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Confessions of a Propaholic

15K views 88 replies 43 participants last post by  Gym Whourlfeld 
#1 ·
“Hi, my name is Bill, and I’m a (hard swallow) Propaholic/Halloween Enthusiast. It’s been several weeks since my last build.” The gallery nods in acknowledgement.

“It all started innocently enough. When I was 14 (now 49) I put my creative abilities to work by crafting and hanging an 8’x8’ black Visqueen “room” (floor, ceiling and walls) in the foyer of my parents home. It was a dark, foreboding room with thin black ribbons of plastic dangling in the doorway. I artfully, as much as a 14-year-old could be, hand-painted spooky (read as “cheesy”) skeletons, eyeballs, ghosts, and other assorted Halloween figures with fluorescent paint throughout my scary little domain. I then grabbed my new 18” blacklight out of my bedroom (oh, you should have seen the great fluorescent posters I had back then – hey, it was 1974, what did you expect?!!) and hung it ever so cleverly just above the doorway. Then, I stuffed newspapers into clothing to make a “terrifying” scarecrow to reside on the wooden bench outside our front door. Disney’s Haunted Mansion had nothing on me! I was THE propmaster (well, at least in my mind, anyway). On Halloween night, I sat within the confines of my “room of terror” eagerly awaiting my first evening of innocent victims. Now, if I would have just thought first about our barking miniature Poodle and the blaring TV in the background ruining the scary atmosphere, things might have not been so amateur. Well, throughout that night I experienced the thrill of having an emotional affect on TOTs. I found that the groups had their brave individual who always cautiously peeked in with trepidation, and I then would jump out from my secret vantage point and get my reward – that spontaneous and reflexive “agh!”, “whoa!” or “eeek!”. Ah, the sweet sound of success. Following my ritual of fright, I would product my treasured selection of delicate, sweet morsels to reward the brave souls whom had survived their face-to-face encounter with sheer and utter terror. Those lucky few who made it out alive ran to tell their quivering friends of their encounter with all that is evil. Yup, it was fun even coaxing in the littlest kids that would approach no closer than ten feet away from what surely the gates of Hell itself. Surely, I had found my calling! It’s to instill terror into other kids each Halloween. It seems it wasn’t too hard to do since they each had infused themselves with anticipation of the evening; all I had to do was push their mental button. Later that night, I found I enjoyed showing the older kids how I had made my own world of horror. Some were duly impressed.”

Since that time, I have celebrated the season to varying degrees. I enjoy it now more than ever. Come on, admit it…we enthusiasts enjoy eliciting unrestrained emotion from our prey, be it shock, fear (including, of course, the elusive sudden-loss-of-bladder-control), curiosity, terror, awe, or even just plain-old happiness. I believe we all share the same zeal and grin-evoking thoughts each Halloween season as we relive our fondest Halloween memories.

-Bill
 
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#2 ·
I can certainly agree with this to a point. Over the years I have been striving to find a level of surprise that leaves a lasting memory but hopefully no scarring. After having literally made a girl pee her pants I started to go another route(even though what I did was never gruesome or that scary). Now I try to do little things to surprise and startle. Like a monster in a box or a moving prop or well timed sound effect. With each prop I build I try to make it a little whimsical and not too realistic. Propaholic might be a phrase that could explain my relationship with Halloween. I think there is great satisfaction in seeing your creation come to life. Especially when it is just a pile of materials that come together to make lasting impressions on neighbors and friends.
 
#4 ·
Propaholic......now I don't know about that.....just because I make several trips to the transfer station each week just to rummage through the equipment dumpster to see what I can find for electric motors, sensors, drive chains and trains, gears ect. just to use to make props for Halloween, so I don't think I'm a propaholic (he says in utter denial).:D
 
#5 ·
Im more of a propaholic wanna be:) I mean I have made a few things, well my husband really makes the hard stuff I just come in with the detail work, but I digress...anyhoo, I would love to have a shop like Terra's and be able to stay home and work on props all day. Unfortunately a littel thing called mortgage and kids and food keep me working most of the time. So I totally get that feeling you had as a kid and how it got you started, I think we can all relate to that. Propaholic....ummmm...probably not, Propaholic wannabe....yes, Terra stalker and admirer...umm guilty, Would I steal Dr. Terroreyes pumpkin guy if I lived near by...ummmm guilty again, oh and Terra if I lived near you I would be stealing most of your props too. I mean dont get upset...think of it as a form of flattery:D
 
#6 ·
Well...... let me say I really tried to hold off last year till the last minute on doing any new builds....... and well..... so the neighbor's kids became concerned that I was ill.... and had made their parent come over to see what was up... [Alikely story] And then... Then... Other neighbors started walking by my house for exercise.. yeah right.... and looking in my garage every day or so… and then they started stopping by to talk to my Jayne, and also asking if I was OK "They hadn't seen me working on anything new yet and it was already September"
So I was push in to it... PUSHED I tell you Pushed!!! LOLOLololOOLollololOLol (gasP!!) LOlolOloLo!!
OK I am too.... I am Propaholic too. };-')]

I even have a data base of "HOW TO" files I have saved in case a web page is gone one day when I need it.
 
#8 ·
propaholic



You know, God invented Adobe PDF maker for a reason. I, too, have SOOOOOoooo many bookmarks in my Web browser and and Gigs of PDF how-tos, too. It's not addiction, I tell you, it's a....WAIT A SEC...did I just see a left over clearance item at Target...I could hack it and then...
 
#7 ·
My name is slightlymad and I too am a propaholic. I surf the web daily looking for new ideas and inspiration. Recyclable items are brought to me threw out the year. I attend monthly meetings with fellow haunters to support my habit and further my prop knowledge. When shopping any and all items are considered fair game when it comes to hacking them into new props. When the season rolls around children come to me for costumes and ideas. I take vacation not to spend time with my family but to set up the display or to travel and be with others haunters. When in the garage people stop to look to see what is being built and try to figure out this years suprize or new addition.
My name is slightlymad and I to am a propaholic and I seek no cure for my illness merely to feed and the sickness that drives me onward.
 
#9 ·
I had to laugh out loud! Truly!! I do the "vacations" too (a.k.a.: a scouting/scoping outing). I just "happen" upon so many things I could use for a prop. A sickness. LOL
 
#10 ·
Definitely a Propaholic!
We were planting some tomatoes last week and hubby was grousing about how there were still Halloween things around. Well, yeah! In the garage and in the shed! While he was looking for the tiller attachment.
So I didn't put everything in the storage unit, so what!?!
LOL
Hubby says I'm obsessed, like its a bad thing!
;)
 
#28 ·
propaholic



You know, one swift blow from a shovel properly "applied directly to the head" would instill him with a sense of...um...well, okay, render him speechless and unconscious (thus making him easier to bury), and that would correct such blatant, untrue remarks. Tomato, schlamoto, just make him into fertilizer. But that would mean you would have to find another sucker, I mean spouse, to fill his shoes. And then you would have to train that guy all over again to be like the one you just turned into an earthworm buffet. Nah, I ain't worth the kill...at least not at this time. Just put down the shovel and back away. Let it go; we men have poor judgment in our statements some days...most days. :D
 
#20 ·
Me too. I have them everywhere; binders and composition notebooks. I am constantly taking notes and making little drawings.

Tell the spouse that you have to have a physical for work, then tell her the doctor told you it is life threatening if you don't continue to build props. Explain to her that it reduces your blood pressure and causes less stress, which = happy hubby.
Actually, I'm the happy wife. My husband is only happy when he can get that stupid Honda S2000 in the garage. It's my garage, dammit! He got the car, I got the garage. Didn't I? Unless he wants me to use his stupid car for a workbench. And don't think I won't do it. I will. Don't test me.
 
#12 ·
My friends get angry whenever I say no I can't go out drinking with you, don't have the money for alcohol, because I have to use that money for Halloween Prop building.

Last night at 10:30 I am out on the front porch, detailing away on my tombstone project. My hubby sticks his head out the door and says hey you coming to bed. I look at him and say, does it look like I am anywhere near finished.. he just shakes his head and goes off to bed.. No wonder my back has been hurting for 3 days, all the bending over this tombstone..

I can only imagine the credit card company lady looking over my statement each month:
ax, rags, saw, visqueen, coffin, fake blood, wine bottles, dremel tool attachments, chain, foam, duct tape, paint, glue, etc...
 
#14 ·
I had already posted this on the 28th, but I will repost it here since this thread has been started, and this seems to be the appropriate place for it to rest:

Hi, my name is JW and I'm also a propaholic. It's been 3 months since my last build. I admit I am starting to have major withdrawals and it's getting harder to control it. I have started hiding schematics around my house, I tell my family I am visiting friends in the hospital when I am really thrift-shopping, I sneak up into the attic when no one is around and talk to my props. I have even gone so far as to sell some of my belongings so I could afford to buy stuff online when it was on sale. My family thinks I am out of control. I have seen the way they look at me when I take things out of the neighbors garbage. My god, I feel so guilty. But what can I do? WHAT CAN I DO????
 
#16 ·
Yeah my neighbor and friends all know IF YOU GET SOMETHING NEW, I want the foam out of the box it came in, never mind, what was in the box... just the packing stuff. LOL
also I live in a major tourist area and there is an antic mall, shop, barn within every mile... if not "turn back.. your lost".
May I should start posting pictures of what I saw today? there are some really COOL THINGS. One place even has old horse drawn buggies and carts. well maybe I'll put a few up and see what happens.
 
#23 ·
Yeah my neighbor and friends all know IF YOU SOMETHING TNB want the foam out of the box it came in, never mind what was in the box... just the packing stuff. LOL
also I live in a major tourist area and there is an antic mall, shop, ban within every mile... if not "turn back.. your lost".
May I should start posting pictures of what I saw today there are some really COOL stuff one place even has old horse drawn buggies and carts well maybe I'll put a few up and see what happens.
Yeah, man, gimme BIG foam! The bigger the better. It's just a ***** to cut sometimes.

Bill
 
#17 ·
Okay guys, I'm supposed to be working right now. Instead I am LMAO over these posts. So here is mine:

Hello, my name is Head Spook, and I'm a propaholic and halloween junkie. No matter how much halloween stuff I accumulate, I can't help my craving for more. I need the high. I can't live without the rush I get when I see something at a thrift store or garage sale that will make a perfect addition to the haunt at some ridiculously low price. Has my addiction affected my relationships; absolutely. You either get on the train with me, or I'll throw you on the tracks. :D
 
#22 ·
Whhhoooooo- whoooo...all aboard!!

Have a great week!
Bill
 
#19 ·
*Boo hoo*....*sob*...I've even stolen my mother-in-laws furniture to make props..*sob*

Oh..the shame! The shame! (insert sly, somewhat insincere grin...)
 
#24 ·
propaholic



Okay mister, you bought 10 minutes in time out.

I'm sure we've heard it all before. Sound familiar? "...And wash that paper mache off your hands first...and get the sawdust off your shoes before you walk in here...and put your saw away before I trip over it again...and why does our charge card have ANOTHER trip to Lowe's/Home Depot on it...and can STOP cutting holes in garbage cans...and will you please turn off the lights out there when you come to bed (I'm too tired and it's too late to wait up for you)...and why do you ALWAYS wait till the last minute to make this stuff...where did our Igloo ice chest disappear to...don't you think you have enough extension cords...Honey, who is "Haunt (fill in the blank) props.com; they Emailed another order shipment confirmation...did you see our electric bill for October...Honey, the neighborhood kids want to help put up the cemetery."

And now our frequent plight, "You threw out WHAT?? I was gonna use it for a prop this year! Awwwww. man, what am I gonna do now??" (Yup, I see you grinning at that line, you propaholic, you)

Happy Pre-Halloween!

Bill:)
 
#27 ·
Help out the haunt Creatures at Big Lagoon and tell them "but it's for charity" and that if you don't the park may have to close!
There are so many things around here I would LOVE to help at, including Big lagoon and Stage Fright at PLT. But I never have enough time (because all haunters build right up till the 11th hour) to get my yard finished. My daughter works at Stage Fright each year.
After Hurricane Ivan I was going to NOT do the haunted yard. So much debris around I was worried about the ToTs hurting themselves. Man! Did I ever hear it from the neighborhood kids and adults. I guess they needed something familiar and constant about then, with so much chaos. So I built it and they came. So my excuse from then on has been..."Honey, you remember that year I tried not to do this. And everyone got mad at me. I HAVE to do it...for the kids."
 
#30 ·
Great story. Little kids need something to rely upon; even if it's simple. Keep up the goodwill. :)
 
#29 ·
11th hour?
Never heard of it!
;) ;)

Heck! I am usually late to make the eleventh hour! heheheh!
Yeah, know whatcha mean. I would love to help out with a haunt hear, but that would take time away from my yard!
Shoot! I wish I had time to roam around and at least look at the other yards!
That's the difference between a propaholic and a hauntaholic, we can't leave our props!
 
#31 ·
i'm not a propaholic. i'm a procrastinating propaholic. i gather stuff all year round for those props, and then oct. first start rushing to get it all done, swearing next year i will start sooner, and then carry over what didn't get done to the next oct. first. lol
 
#32 ·
yes i must admit it im a propaholic!!! a propaconisure!!i often find myself looking at wadds of paper and tape thinking of diferent ways of creating things with it!! my hands tremble when they are idle..lol i am in constant nead! too build things that go bump in the night...is there any hope left for a rech such as myself?.... it all started erly in my life you no the age too old too trick-or-treat there i stood with my empty bag no goodies this year that is when the idea sprang from my head lets scare the kiddies that come too my door!. after all i was the creepy kid on the block. i had a reputation!! so i sprang too work. thanks too my dad he worked construction, and would alwease bring home left over lumber from the jobs he did....the air was crisp that year 1976 i started hammering and cutting the neighbours would peek out there doors and windows wondering what i was up too! but i kept my project under wraps until halloween! muhaahhhahahhahahhaa i slowly dragged my new coffin out too the front yard and parked it on my steps..got my makeup on and then crawled inside waiting for my first victim. half the neighbours would"nt go too my house lol and thus i saved some candy for myself that year! year after year after that my reputation grew! and here we are today!!! sick and twisted and loving every minute of it!!!:cool:
 
#33 ·
yes, I have to confess to being a propaholic too, even if not working on one, always thinks aobut the next one, planning, planning, have a couple of 3ring binders full of inspiratioon, and I have the maaintence guy at owrk convinced I am totally nuts, , BUT in my defense he was trying to throw out perfectly good pvc pipe!! WTF?
 
#36 ·
Only you can decide if you are a Propaholic, but here are 12 questions to help you decide. Please answer them honestly:

1) Have you ever decided to stop prop building for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple days?
2) Do you wish people would mind their own business about your prop building, stop telling you what you should be doing instead?
3) Have you ever switched from one prop to another hoping this would keep you from becoming a propaholic?
4) Have you ever worked on a prop as soon as you woke up in the past year?
5) Do you envy people who can work on props without getting into trouble?
6) Have you had problems connected with prop building during the past year?
7) Has your prop building caused trouble at home?
8) Do you ever try to build "extra" props because you do not think you have enough?
9) Do you tell yourself that you can stop prop building anytime you want to, even though you keep building props when you don't mean to?
10) Have you missed days of work or school because of prop building?
11) Do you have blacklights?
12) Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you could build more props?

Did you answer YES four or more times? If so, you are probably a Propaholic!
 
#37 ·
Well, I Never!

I have never slipped into a big box store on the way home to see if they have a dimmer switch, 3"x2'x8' pink stuff, 1"x6"x6' fence boards, chicken wire, OOPS paint, and joint compound.

I've never stopped by Value Village to see if they have any new Shogun Shiatsus on the shelf.

I've never bought a broken answering machine, just for the loop-tape.

I've never buried any clothing.

I've never stopped at the pallet-pile to get the pallet that is in the WORST possible shape.

I've never bought 12' of sisal rope.

I've never Googled victim, shiatsu, corpse, corpsing, cheap + skeleton, fake + blood, monster mud, burlap, relay, "color organ", nor "jack o'lantern" + templates--at work.

I've never searched Craigslist for free styrofoam, broken chainsaws, free pallets, free barrels, halloween, or used privacy fencing.

I've never driven more than 50 miles to pick up a truckload of free used styrofoam in my pickup.

I've never built any device intended to chill, (or make more dense,) artificial fog.

I've not purchased more fog machines than televisions.

I've never taken anything that was intended to be garbage and used it in maniacal ways.

I've never intentionally cut the arms and legs off a doll, then used an air stapler to re-attach them.

Wait, yes I have!
 
#38 ·
Spewing my yogurt!! Thanks!

I have never slipped into a big box store on the way home to see if they have a dimmer switch, 3"x2'x8' pink stuff, 1"x6"x6' fence boards, chicken wire, OOPS paint, and joint compound.

I've never stopped by Value Village to see if they have any new Shogun Shiatsus on the shelf.

I've never bought a broken answering machine, just for the loop-tape.

I've never buried any clothing.

I've never stopped at the pallet-pile to get the pallet that is in the WORST possible shape.

I've never bought 12' of sisal rope.

I've never Googled victim, shiatsu, corpse, corpsing, cheap + skeleton, fake + blood, monster mud, burlap, relay, "color organ", nor "jack o'lantern" + templates--at work.

I've never searched Craigslist for free styrofoam, broken chainsaws, free pallets, free barrels, halloween, or used privacy fencing.

I've never driven more than 50 miles to pick up a truckload of free used styrofoam in my pickup.

I've never built any device intended to chill, (or make more dense,) artificial fog.

I've not purchased more fog machines than televisions.

I've never taken anything that was intended to be garbage and used it in maniacal ways.

I've never intentionally cut the arms and legs off a doll, then used an air stapler to re-attach them.

Wait, yes I have!

Oh, MY, GOD!! That was too funny!! I have to tell you that I am sitting here at lunchtime at my laptop. I was reading your Propaholic list while eating my strawberry yogurt. When I came to the "burying clothes" that line caused me to laugh so hard I sprayed half the yogurt across the screen!! And I kept gagging as I was dying from laughter from the entire list. I thought nobody else buried a bunch of clothes; it works very well.

Now that I can read the screen again (wipe, wipe, wipe) I just had to thank you two for the two wonderful lists. You made my day/week/month!

Geeze, and now I'm getting teary-eyed to know more than one person on this planet is born with this mind-set.

-Doc
 
#41 ·
Thanks, Doc and mr. creepy. I, too, am a Propaholic. And I could add to your list, why, just today, I took a fountain from my next door neighbor's trash. I already have one fountain, but it just wasn't enough. I've got to get back to work on the interior of my Hearse, maybe I'll add more later.
 
#42 ·
Hi Skulkin.

I am so envious...you grabbed a great goodie!! Lucky you!

I did a fountain, that I made out of a plastic inverted garbage can lid. I just have to work on keeping the blood nice and dark.
http://www.halloweenforum.com/picture.php?albumid=1029&pictureid=12906

Thanks for sharing the true Propaholic spirit. I can soooooo relate.

BTW, my wife wants me to build a hearse next year as I have wayyyyy to much stuff to finish as it is tis year!!! Please Email me some pics of yours as I am adding to my Wanna-do/Gotta-do list and looking for ideas.

-Doc
 
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