze a hidden brake lever.

This project was great fun to make, but it is even more fun to wear.

Here's a link if you want to order the MAKE magazine Halloween special edition, 2007.


Not for sale at this time

Halloween Top Hat Automaton

  • Approximately 55 cm high, "One-size-fits-all"
  • Plywood, hardwoods, fabric, springs, rubber finger puppet
  • Remote control lever-actuated monster
  • Great at parties!
  • Featured in MAKE magazine special Halloween Issue, 2007


  • Halloween Top Hat Automaton
    © 2007 Dug North


Link to sketch of halloween hat
Initial Sketch
Link to mechanism insie Halloween hat
Mechanism

Finished Hat
Halloween hat on the cover of MAKE magazine
Magazine Cover
Halloween hat on the cover of MAKE magazine
Video

When you purchase from Amazon.com, you can help me support my site and my art by navigating there from any of the Amazon.com links on this site.

Email a link to this page to a friend or colleague.

Home ° automata ° the artist ° exhibits ° contact
resources ° links ° blog° miscellaneous

  

Copyright 2002-2010, Dug North All rights reserved.
Dug North, Machini, Machini the Marvel Copyright 2004, Dug North
The Derby & and Eyes logo, and The Derby & Gears Logo are Trademark 2003, Dug North

This site is hosted by DiscountASP.NET

Privacy Policy

Link to Amazon.com

Dug North's Automata

Woodcraft.com - Helping You Make Wood Work

Hammacher Schlemmer Toys and Games

Melissa & Doug-Leading Designer of Education Toys

ThinkGeek Stuff for Smart Masses