Thread: Foreclosures, parties & haunts, oh my!

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Over here at BTM, we've been going through a very emotional roller coaster wondering if we're going to lose our home. Sounds like we'll get the final answer by mid-August regarding our own home, and right around Christmastime for the rental (groan).

Despite all that junk, I'm finding it really hard to NOT think about attempting a garage walk-thru. Last year was the first one I did, real simple spur-of-the-moment deal, but the response from the TOTs and their parents was very encouraging (read: enabling).
*Obviously, the folks in my neck of the woods are easily impressed, LOL.*

My "thing" for the past 11 years has been neighborhood Halloween parties, but I always find myself feeling let down by the neighbors' lack of enthusiasm. Some of you know what I mean. No bueno.

SO. I've come to terms with the fact that if I do start working on this garage walk-thru thang, it could quite possibly all come tumbling down abruptly. I'm good with that. Beats the heck out of chewing my arm off all summer long, and it will be a good distraction from my worries. SHOULD BE a bit easier on the wallet than a party, too. (I hear you all laughing, LOL!)

After contemplating what themes really appeal to me, I think I'm gonna go with a Sideshow theme. I have some banners already made, and can work what props I have into something doable.

I'm drinkin' the Kool Aid. Wish me luck!

Sorry to hear about your home. I hope it all works out for you. The garage walk thru sounds awesome. I've been through one of those when I was a kid. It was really neat. Sideshow theme sounds really fun! Best of luck to you and your family.

Trust me BADTablemanor, I know how you feel... This housing crud is just aggrevating! But I myself contemplated walking away from the huge neg mortgage but still won't let myself fall trap to a bad economy...

Anyhow I thing you focusing on a garage haunt would be great and will definitely be a lot cheaper to do than any party! Stay focused and don't let anyone take that Halloween Spirit away for nothing! Happy haunting!

I'm so sorry you're facing that... hope things end up working out for you.

I'd say go for it if it will lift your spirits in any way.

But if you do that, I can't steal you away to help us! <stomps feet and leaves room>

Originally Posted by Johan

But if you do that, I can't steal you away to help us! <stomps feet and leaves room>

You don't really think, mon ami, that I'd abandon you, do you? Trust me, I'll be in Lake Forest in a heartbeat, paintbrush/hammer/beer in hand. I wouldn't miss helping you guys out for the world. *pats Johan on the head*

Thank you, folks, for all the kind words. It's just going to be a simple little thang, but it makes me happy.

Oh yeah. Does anyone have any tips on what to use to make a Wheel of Torture game spin? Ice cream machine motor perhaps? Or what to use to make a mermaid's tail flap up and down? I'm woefully mechanically inept.

OK, thanks again, gang! And Johan, don't forget me!

I know I know. Just giving you a hard time.

Regarding Wheel of Torture, what materials will you be utilizing? The type & size of motor will depend on the weight of the wheel.

Regarding the mermaid tail, the first thought that comes to mind would be an oscillating fan mounted on it's side about halfway down the sea creatures fin (approximately at what would be the knees on a human)

So sorry for the rough patch you are going thru.

Originally Posted by Johan

Regarding Wheel of Torture, what materials will you be utilizing? The type & size of motor will depend on the weight of the wheel.

Regarding the mermaid tail, the first thought that comes to mind would be an oscillating fan mounted on it's side about halfway down the sea creatures fin (approximately at what would be the knees on a human)

For the wheel of torture midway game: it's just ornamental, so I was gonna go with a pvc stand stuck in a sand-filled bucket, and the wheel is black foamcore that's 28" in diameter- super light. I could run the chord for whatever's spinning it along the back of the pvc pipe. I was thinking maybe a rotisserie motor? I've never used one, so I don't know. Some battery-powered string lights running around the circumference of the wheel would be an added bonus. Here's a pic of one I made for a friend's party a few years ago. This one was from heavy plywood, however:


As for the mermaid tail, I have a sound-activated outlet, so somehow I'd like to incorporate that. Whatever I use, it'll have to be small enough to fit into her tail. If the moving tail thang is a hassle, I may end up having her sitting halfway in an aquarium with a bubbler running. Either will work.

OK so while I was waiting to pick up Russell from school, I was struck with the idea of giving the whole thing a "steampunk sideshow" kinda vibe. This pleases me greatly.

Thanks again for all the love and good vibes; right back at y'all times 3!

BTM, obviously you're not alone... in this economy or on this board. My "upside down" mortgage (my house is worth less than half of what I owe!... yah, I live in Phoenix, AZ) is probably the single most stressful thing in my life (which I am fortunate, I know).

It can be a downer, but hang in there and you'll come out fine. Actually, you'll probably come out better than those of us who hang on and hope for a recovery (trust me, I've run the scenarios in my head too, Ter Ran, and I just can't bring myself to do it either!) But BTM, I'm so glad to see that you're not letting it ruin your halloween spirit. After your garage walk-through, perhaps you focus on projects that you can take with you. You'll bounce back and be stronger for it, I'm sure, and you'll be able to look for your next home with a haunter's perspective (ie "Hmm... this house is perfect for a haunt!") Best of luck, our thoughts are with you!