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The Halloween Top Hat Automaton

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
Video



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Dug North, Machini, Machini the Marvel Copyright 2004, Dug North
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