http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/ Halloween Discussion Forum, Haunts and Home Haunt Community. en Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:56:35 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.halloweenforum.com/images/afterdark/misc/rss.jpg http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/ http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/1097-2012-new-year-new-wish-list.html Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:09:51 GMT Is it really this time of year again? Gosh each year seems to be going by faster and faster.
Time for my annual Halloween wish list. I'm really getting excited to head into the leaisurely building/creating/plotting season :) I can smell the paper mache all ready:

1. New Crypt - we had quite a struggle with the old one this past year, as boards for the walls and roof were horribly warped. Thank goodness we were able to mask it with vines/moss. To make sure we get a new crypt, we threw out all of the bad pieces when we tore everything down this season.

2. New Character - With Jack finally completed, I have the itch to create another character. I have one in mind. Not really sure how he fits into my graveyard yet, but images of him keep haunting my thoughts, so he has to come to life. Also, I didn't get to complete a character that I had begun last year, due to time restraints. I want to make her come to life as well.

3. Peppers Ghost - My hubby and I almost had this one licked this year, but once things got rolling, it also didn't make it to the haunt. We have all of the materials, we tested it out and it will be amazing this year.

4. MORE MOVEMENT - There was more movement in our cemetery this year than ever and I really think that it added a lot. i want more movement, but I think that i want it in some different forms. This year we really utilized the "tombstone peeper" rig for all of our movement. Next year I want something more fluid, with different directions then our peeper creations to give diversity.

5. New Entry way - I had been looking at some gothic art and got some amazing ideas for a new entry way. The iron gate/arbor worked, but the 2nd Street Cemetery sign really needs to be updated. I feel like the rest of our haunt has really "matured" to the point that the sign just doesn't fit in any more. So, since that needs to be updated, we figured that we'd go for a more authentic looking entry way.

6. More Attention to Lighting - Lighting this past year was a flop. We normally use large tiki tourches for some natural fire light, amid the blue spot lights and it works out beautifully. This year, we didn't think about the tiki tourches till the last minute and sadly, they had all rusted and couldn't be used. We hadn't realized how important they were till we saw all of the blurry/dark pictures that not having the extra light produced. So, we are toying with the idea of either new tikis or some amber spots added to the blue ones.

7. Monster mud - I really want to give this a shot this year and I think that with the new crypt and new entry way projects, this will be a good year to utilized monster mud. I know it's going to be messy and I'm sure it will take some getting used to, but the results that I have seen in other people's haunts, are worth the mess.

I'm sure that there will be other projects, but for now, I think that this could potentially keep us busy for two or three years, depending how well (or not) we manage our time.

Happy New Haunting year to everyone! Now get to work!!! =)

]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/1097-2012-new-year-new-wish-list.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/920-2011-schedule.html Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:00:40 GMT Yes, a schedule :) I want to be finished the bulk of building by October 1st. Hopefully this list will keep me focused on the task at hand. From... Yes, a schedule :) I want to be finished the bulk of building by October 1st. Hopefully this list will keep me focused on the task at hand. From today I have 9 weeks before October 1st. Here it is:

Week 1 - Aug. 1 - 6: Complete Stingy Jack's neck and face reconstruction (all PM/clay/paint). Complete Shakespeare tombstone.

Week 2 - Aug. 7 - 13: Complete Jack's hand sculpt & buy more foam for MORE tombstones.

Week 3 - Aug. 14 - 20: Paint and finalize Jack's hands. Carve new Halloween countdown stone.

Week 4 - Aug. 21 - 27: Complete Countdown stone & paint Edward Goery urn ;)

Week 5 - Aug. 31 - Sept. 5/6 (extended 5 day weekend): Complete Goery urn and begin and complete new stained glass window project.

The last 4 weeks will get planned as I get closer to them and figure out what other projects I really want/have to complete this year. For the most part, I am really happy with where my haunt is at, and a lot of the work this year is detail. Also, I'll have some extra time in October to do a few things, but my main goal is to avoid the stress of last minute projects :) I'll try to update as I make progress :) ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/920-2011-schedule.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/541-2010-list.html Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:24:53 GMT Ok, so I accomplished most of my 2009 improvement list and then some last year. I'm pretty stoked that we made most of it happen =) So, here's my 2010 list of improvements and additions that I'd like:

1. Toe pincher coffin, with slamming lid
2. Animate flying skeletons
3. Embelishments for crypt
4. Stingy Jack character w/ animation
5. Cemetery gate spider w/ animation
6. Homemade tombstones
7. Window facade with stained glass effect for both windows.
8. Pop up creature
9. At least one new ground breaker.

Ok, not a big list, but it's potentially a costly one... not too bad, but I'm being realistic. We probably spent about $500 - $600 on the fence last year, so animatronics will be our investment this year. It's high time to have things moving in our haunt.

I'm so ready to get started =) ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/541-2010-list.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/309-creepy-flowers.html Wed, 20 May 2009 14:18:10 GMT Yesterday, I recieved my mini skulls, which I had ordered to make my creepy flower arrangement. In preparation, I had bought some flower shaped... Yesterday, I recieved my mini skulls, which I had ordered to make my creepy flower arrangement. In preparation, I had bought some flower shaped fondent cutters, which I used to cut flower shapes out of modeling clay. I just hoped that the shape/size of the flower would work with the shape/size of the skulls.

So, when I got home, and found the package on my door step, I ran inside with it and put a skull on one of the drying flowers and it fit!!!!

Of course, I broke out the paint and glue gun, painted and glittered (yes, glitter) the flowers, glued a small one to a larger one then glued the skull to the center... and VOILA, my master piece finally came to life =)

I still need to work out how I want to do the stem, but all in all, it looks pretty good. Think I'll make at least 12 more...lucky 13 =) then either find or make an urn type vase to arrange them in.

Fun, fun project =)
]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/309-creepy-flowers.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/302-list.html Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:56:55 GMT Ok, here's my original list of plans for Halloween 2009:

For Next Year (2009):
1) Crypt - In the planning stage.
2) Fence (to keep out TOT's) - Bought most of it.
3) Better set up for the foggers, perhaps PVC fittings to go directly over the spout and then the plastic tube - Completed and woked wonderfully.
4) Wooden pedastal for gargoyle - Complete 04/26
5) Make angels of death fly =) - On 2010 list
6) Light up VonRauber Haunt Sign... perhaps make one for street corner, something about Haunted 2nd Street... - Made a 2nd Street Cemetery sign instead
7) Make haunted mansion soundtrack WAY in advance. - Not doing this anymore.
8) Make cleaver sign about not treading upon someones grave, to HOPEFULLY keep TOT's out of yard. - Because of fence, won't need this.
9) Paint fabric for the inside of scarepumkin, so that it illuminates. - Making a totally new scarepumpkin out of paper mache.
10) Invest in spider web gun - Will be using cheese cloth 2010
11) Invest in lightening/thunder machine.
12) Make flicker candles out of PVC or buy some of the Christmas ones and convert them to be a Hallow season prop =) - Completed and worked wonderfully.
13) Recruit some living monsters =)
14) Purchase small fogger to rig in cow skull monster - because of the new fogger rig, we only needed one for the yard and was able to set up the other with the cow.


Now, here is my new list:

1) Crypt - In the planning stage. Basic but completed, improvements planned for 2010.

2) Fence (to keep out TOT's) - Bought most of it. Completed.

4) Wooden pedastal for gargoyle - Complete 04/26

5) Wooden pedastal for obelisk - Complete 04/26

6) Paper mache pumpkin monster - In the works. Completed.

7) New VonRauber sign - made 2nd Street Cemetery sign instead

8) Coffin - Wood is cut and ready to be assembled - The plans were faulty and the project scrapped. Will rework and complete in 2010.

9) Paper mache groud breaker - In the works. Completed.

10) Styrofoam facade with stained glass window - Plans are ready, just need materials. On 2010 list, stained glass portion was completed 2009.

11) Various paper mache pumpkins for inside - One near completion. One completed.

12) Creepy tree - In the works. Completed

13) PVC Flicker candles Completed

14) Witch kitchen bottles - Have the bottles. Ran out of time.


I'm sure that there's more that I cannot recall right now, but most of the stuff on the new list is either in the designing stages or stuff that I've all ready started. I'm excited that I'm getting somewhere >=) ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/302-list.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/299-projects-projects-projects.html Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:31:55 GMT Holy pumpkins! I'm up to my ears in projects! Just a few weeks ago, I was bearly working on anything, now, I'm working on everything =)

I've now started the VERY early stages of my first ground breaker and also of my JOL monster =)

I fiddled with the "plastic bag head" of my JOL moster for so long, trying to get the amature in the "perfect" shape. Stuffing and crumpling paper, taping up edges to give him a more natural shape, tying and re-tying string around it to get the sections just right >=) I must say, patience has paid off. I have a lovely amature, just waiting for me to cover it with paper mache =)

The ground breaker is nothing more than part of a skull right now. I'm using one of my foam wally world skulls, covered in foil to make a paper mache one for my GB. I plan on trying to doctor it up, once it is safetly cut off of the foam amature, to make it look creepy... but this is a first for me, so we'll see what happens =)

So, in all, 192 days left, I'm feeling pretty good about the amount of things that I have bubbling in my cauldron. =) ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/299-projects-projects-projects.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/293-creepy-tree.html Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:13:36 GMT I have FINALLY begun paper mache on my creepy tree. At 8:30 last night, enough was enough. I mixed up my goo, shreaded my newspaper and got... I have FINALLY begun paper mache on my creepy tree. At 8:30 last night, enough was enough. I mixed up my goo, shreaded my newspaper and got started. I didn't get too far yet, just the roots (had to wrap each on individually to get it to stick/look right) and all the way around the bottom of the trunk. I'm all ready pleased with the results.

AND, during my daily walk, I saw a few trees with crevices in them, that I think I'll be able to re-create, on my tree, by way of card board pieces and modeling clay... much like the details on my JOL.

Tonight, I promised myself to do more =) A little each night till it's finished. I'm feeling more accomplised all ready =):D ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/293-creepy-tree.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/291-gothic-garden.html Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:57:16 GMT Ok, I admit it... I've gotten WAY behind on my projects. =( I'm not proud of it. It's actually driving me batty to see my unfinished projects. But, spring has gotten hold of me and I'm in the gardening mood, so all of my energy and free time has been devoted to gardening lately.

But, no fear, I have something creepy, yet beautiful, in mind for that too. >=) I have always wanted a mysterious garden full of black plants. i didn't know that black plants really existed till last year when I happened to spot an odd looking black plant at HomeDepot. I couldn't believe that the leaves and stems were actually black. I kept rubbing one of the leaves to make sure that it wasn't painted. So, I bought it. It mezmorized me the whole way home. The next day, I bought another one =) This winter, I planted 12 seeds and now I have 12 5 inch tall baby plants. =)

After that, I started looking for other black plants and have found a nice collection of them. For the most part, I can only aquire them from nurseries on line. None of the local nurseries seem to carry these plants. I'm hoping to buy all of the ones that I want for my birthday (April) and get my dream garden started. Today I ordered 3 bulbs for black calla lilies. They'll be shipped on April 1st. I cannot wait to get them!

So, the halloween props are on the back burner for now, but the Halloween projects have not stopped >=) ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/291-gothic-garden.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/283-current-projects.html Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:11:25 GMT I've been a busy little prop builder this weekend! I got a bit behind on my Stolloween JOL, as I had planned on finishing him about two weeks ago, but last night, I added two more large sections of clay and tonight, I hope to add the final one =) I'm so excited. It came out way better than I thought =) That project has given me a lot of confidence to try some of my bigger ideas =) So, once he's weather proofed and painted, I'm going to begin on my big JOL for my outside pumpkin "king" =) I'm also now contemplating making my pumpking totem poles with paper mache pumpkins, instead of the artificial ones, as I had originally planned.

In addition to my JOL, I've been working on a really different project at the same time >=) I sketched a very awesome creepy tree about a month ago and couldn't just leave it on paper. So, I constructed a two and a half foot version of it out of coat hangers, paper towel rolls, styrofoam balls, hot glue and foil.... so far =) I have two more hands to make... yes, hands... and then I'll begin applying paper mache to the entire thing =) I'll be posting some pictures really soon, but I wanted to get my Stolloween completed, before I put this one out there. I'm VERY excited about it though =)

Ok, so tonight, last piece of clay for the JOL and at least one hand for the tree >=) Bwah ha ha! I'm on a roll!:D ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/283-current-projects.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/277-new-ideas.html Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:39:40 GMT I just got a great idea from an old post that I saw, regarding a witch's kitchen. I wasn't familure with the concept, so I checked it out and I love it! So creative and especially great for when one is hosting a party.

I can just imagine the guests, filling their plates with food, while eyeing up bottles with strange contents and lables on them! How much fun is that?

I'm inspired. I know my Dad has a bunch of different old bottles that I could borrow =) I'll have to make a list of things to put in them.

How exciting =) ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/277-new-ideas.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/265-first-my-2009-halloween-accomplishments.html Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:00:15 GMT Well, I have one thing accomplished so far =) I got my black tree, as a Christmas present from my mom =) It's small, only 5ft. tall, but it's great =) Perhaps I'll create a creepy pillar or even a small crypt to put it on top of to give it some height >=) Now I need to get some orange lights and all kinds of creepy things to put on it. =)

Donnie got numerous gift cards to HomeDepot for Christmas... so, you know what those are all going towards... =) We'll be getting tools and materials to build our crypt and our cemetary fence.

And... I saw a disco ball set up at Spencers for about $25.00 that I think will make my flying "light" ghosts become a reality >=)

As soon as I get tonight's New Year's Eve party out of the way, it's to work I go on Halloween 09 >=) ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/265-first-my-2009-halloween-accomplishments.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/251-2009-projects-keep-building.html Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:54:18 GMT =) Saw an...]]> Ok, new projects just POPPED into my head and I've been doing research, so that has fueled the fire in this pumpkin head of mine >=)

Saw an artificial black "christmas" tree in one of the Sunday ads. They are freakin' expensive, but I want one of those suckers! I have a VERY vivid image of my beautifully decorated HALLOWEEN tree, standing in all it's black needled glory, in my living room next year. =)

Also, issue number 2.... I want flying spirits... not the flying angels of death, that I'm still planning on doing. I want something projected, that looks illuminated and creepy and more like a spirit should look... like noting more than a faintly glowing slant of light >=) I'm looking up ways to do it and found three similar methods, that I think will produce results to make me happy =) I'll need to start on that one EARLY... like, after Christmas, possibly before Christmas =) I'm not a machinest.... yet... I'll learn >=)

Ok, so, two new things:
1) Black HALLOWEEN (not Christmas, that's just wrong) tree

2) Flying light spirits =)

I'm giddy :D ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/251-2009-projects-keep-building.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/248-haunt-learn.html Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:00:21 GMT Ok, notes to myself about what worked, what didn't and what I want to do to make next year better =)

Worked:
1) Two foggers were plenty for the space we have.
2) Vampire Syndicate music was a hit.
3) Donnie as a stalking ditch monster was a huge attraction.
4) Weeds from the woods worked great in cemetary.
5) Fireworks attracted unknowing TOT's.
6) The amount of stuff we had was deamed "not tacky".

Didn't work:
1) Need a little more spot lighting and more black lights.
2) Plastic pipes on foggers melted and came off.
3) Glow stick in scarepumpkin did not give off enough light.
4) Tiki torches potential hazard to roaming TOT's.
5) Need more candy.
6) Need props that move.
7) No more cardboard props.
8) Need a way to keep artificial pumpkins from rollling away.
9) Put spider webs up later... wind caused them to clump.
10) Need a way to keep TOT's from roaming through yard.

For Next Year (2009):
1) Crypt
2) Fence (to keep out TOT's)
3) Better set up for the foggers, perhaps PVC fittings to go directly over the spout and then the plastic tube.
4) Wooden pedastal for gargoyle
5) Make angels of death fly =)
6) Light up VonRauber Haunt Sign... perhaps make one for street corner, something about Haunted 2nd Street...
7) Make haunted mansion soundtrack WAY in advance.
8) Make cleaver sign about not treading upon someones grave, to HOPEFULLY keep TOT's out of yard.
9) Paint fabric for the inside of scarepumkin, so that it illuminates.
10) Invest in spider web gun.
11) Invest in lightening/thunder machine.
12) Make flicker candles out of PVC or buy some of the Christmas ones and convert them to be a Hallow season prop =)
13) Recruit some living monsters =)
14) Purchase small fogger to rig in cow skull monster.

That's all for now =) ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/248-haunt-learn.html http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/215-without-warnnig-decorating-has-begun.html Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:29:14 GMT I didn't see it coming...ok, maybe I did and I'm just making excuses, but I only planned to take all of my Halloween treats out of the attic and put them in my "project" room, with the intention to wait till Oct. 1st to decorate. Well, in the excitement of pulling down the boxes and peeking through things that I forgot I had, I placed a decoration here, then one there, before I knew it, the spare bathroom was totally taken over by Halloweeness! But it didn't stop there! My Mom called me to see if I'd like to go with her to Michael's (as if she had to ask). EVERYTHING was on sale, so I picked up on some more supplies, plus we hit up Dollar Tree, where I found some great little gargoyles for $1 >=) Went back home and the decorating frenzy picked up where I had left off! I attached a crow to the light fixture above my kitchen table, along with some spider webs. Then I took some tattered fabric and made some creepy window treatments with them (must buy more material from Dollar Tree today). It was a whirl wind from there! Pictures to be posted soon! ]]> Curlgoddess http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/curlgoddess/215-without-warnnig-decorating-has-begun.html