SAW Reverse Bear Trap Costume

This costume was handmade and worn by me. "SAW" is one of my favorite films, and I am a huge fan of writer Leigh Whannell. So, the idea to recreate one of the most memorable traps of this franchise was something I was determined to do.

I started off by creating the foundation of the head piece. I used all cardboard for this. Making sure it is a light cardboard material so that it is easy to manipulate. I used the cardboard from old shoe boxes. I then covered it completely in newspaper to avoid the cardboard edges from showing. Once that was all hot glued, I began the fabrication of the realistic details. I hot glued thick screws to put in between the windows of the mouth piece. I then put bolts above those screws to give it the illusion that the screws actually had been inserted through the mouth piece, as well as on the headband that goes over the head. I created the wheels on each side of the device out of cardboard as well and hot glued them with a bolt in the middle for more realism. I used random things I found in my garage to give it a more complex fabricated look. The more complex the trap looks, the more realistic it looks. The tube and wires were bendable to wrap around the back of my head and hot glued to the head piece. I then found an old, lightweight lock to dangle in the back (since the object of the "game" is to find the key and set yourself free from the trap). Which brings me to the timer. I found a picture of a timer online, printed it out, and glued it to a plastic, clear circle that was once used to hold objects in place in a typical package (like ones that action figures or barbies would be packaged in). It gives the timer a 3D effect as if it were a real timer. I attached small, thin wires to the timer and to the head piece (again, the more science fair experiment looking it appears, the more realistic). Once everything was glued and in place, the paint job began. I pre-painted everything in black to keep the newspaper from showing. I then used a mixture of copper and bronze paints to give the device a metallic look. As for the clothes, I grabbed an old, basic purple long sleeve shirt and cut off the sleeves to wear as arm warmers, just like the character Amanda Young in the movie. I wore a black skirt, some thigh highs, and combat boots. And there you have it!

It seems difficult, but I believe that this costume can bring out anyone's creativity without having to spent much money on materials. Just use what you find in your tool box/garage, grab some cardboard, and create! The formation of your materials on the device as well as the paint job would sell the costume as something totally realistic! When I wore this costume, people constantly asked me if it was heavy on my head; I suppose to an audience it doesn't appear to look like cardboard, and it was so lightweight on my head! I really enjoyed making this costume. I know if you're a fan of horror like me, you'll enjoy making and wearing it too! Horror movies for the win! GAME OVER. ;)

Thank you for your consideration!

Amanda Avina