I just started working on some decorations for Halloween 2010. I've told my wife that this year is going to be "smaller and more focused" I am sure that that plan is going to fly out the window.
While I was at a very boring work meeting I was doodling some ideas for the fence around the yard. I think that the wall with ironwork idea that I initially had would be too difficult and time consuming. I am leaning toward a creepy wood fence. There are some interesting interpretations at Haunt Project that I am mulling over.
Apart from that I am just working on the narrative that pulls the entire yard together. Like I have mentioned earlier, I am shaking up the layout of the haunt. I am excited about the prospect.
On another note, I was inspired by Dave Lowe's creepy book tutorial to create a series of books for the inside decorations. I picked up several old discard books from the library that will serve as donors for the project. I'll definitely include some pictures when I have finished.
UPDATE: The fence idea has been put on hold pending me finding a really good source of used pallets. Otherwise, nothing major is going to be added outside.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Summer Planning
Now that I am on summer vacation, I have started working on some new ideas for the yard.
First, the haunt is going to span both sides of the yard. Last year the graveyard was on the left side of the house, but I thought that the rest of the yard looked incomplete. I have plenty of headstones for both sides if I place them farther apart. Placing them farther apart will give the yard a more authentic look.
Second, the small fence that I put up around the headstones looks cute, but is not substantial enough for the whole yard. I need to make a cemetery fence or wall. Right now I am leaning toward a wall. A wall will keep people out of the yard and add a significant amount of atmosphere. I could also hide any lighting behind the wall. As always, styrofoam will be the medium. I have been researching some different painting techniques that would make it look more like stone. Two feet sections with a fence topper would be a good scale for children.
Third, the new wall would need me to change the path by which the TOTs will be coming to the door and then leaving. The set-up of our front path makes it easy for one or two people to turn around, but with the volume of visitors, we will need to make some modifications. Once the TOTs get their treat they will leave through the graveyard. The exit will be clearly marked and lit and will offer some vignettes. I think that it will be very neat.
The first step, though is making the walls.
First, the haunt is going to span both sides of the yard. Last year the graveyard was on the left side of the house, but I thought that the rest of the yard looked incomplete. I have plenty of headstones for both sides if I place them farther apart. Placing them farther apart will give the yard a more authentic look.
Second, the small fence that I put up around the headstones looks cute, but is not substantial enough for the whole yard. I need to make a cemetery fence or wall. Right now I am leaning toward a wall. A wall will keep people out of the yard and add a significant amount of atmosphere. I could also hide any lighting behind the wall. As always, styrofoam will be the medium. I have been researching some different painting techniques that would make it look more like stone. Two feet sections with a fence topper would be a good scale for children.
Third, the new wall would need me to change the path by which the TOTs will be coming to the door and then leaving. The set-up of our front path makes it easy for one or two people to turn around, but with the volume of visitors, we will need to make some modifications. Once the TOTs get their treat they will leave through the graveyard. The exit will be clearly marked and lit and will offer some vignettes. I think that it will be very neat.
The first step, though is making the walls.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Raven
I have started work on a new animatronic raven. The raven that I have is a little unimpressive. In looking around on the internet I found a great raven. The build is exceptional and I want to use it as a starting point for my own raven.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Monday, December 7, 2009
Into The Future!
Thanksgiving has come and gone and we are heading full steam into Christmas. I am lookingforward to creating some plans for next year's Halloween. The baby is here, so I might have to start working on things a little earlier to keep on-track.
One thing of which I am certain is that I am going to use both sides of the front yard rather than just one side. I am very excited.
One thing of which I am certain is that I am going to use both sides of the front yard rather than just one side. I am very excited.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Found!
As I was walking out the door I noticed that some of the sage's leaves were turning yellow. I decided to see if this was the case on both bushes. I walked around, looked down, and was greeted with a suprise. I found the skull that blew off the door during the wind a couple of days before Halloween.
I though I looked everywhere. Next year I think I am going to add some weight so we don't have this situation again.
R.I.P. Halloween 2009
Saturday I set out the task of taking down all the Halloween decorations in the house and in the yard. It was faster taking them down than putting them up. After I finished I took a few pictures. When it's laid out, there's not really all that much.
Take a look at some photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/tryanpa/sets/72157622640813449/
Take a look at some photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/tryanpa/sets/72157622640813449/
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