Thread: Gothicy Gate Post W.I.P

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The column looks fantastic! As for the quest for a plaque to place on the front, I'm actually glad that you didn't find one. I mean c'mon, how many people could put those numbers on a column as an actual address, and not just a Halloween gimmick. Everyone on the forum should DEFINITELY be able to appreciate the numbers 13 & 31 incorporated into a prop. Especially when the prop is so well-executed. Keep up the great work!

Thanks everybody for the compliments. It was a bit or work.. not too much though.

I do plan to build another post just like this one. Then build 2 more that will be taller with an arched center. A fence will go between. I haven't thought much about this project do to getting burned out. I have a tendency to become totally immersed in something then.. crash and burn. I think if I pace my project out ill be ok.

My plan is also to modify the top so the topper is removable or exchangeable. Some damage may occur to the mini monster mud reaper, but its for the greater good. Since I know that this item is able to withstand 1 month outdoors, my goal for 2011 will be a 3 month trial! Let me explain. Last night as I was trying to get to sleep, I was conjuring up some plans. Since I really do want to add more gate posts, its a shame for them to only be seen for the month of October. Since Halloween is SO close to Christmas why not decorate the post for Christmas? My plan is to set up the 1st of October 2011, celebrate Halloween as usual, then come November 1st, start the changeover to Christmas.

Its not uncommon around my neighborhood to see hints of Christmas popping up in November. You might see a Christmas wreath, or some green garland here and there. So my idea is to leave the gate posts and fence up and simply convert to Thanksgiving and then Christmas.. HAHAHAHA.. I will conquer all 3 Holidays at once!

My real inspiration for this is the comments I have had from the community. On TOT night, I had several including one parent who said something about us always decorating so nicely, especially around Christmas. Not to mention I even had some compliments about my decorating from City Hall and the Mayor himself. This year I really feel like im disappointing the audience do to NO plans for Christmas decorations. So I guess I need to step up my game and make 2011 memorable!

I will update as usual.

Hard to go wrong with multipurpose props. Really looks great. How about exchanging the reaper for an angel for Xmas....but you probably already thought of that

Originally Posted by Frankenfrog

Hard to go wrong with multipurpose props. Really looks great. How about exchanging the reaper for an angel for Xmas....but you probably already thought of that

Honestly, I have been scratching my noggin as to what to put on the gate post. An angel is a good idea. I like that, its symbolic, and its what you make of it. Matter of fact, the angel is opposite of the reaper, I love it! THANK YOU...

Now, should she have the stone finish... ooooh.. I have this vision of wings spread out, some sort of graceful pose. Got to get crack'n on this one.

WOW!!! LOVE your columns!!!! You are talented!!! And Fantastic color!!!
enjoyed reading your tutorial... you are too funny!!

That thing is outstanding. It really is top-quality! Not to beat a dead horse but the mini-reaper...wow

man that is sweet im going try something like that ...... def not as good as yours.........

As a fellow builder of columns and lover of cemeteries, your rendition of the entrance column is well executed and, well, ........ it kicks butt! The addition of the reaper and a second column featuring an angel to counter and blance will be perfect in my opinion. I'm still interested to see how the board holds up in wet weather. Did you seal the interior as well (in case of seepage or leaks)?

I would like to point out that i have used particle board shelving to build several times and if it is treated (painted or sealed) properly it will withstand the elements.
My favorite coffin that I built in 2004 is still in great shape and built from mdf and particle board. It is painted with exterior grade black paint and has only been touched up once. By touched up I mean repainted completely on the outside but still it sits outside the entire month of Oct in rain and snow and still is fairly sound with no water damage or swelling.

I really like the pillar farmerchad and am sure that by the time it gets weather damaged you will want to change themes or be tired of it and have a new idea to try anyway. I have built 2 sets of pillars in the past 10yrs and have sold the ones I replaced which are still in use as of last year. They were not made of weather friendly materials either but well prepped for my enviornment so they will last for a long time I am sure.

I was thinking'Oh, No!" all the work and effort and expense yet he put particle board on the inside!
But then you did the extra work to basically water-proof it very well! Yeah!
When I build wooden things here I try to use treated lumber because it might get wet someday. I guess maybe I just hate doing things over again? I have seen so many of my creations fall apart in just the last few years.....
Then the State decreed no more oil based paint! what? First the paint manufacturers removed the linseed oil which made the paint fade in a short time when applied outdoors to metal objects but now? I drive to Wisconsin to buy paint? Iowa is closer.
Of course the enterprising paint store has a solution: $50.oo a gallon epoxy 2-part paint (developed by NASA?) There won't be much of a "pallet" anymore in my yard at that price.
Which color should everything be now? Orange? Lime green?
"GGRRR!"