If you're looking to add a little vampiness to your Halloween props, this is an easy and effective way to convert a Bucky skeleton into a vampire skeleton. Basically, what sets this prop apart from being a regular skeleton is the costume, fangs and stake. These simple additions make it instantly recognizable as a deceased (?) vampire.

This prop is built around a Bucky skeleton from the Anatomical Chart Company.

These are 4th class, medical grade, anatomically correct skeletons that, during the manufacturing process, have been blemished, discolored, irregular and/or otherwise damaged. These skeleton seconds are a great way to get a realistic looking skeleton prop that normally would cost hundreds of dollars for under a hundred bucks. There are so many things you can do with the Bucky skeleton that you may want more than one! To buy a Bucky Skeleton go to The Anatomical Chart Company  website.

We'll take this Bucky through it's changes into vampirness for both a male and female vampire. It's a relatively simple way to add a prop to your haunt or party that people will talk about!

During Halloween season vampire costumes are available just about everywhere and cost around $15.00 or less. The one we found, manufactured by Fun World, includes a black cape with a red collar, vest, red cummerbund, medallion and a tie (we paid only $12.00 for this costume set). Dress your Bucky skeleton in a vampire costume.

You can add fangs to the skeletons canine teeth by using a cheap set of Halloween fangs. Using a razor blade, carefully cut the fangs off of the fang appliance and glue them onto the canine teeth. You can also buy a set of individual vampire teeth and glue them on.

If you're using a cardboard coffin like we did, assemble it per the instructions. Lay the skeleton into a coffin, the one pictured is made of cardboard and retails for about $33.00.

We put Bucky in his costume, you may need help on this one so make sure you have a friend around to help you get him dressed. You can make a wooden stake from a piece of wood dowel, a survey marker or a stick, we cut a limb from one of our trees for an authentic look. Place the wooden stake between the ribs. Position the skeletons hands around the stake, as though he or she were trying to pull the stake out prior to turning to dying.

For a vampiress skeleton, just add an inexpensive black wig and instead of the vest we used a small red "teddy" set. For you guys, if you don't know what a teddy is, you've been making Halloween props too long!

Other Ideas
Instead of being in a coffin, place the vampire skeleton into a shallow grave in your graveyard. Make the vampire stand-up when trick or treaters walk up, using a riser.