You don't need CGI to grow your own sentient tree friend.
The arboreal superhero from Guardians of the Galaxy is arguably the most popular character to come out of the franchise -- especially in his twig-like, baby form. Patrick Delahanty, creator of AnimeCons.com, was so much of a fan he had to create a Groot of his own.
[seealso slug=homemade-groot-guardians-of-the-galazy/]
Using an old desk toy and some common craft supplies, Delahanty provided us with his tutorial to help you create your own DIY army of Groots.
Fair warning: The base used for this DIY -- a Movin' & Groovin' Dancing Flower that can plug into your iPod or phone -- is no longer sold commercially, so eBay will be your best bet. Delahanty says he found his on eBay for $27, but you might have to dig through your old toy collection for this one. The toy is currently bidding for as high as $405.00.
Materials:
A Movin' and Groovin' Dancing Flower Toy
Tan felt
Polymer clay (Delahanty used Crayola Model Magic.)
Acrylic paint in various shades of brown to match the felt.
Black beads for Groot's eyes
Thick jewelry wire
Brown crepe paper, such as the kind used for floral arrangements
Brown twine
Sculpting tools for the head
Scissors
Sewing straight pins
Hot glue and glue gun
Once you have all your supplies, you can start with Groot's body. Hopefully you have luck locating a dancing flower toy, or a comparable alternative.
First, remove the vinyl around the base of the toy. Groot isn't a froofy superhero. Sure, Groot has a soft side, but sparkly pink just isn't his color.
Use your scissors to cut off the head of your dancing flower -- gruesome, but necessary. The flower must die so that Groot may live.
Next, pin the tan felt around the stem with your straight pins. Keep it snug, but not so tight that the flower can't move around. Cut away any excess felt and use hot glue along the seam. (Again, making sure your stem can move.)
Add details to your stem. Use the brown twine to wrap loosely around it like winding branches. Keep the yarn somewhat taught, with just enough slack to give movement. Secure it in place with tiny dots of hot glue to the felt.
Blend together the colors of the felt and the twine with your paint to give the stem a more organic look.
Now, for the head. Using polymer clay, sculpt a head with a round face and branch-like hair. The hair texture may be slightly difficult, but you can make it as wavy as you like.
If you are using oven bake clay, you will need to pre-plan where to affix eyes and the stem by creating divets in the clay on the face and under the chin. Follow directions on your clay's packaging for baking or drying.
Once your Groot's head is dry, paint the surface with brown paint. Use whisps of darker shades to give him a "branchier" look. Once the head is completely dry, affix eyes and attach it to the stem with hot glue.
To make his arms, wrap brown crepe paper around three strands of jewelry wire and braid them together. Twist the brown twine around your braid and affix each arm to the stem with the hot glue gun. Blend and touch up areas as needed with paint.
Once the arms are firmly attached, your Groot is fully planted. So flip the switch and enjoy his precious little dance for hours to come.
Delahanty's instructions can also be found on his Facebook page. According to his instructions, the craft supplies (not including the dancing flower toy) cost him a grand total of $40 and his final product is absolutely not for sale.
