Welcome to Carved From Within! Haunted by Dark Carver

Mire Cemetery 2011!

2011-11-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

I tried to edit it to make it more entertaining than last years video. I hope you like it!

Practice

2011-10-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Today I saw an apple in a bowl and it looked a little wrinkly so I decided to carve it as no one was to eat it. As always I started the hole at the bottom not the top. This gives the apple the appearance of being carved from within. Ugh, now it feels like when the title of a movie is said by one of the actors. Hah!

(click for better resolution)

Preserve the Gourds!

2011-10-23T16:08:00.002-07:00

If you have carved your pumpkin this weekend and just realized that it's way to early and that they may not make it, here are some websites that may help. A how-to & a science experiment.

Tombstone Tutorial

2011-07-21T21:13:00.002-07:00

Tombstone Tutorial?

2011-06-22T20:36:00.002-07:00

I'm really liking the idea of doing a tombstone tutorial. It would be really easy for me to make the tutorial so I can't see why not... When I post the it there will be enough information but I will be gradually adding information/details as time goes by. After all, I only have one wimpy tutorial sitting lonely in the sidebar...

Masheck Tombstone Finished!

2011-06-08T16:19:00.002-07:00

Here's a link to the painting technique I used: http://hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=22856

Vote!

2011-06-08T15:55:00.005-07:00

If you have checked out this site on a mobile device you may have been surprised at how the site looks. It looks cleaner, more compatible, easier to use. I want to know if you mobile users would like to keep this look or make it so that the site will always look the same for all devices. To preview how it looks on mobile, go here.

The poll is on the sidebar on the regular version. To view this poll you need to be viewing it in the regular version. If you are viewing this in the mobile version and want to switch to the regular (desktop) version, go to the bottom of the page and tap "view web version"

New Masheck Tombstone!

2011-06-07T22:37:00.002-07:00

Face Eaten Then Painted

2011-06-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

Look at that beautiful flesh hang off his face! It was a really nice effect and I was looking forward to painting him. Well...

One of my dogs ate that flesh right off his face! I just wanted to have them hang out in my room for the night instead of staying in the laundry room... Well anyways, I didn't want to mâché that again so I figured I'd just paint it as planned. It adds to how unique he is I guess. I mean I don't think any of my other props faces will be partly eaten. Haha. I still need to paint the rest of him red-brown, dry-brush him with some grey (when I get the paint), and finish his arm.

Cool swamp pictures

2011-06-03T19:21:00.002-07:00

& this.

Scheduling for the first time

2011-06-02T17:38:00.002-07:00

I've started to make a schedule for the build for this year. So far all I can do is plan Friday and Saturday. Because I want to base the schedule on what props/objectives to focus on each day. I will see how this goes. I've tried it before, but never took it seriously. I think organized is the best route to go if you actually want to get things done. I hope you are having a good time, whatever you're doing, and may you have a great haunt!

Carnarbuscula

2011-05-30T13:46:00.013-07:00

The swamp stood for ages. Never disturbed by man, until recently of course. Some have reported strangely shaped bite marks. They said it came from a plant. There has also been very rare cases in which some have claimed to have witnessed the death of another by falling into large containers. Very little samples have been able to be taken. And the samples that have survived have been too damaged, have deteriorated, or lack credibility. Almost all who have came out of this swamp have been delirious to some degree so little of what they say can be credible. A small number of people who live near the proximity of the swamp have gone missing. But there are many possible reasons for their vanishments...

Carnarbuscula only stands about 3 feet tall. The pictures above may have made it seem much taller. Do you want a tutorial? Email me or leave a comment below.

Bog Sketch

2011-05-29T23:47:00.003-07:00

This was an exercise to practice my drawing skills on the computer and to explore how to draw certain elements. If I draw a couple more of these, I may be able to sketch new ideas fluently.

That time has come.

2011-05-29T00:22:00.002-07:00

The before stated time to start building has come! I have finished Carnarbuscula. Carnarbuscula is the name I have chosen for my first carnivorous plant prop. I have yet to make a functional base for it to stand on it's own though. In the next post, I will post a picture of it.

But now I want to talk about what's next. Truth is, I don't think it's a good idea to start any more new props. I already have about three or four props that have yet to receive enough attention to be finished. So for now, I will be focusing on the witch prop and a couple other small projects. I'm excited to finally be back though guys!

Some Sci-Fi I wrote

2011-05-15T23:10:00.003-07:00

I felt the need to share this short story. I think it's alright.

Robta II
-The metal gear around his neck rhythmically tapped against the metal body of his newest project as he polished it. The gear was from his grandfather. He died in a fire along with all of his detailed work on robotics and artificial minds. Phyx was to finish what his grandfather started.
-His hair, that was a bit greasy from lack of wash, slightly swayed and his nose started to drip with sweat as he struggled to move the heavy robot with his weak arms. Robta had a body and a skull but no brain. It needed one to put all of the complex coded commands into action. But Phyx was already hard at work with the series of stacked circuit boards that served as the brain. One final solder and he clipped the finished brain into the skull and plugged it into the wall. He quickly booted up his computer, which looked like an experiment with it's myriad of accessories connected to it, and typed in a command. Robta's eyes glowed blue with loyalty and readiness only a robot could show. Phyx was optimistic and excited. So much so, that he made a few typos in the next command. The robot rose and said, "Hello. How may I assist you?". Phyx mumbled "Can't wait until it understands speech.", and typed a reply into the computer. It's torso smoothly fell and it picked up a cable. "Looks like it works.", Phyx said finally. After months of training Robta, Phyx realized something. It would never be able to think for itself. It would never really do the things he was teaching it on it's own. Phyx suddenly wished his grandpa's books weren't destroyed.
-The idea was beyond belief. An artificial brain that thought for itself, had it's own mind, made decisions, formed opinions, and was compatible with other human beings. It was a lot to handle. It was also a lot to create. Phyx considered quitting a few times but then remembered why he'd even started. His grandfather would be proud of how far he has come.
-He had it. The bug, the drive to tackle this near impossible task. He studied the human brain and all of it's abilities. Then he went into the always painful, designing process. He sat and contemplated for weeks on end until he almost broke, almost went crazy. Then it suddenly hit him like a punch to the stomach. He almost hated himself for not thinking of it in the first place. He began gathering materials and tools to build the greatest device man has ever known, he hoped.
-The new brain was to be virtual. It would "live" inside of a simple but powerful computer shaped like a cube. It would be able to calculate immense problems almost instantaneously and perform all of the functions a typical human brain could. A good brain deserved a good body so he used advanced technology to make its movement as perfect as possible. Phyx spent about a year constructing it all ever so carefully. In all that time he did nothing else. He was very disconnected. He rarely talked to anyone except when he needed something for Robta II. That took a toll on him. Phyx was a robot by now, a slave to the building of his new metal friend.
-It was finished. Finally! He started it up for the first time and it's eyes glowed even brighter than before. Robta II had a more intelligent and clear voice. "Hello Phyx. How may I assist you?", it said. "Tell me what 334 squared multiplied by 4 to the 5th power equals.",Phyx said with hope. "7485.127", Robta replied and almost cut him off. "Whoa." , came a whisper not of Phyx or Robta. Phyx whipped around in sup prize to see the glimpse of a man run out of the doorway. He ran to the door and looked down the hall. Nothing, he was gone. Phyx shrugged, closed the door and, taught the robot all night until it he was too tired. Phyx forgot something before he went to bed. He couldn't figure it out before sleep trapped him.
-Phyx woke to a chilled room with some breeze. The window was open. And Robta was gone! Phyx jumped out of bed and turned on the news. He saw pictures of Robta every where. On every channel! And they all read the same thing, crime. Phyx frantically ran to his computer and typed a command that told Robta to come back home. Robta was in the middle of smashing the hood of a car and stopped, turned, and started running towards home. Phyx anxiously waited and eventually the robot came through the door and onto it's charging pad. Phyx's robot had just committed a crime.
-He was nearly trembling with fear, and hoping police wouldn't bust through the door and arrest him. The police were strict these days. If you even looked at them funny they would try to punish you for it. In such a big and technologically advanced they needed the enforcement. Such a big city and I bet not one person would help him. Ironically there was help. Right at his door.
-Knock! Knock! Knock! Phyx got out of his desk and cracked open the door. He looked like a normal citizen though, he was old. The man peeped in but Phyx closed the door slightly more. "Hi. I'm the guy you saw the other day, At the door. I saw what you made. That thing's incredible!", the man said with excitement. "Alright what do you want? Money? The robot? Because I'd be more than will-" "No. No. I... Want to help you.", the man said with hesitation. "Um. Oh-Kay? I wasn't expecting that." "Of course you didn't." The man mumbled quietly. "What was that?", Phyx said curiously. "Nothing, just talking to myself." "Well... You can come in." Phyx opened the door and the man stepped in. "May I see the robot?", the man said. "Yeah. Let me just get on my computer." Phyx said and started typing code. The man slyly creeped up behind Phyx, grabbed his hands and, handcuffed him all in one smooth movement and said, "Didn't expect that either, did ya?".
-He sat in a cell cursing at himself. He started thinking of a way to get out when the officer who arrested him came to the cell. "I'm still helping you.", said the man knowingly. "What? How? Do you really think I'm a criminal?" Phyx said defensively. "No. Think about it. If I hadn't taken you in, you could've been arrest by someone else or killed. I'm giving you a chance to redeem yourself. A chance to erase all of this and turn it all around. Maybe even make you famous. I'll be taking you to court tomorrow and you can prove yourself there." Phyx looked at the man. Something seen oddly familiar about him but before he could figure it out he turned. And started to walk away. As he did he said quietly and mysteriously, "You always have.". "Have what?", but he kept walking and turned the corner. "Have what!", Phyx screamed desperately. He sat helpless in the cell and lied down to try to get some sleep.
-There was a house. It was dark outside but well lit by a fire. The house was on fire. Phyx sat helplessly locked in a car while large streams of water from firefighters disappeared into the fire. It kind of looked like... his grandfathers house! A flaming man hit the car window and fell to the ground. Phyx opened the now unlocked door and ran out to help the man. "Vox! Grandpa!" He said patting out the flames but it was too late. Vox managed to squeeze out a couple words, "You've always proved yoursel-". He woke up to loud clanking sound. "Hey wake up!", a police officer said impatiently. "Where's Vox?", Phyx said immediately. "Who?" Said the cop confused. "My grandfather!". "Not here. You OK?", the cop looked at him in a kind of scared way. "I'm fine. When do I go to court?". "You go in 20 minutes", the cop said still a little scared.
-The commute to the court made him a bit nervous. There was an angry crowd on each side of the street to the court. When he got into the court there was a nervous buzz amongst the jury. He took his seat, vowed, and the trial began. When it was his turn to speak, he remembered his grandfather. "Say what you may but I know what I've done. I've created a machine. Not just any machine but a thinking machine. Despite what it- He has done, I know that there (somewhere in that little virtual mind of his) he has a heart. But he's also very curious. And the act all of you saw was of pure curiosity. Nothing else. Not evil. Not anger. This can be fixed. This robot can help all of you. It can help the entire world.", he looked up at the camera then at the jury. They wanted more. "I will workout the kinks and the blueprints will be given to a company and mass produced to make this a better world. This will all work, just give me the chance." The judge looked at Phyx with doubt. The jury started to yell things like, "Give him a chance! He can do it!" The judge said, "OK. OK! I give you permission to do so. But if you slip up again, that's it. Court dismissed." He was safe. It was all over. He felt relieved as he got up and started on his way. But something caught his eye in the jury. It was a man, an old man. It kind of looked like, no. It couldn't- it was. He quickly walked toward him and saw Vox. Up close and personal. "Vox... thank you.", he said with a hint of honor. They hugged and went there separate ways. There was no reason for them to be close. Vox taught him everything he possibly could. And that was, perseverance.
-Phyx got to be widely known and became the name of a leading robot manufacturer. Phyx denied any deals with the companies and worked diligently on perfecting the humanoid robot. Vox's works were rewritten and published in "Robosychology" . All in all, they made the world a safer and more productive place and thus the world could again, focus on new innovations and explore everything to be explored.

Calling all web designers!

2011-04-24T17:10:00.002-07:00

Ok. I'm starting to hate the look of this site. So bland and empty. So can anyone with experience give me some tips and pointers on making everything look much better. I'd really like to use that HTML template editor to make it completely unique. Perhaps you may know of a good site? I'd prefer if you email Me but comments are fine.

I apologize but,

2011-03-07T17:47:00.003-07:00

I can't do any Halloween projects. NOT forever. Believe me, there's no way I would do that to you guys but there's to many things to occupy me at this point.

STARTING SUMMER BREAK I will be back in business. When is summer break? Well I'm looking at my student planner now and it stops showing full weeks on June 11. So yes, I will be back at that time. Yay! No? You don't look too pleased... Look I just can't be spending my week ends up until 3 AM mâchéing. Yeah, here and there I might mâché a skull or mess with a tombstone. But really, don't expect a huge 15 foot tall monster coming any time soon.

Come summer break I'll be breaking out projects left and right. Because I will have the time then. There's a long summer ahead of me and there's no way I'm going to look back at the end of the summer and say, "Man! I didn't do ANYTHING this summer!". No. I did that last summer and it didn't feel good. I felt bad for myself and you guys because maybe every other night you checked back at this site and saw nothing new. And that thought alone motivates me like a flag angers a bull (doesn't have to be red ya know).

So, my friends, we have a long year ahead of us. Let's see how much we can get done to make next year kick-ass. Aye?

,Dark Carver

A cool randomly discovered blog (journal?)

2011-02-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.halloween-harrisons.com/blog

Poem

2011-01-23T16:08:00.001-07:00

Yard Haunter

Sculpting and painting and hammering nails,
This is the life I live.
Working as hard as I can, on my free time.
I plan, obsess. I need to get it right,
Because it was meant to look scary to them, not me.
Props.

Planning and moving and contemplating,
This is the life I live.
I am like an artist, trying to perfect the picture.
Getting that prop to pose just right.
That light's aimed the wrong way
and that streetlight overpowers everything.
Decorating.

Jumping and chasing and popping out.
This is the life I live.
The children walk carefully through the haunt
and the screams are music to my ears.
Me and my family chasing and startling them.
Scaring.

For all you iPad users...

2010-12-28T21:46:00.004-07:00

Halloween iPad apps! You might have seen these already but no matter.
Free
More

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T22:54:00.002-07:00

This is what I'm striving for.
More

Mire Cemetery 2010

2010-12-22T17:17:00.009-07:00

Currently editing '10 video!

2010-12-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

I'm working on it guys and I can't wait to release it! Stay tuned!

Paper Clay How To Coming Soon...

2010-12-20T16:48:00.002-07:00

I decided to try making paper clay since it's expensive. It was worth it. Right now I'm drying some paper clay that ended up being too wet. Man it feels great, like silk clay. Here's the how to I very roughly followed. I would suggest only making a bowl-full of it. It will take a while to get it right. How to Make Paper Clay

Props to admire: Gourdzilla

2010-12-09T18:42:00.003-07:00

This giant puppet was created by Halloween Zombie out of PVC and a lot of trial and error.
Courtesy of: Halloween Zombie

New stuff coming

2010-11-29T20:53:00.002-07:00

I admit it. I totally forgot about this blog! I recently got an iPad and it so incredible it's distracting me. I'm sorry about the broken promises last time about new content but you know, our lives must inevitably change. In fact I've been leaning away from Halloween lately... Weird. All hope is not lost though guys I'm gonna get back in the game. And I'll start by starting to work on the 2010 season video this week and week-end. This will be my first haunt, so be kind. There was a lot of empty spots... You'll see soon.
Stay scary!
Dark Carver

The Nest

2010-10-16T12:13:00.002-07:00

I went to the nest last weekend and it was great. I'm a little sad though. I had already seen a lot of the props and setups. A lot of it wasn't original. Like the dot room and vortex tunnel. I don't like that. Oh well. Anyways I had a great time walking around in the dark, screwing around, and admiring props.

But I've learned something. I need to be original. Every one needs to. Even you. I'm gunna get building now.

Cave Glow Worms

2010-09-18T14:17:00.008-07:00

I would realy LOVE to include this in the haunt.

Progress

2010-09-06T19:56:00.002-07:00

One new prop is on the way (Huge Carnivorous plant) and the second groundbreakers arm is repaired. I'll probably be done with the plant by Friday and paint up the groundbreaker this weekend.

Not so busy lately

2010-08-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

I admit it I have totally wandered out of the haunting zone and into the pit of doom (time wasting activities like YouTube) this summer. I hate it as much as you hate checking back at this site only to discover you've wasted your time and nothing is new. But I've recently been getting busy and I have organized the tasks that need to be done by when the materials are available. For example, the couldron creep will not be done until about mid-november when I can snatch up a bag-o-bones. The Giant Mutant Crustacean won't be done until October or November because I need a motor, lights, some kind of chord or string, and some latex paint. Oh yeah. I don't think I told you about that... I'm planning a giant lobster for this years haunt. It will be around 4'6" tall and I even have a rough sketch of this beast (I even have a blueprint for the construction but that can wait). I think it will be a HUGE hit this year.

An old friend friend revealed

2010-07-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

I realized that I hadn't uploaded any pictures of my Mire Scarecrow. Heres a picture of him after a recent reinforcement.

Props to admire: Roots

2010-07-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes known to ingest larger animals."

Courtesy of: Pumpkinrot

Props to admire: Gorus

2010-07-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

I have decided to start posting props and costumes that I like and tagging them so there easy to find. I'll start with a costume. An amazing, over sized, and detailed has lifted my spirit a bit and its' name is "Gorus".

Courtesy of: Gore Galore

Fog Chiller for 2010

2010-07-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd start out the building season with something simple and essential. A fog chiller. I used Got Fog.com's design. If you are to do this project use Valspar black plasic paint ($5) instead of spray paint.

Second Groundbreaker Update: 3

2010-06-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

This groundbreaker looks cool without an arm but, thats not what I was going for. PVC has been inserted. He'll be fine.

Second groundbreaker photo update: 2

2010-06-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures of my disasterpiece so far.

Second groundbreaker photo update: 1

2010-06-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

I'll post the picture with the text next time.

Need more motivation

2010-06-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

I realy need to start kicking it into high gear right now. I mean I have an entire summer in front of me and so far, I could have been more productive. I'll start to get back into it by sketching and imagining props and the haunts. I will not have wasted my summer.

Second groundbreaker (text) update

2010-06-17T20:53:00.001-07:00

I just finished adding "skin" to the torso of my second groundbreaker and it looks pretty good. This is the first time I have made skin for a prop. You'll understand what I mean by "skin" in the next post.

Updated prologue

2010-06-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

The Mire Cemetery has been sitting dormant for nearly two centuries. During this time a lot has changed. When the cemetery was constructed no one had cared to look past thick foliage concealing a swamp. After a while, drought diminished the swamps water and something peeked above the mire. In recent times all of this “something” was revealed and this land was abandoned. No one knows why.

I'm not so shure about putting this in front of the haunt... I just kind of have it to help me with the back story of this haunt. It's one of many of my guide lines that I must follow.

Prologue Snippet

2010-05-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

"The Mire Cemetery has been sitting dormant for nearly two centuries. During this time a lot has changed. When the cemetery was constructed no one had cared to look past the thick foliage concealing a swamp...."

Yes, I Have Been Busy.

2010-05-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything in weeks but i've been working and being productive. I've repaired a few props and started planning. "WOW! You're actually organized for once!". Yes and if you look at the post above you can see a snippet of my prologue.

Groundbreaker How-to Coming...

2010-04-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

I will have a groundbreaker how-to coming as soon as I finish the one I'm working on now. I think I have enough experience to do so. So keep your eyes peeled (not literaly).

An old stone re-done

2010-04-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Spanish moss finished off this old tombstone.

Even More Bizare but Awesome

2010-04-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

A Gallery posted by Pumpkinrot.

Groundbreaker 2 progress

2010-03-31T15:31:00.001-07:00

Looking back...

2010-03-31T15:10:00.000-07:00

It's funny how fast you can change your game. This was a prop I made a couple years ago.(it has a red christmas light inside of it and the hair was made from a belt)

And then it evolves into this.

Thank you Pumpkinrot.

Transworld Trade show 2010

2010-03-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

Tons of videos. And this is just from one person!

Sweet. I could use this.

2010-03-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

I just found this. I'm starting to like HauntForum.

Pumpkinrot 2009 Yard Haunt Video

2010-03-25T17:57:00.000-07:00

Enjoy.

Bizarre, Very Bizarre

2010-03-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

elmerpresslee.com

Plans and Thoughts about 2010's Halloween

2010-03-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

2010 Halloween is going to be difficult theme to acomplish. A cave... That's right a cave. The absolute worst thing you can do but I'm doin' it. Why is it so bad? Well the main reason is the cost. It's going to be pretty tough and costly to make a cave. I'm going to try to have it go from the side entry of my backyard, through the backyard, into the back door, through the house and back out to the front yard. Have I asked my parents to... No. Will I? Maybe. I do not want to freak out my mom with the expenses. Yet. I'm going to take it easy this year. In fact I'll probably just do a standard, themeless yard haunt this year if this doesn't work out. Over this year I will be slowly accumulating all that is needed for this cave themed haunt. Wood, burlap, and erosion cloth. I need permision. "Mom"...

Trick r' Treat

2010-02-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

I saw Trick r' Treat last night. It was fantastic! Why didn't Warner release this in theaters? They should've. I've seen some pretty bad movies in theaters but I can't see why this would be one of them.

A New Addition to The Family

2010-02-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

The first skull speaker is done.

It is also glow in the dark but It's sort of hard to photograph.

2010

2010-02-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

This is the year every one. We've all been waiting and trying hard for a good year. Well ladies and gentlemen, I believe this is that year. I hope all you lazy slow pokes are working hard. I know I am. And if your not in the mood, this should do it.

Let yourself be inspired. Don't fight it. Now build!

Skull speakers!

2010-01-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

Finally. I was really excited to get this project started. So far I've gotten the first stage done, shaping. It was a pain but look how great it turned out!

Pumpkinrot 2009 haunt video coming soon...

2010-01-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

I have edited a video containing pictures of pumpkinrots' 2009 haunt and I've E-mailed him the video for his consent. It's pretty cool. I should have it ready by the end of today but you never know...

The Ultimate Monster in a Box

2010-01-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

If only you could get these results with a home made prop. You probably could but I'm sure it's quite difficult. I mean you have to factor in the programing, the required pneumatics, the durability, and the skill required to do it. Don't get me wrong I'm loving the realisticness of it but it is a project of the worthy, the pros. But don't be discouraged. If you think you can do it and your confident, do it. Just make sure you have the time and money for it. That's what makes YOUR yard haunt your haunt. The more time and money you spend the better it is. Sometimes you can get lucky and get a cheap but good looking prop. But in the end it all comes down to learning from your mistakes and moving on. Whoops. Got a little carried away there. Anyways, if you want to talk to me about it just comment.

Mini-pumpkin how to

2010-01-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

Materials:

1. Tin foil
2. Paper Clay (Paper Clay works best)
3. Orange, black (optional), and black paint
4. Aerosol varnish or sealer (optional)

Instructions

1. Ball up the tin foil roughly to the shape you want it to be. You can also shape your stem but that all depends on how long you want it to be.
2. Get a clump of clay roughly the 1/3 the size of your tin foil armature.
3. Shape your jack'. Remember to make your features slightly over exaggerated because when you paint it some details will be lost.
4. Paint it. Brush brown paint over the entire thing. Now paint the head orange. I find a mix of brown and orange to better suite my pumpkins. You can also paint the the eyes and mouth black
5. Seal it. Cover the stem in tin foil so it's not glossy or use matte sealer. Spray it in short bursts (outside).

Final Product:

One devious little jack'. One cool thing you could do is install a fake candle. It's a great gift.

What is it?

2010-01-28T19:31:00.001-07:00

More about this next.

Cool haunt

2010-01-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have a theory. Put strobe lights at multiple angles to make it look like it's moving. This video esentuates that. I don't remember when I first saw this method used but I've had this theory for years.

Patients

2010-01-26T20:03:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted about my props at all lately but I assure you I have been busy. With Halloween props that is. Meanwhile check out this cool game. Thanks rot(Pumpkinrot).

Quite helpful

2010-01-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Not the part about the bottles but the part about the springs.
.

It's (not) alive

2010-01-03T01:41:00.000-07:00

Curse my memory for not remembering that paint drys lighter than when it's when you're painting. I know. Dumb. Know what's dumber? I used the rest of my black acrylic paint in the process. Sorry but I'm going to have to put this groundbreaker on hold for a while.

Cauldron plan change

2009-12-31T22:38:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post that my plans for the witch project had changed. Obviously. I had later decided to base this project almost completely on Devil's Chariot's Cauldron Creep.

Spinal Cord

2009-12-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

I've just finished shaping his spine. At first when I was doing his back it didn't look right and I didn't know why. But it's looking a lot better now.

Huge transformation

2009-12-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

My first Pumpkinrot-inspired ground breaker has come a very long way since I last posted about it. The ribs have been covered completly and so has the back. I stuffed him with plastic bags which are OK considering it may ruin indents but they're very easy to obtain.

My "Cauldron Creep"

2009-12-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

I started the legs of my witch or creep project a few weeks ago and it sat in my room until now. Today I completed the PVC part of this project. I redid the knees with clay because balled-up tin foil wraped in duct tape just wasn't working well enough. The left marionette arm was simple. I driled holes into each end of the PVC and looped rope through the holes. Very simple.

And the legs...

Stage 4

2009-11-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

I finished the ribs. One thing I learned about ribs is that it's hard to figure out the spacing.

Nearly oposite

2009-11-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

It feels weird working on projects so close to Thanksgiving and Christmas. I mean it's not like I don't want to it's just that I feel like it's wrong to be all out Halloween mode during other holidays. But of course this is just a thought filed (ordered in most to least important) far behind Halloween in the filing cabinet of my head.

New jelly stinger jar.

2009-11-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight I finished my jellyfish stinger project and I have to say it turned pretty good. I didn't expect it to turn out so well.
(The only reason this picture looks ok is because I edited it.)

New Pumpkinrot inspired ground breaker

2009-11-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well, It's not exactly all new. I'm using the head I built before 09's Halloween. The body is made completely out of tape, news paper, and wire (I even used copper electrical wire). The ribcage hasn't been started yet because I'm still studying them. The main technique I used was wrapping CRUMPLED news paper around wire. Crumpling it will make it flow better and will make it easier to mache later. I basically first made a "t" out of the cardboard tubing found on a wire hanger and a long mache pulp cylinder. After the mache cylinder was dry I taped the cardboard tube to it. DO NOT USE DUCT TAPE for this project. It tends to slowly unstick and move. Just don't use it. Anyways, the rest of the body was made by wrapping wire with news paper. Remember to tightly tape the arms with masking tape or (if you want) duct tape. Duct tape actually works pretty good for this but really nothing else.
Here are some pictures of it so far.

And a view of the hand.

I actually stayed up until 2:00 or 3:00am last night making his arms and hand.

Having trouble...

2009-11-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

I need your help. I'm working on the cauldron mechanism and I'm having trouble with controlling the speed of this motor:

I'd say it goes about 45 to 50 rpm.That end cap on the motor comes off but I don't have any gears that fit on it.

I've tried this already but it spins WAY too slow.

Please submit any suggestions or solutions by clicking "comment".

Am I being unrealistic? (I know am)

2009-11-10T14:47:00.000-07:00

OK I've been looking at these guys for a few years. Even though they're EXTREMELY expensive I still ponder about buying one some how. 2,410 dollars! I'm not even 18! And lets be real. The only way I'll be able to get one is by saving up money. Even though it will take YEARS, I'm still willing to do it.And yes you're probably thinking "What's so amazing about what he's talking about?" Just watch.

Do you understand now?
(By the way I don't want both. Just one. And they're both fantastic so It would be hard to choose. By the time I can afford one they'll probably be gone.)

Haunted Tiki Island

2009-11-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hey! Go here when you're done.

Even more homemade

2009-11-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about making my own music for Halloween. Just record some rattling chains, some monster groans, and some water drop sounds and your good to go. Or am I? I've never really even researched this before but I might pull it off. If you know anything about this let me know.

Wow

2009-11-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

Amazing props and atmosphere. Everything just seems, balanced.

Cauldron project coming soon...

2009-11-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

I've decided to make a cauldron and two witches for 2010's Halloween. The cauldron will feature a motor (to power the stirring system) and a small see through pocket for a black light to light up the whitener I will be filling up the cauldron. The main problem will be making the stirring mechanism water proof. I will be basing my cauldron on "Andrew manor"'s 2004 cauldrin(http://www.bastardrat.com/2004cauldron.html) and I will be basing the stirring mechanism on uhh... this persons "bubbling brew" prop (http://www.fulcrumsites.com/haunt/html/bubbling_brew.html).

Close up

2009-11-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

Halloween 09'

2009-11-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

Well my yard haunt this year was great. It was way better due to my new scarecrow. He looked great. We had a strobe light on him (the "cannon dj stobe" or whatever it's called) and glow sticks in his head. I actually got a few comments about the whole yard and scarecrow. One thing I learned last night is not to stand right in front of the fog machine because It's not good for you. I'll have some pictures of it in a wile.

2009-10-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

This is it... so far.

Practice makes perfect.

2009-10-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

You know, Halloween's an opportunity to show off your evil side and show how vast your imagination is. I've only just started yard haunting and I've already learned this. I once asked some one:"I've been building Halloween props but I just can't seem to find my style." He replied saying: "You'll find your style just keep trying. Practice makes perfect." I completely believe him.

2009-10-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a scarecrow that's based off of Pumpkinrot's 2003 scarecrow on his "scarecrows" page. I'll have pictures of it so far very soon.