how-to's

Alright haunters, we have a problem...purchased this at Hobby Lobby and began cutting into the bottom in preparation to carve a face into the front. As I began cutting the bottom the gourd began to break into pieces. I need a solution to the problem. What would or should be the best way to cut...

YUP, I'm definitely new here. BUT hey at least I know the difference between your and you're!! Anyways, I am a fanatic about halloween and I mean it in the true meaning of the word. I'm pretty sure that I would rather celebrate halloween on christmas EVERY YEAR. I digress, the reason i'm here...

I have recently made a boarded up window out of a wooden palet. It still weighs the same as it did completely together. Its too big to lay agianst the window. what are some others ways to hold it up in front of the window for the same effect? I will post a picture when i get a chance.....

Hey guys! Check out this episode of Hauntventures for some helpful DIY tips and tricks. Here we added some more detail to the distortions prop Creepy Cathy. Thanks for watching and be sure to give your feedback or post your own projects. We would love to see them!

Eyes, eyes, eyes. Why do so many prop builders focus on making perfect eyes? Well, it's the first thing ToTs look at to determine if it's a fake monster or a live actor. You could at least fool them for a few seconds if the eyes look real. For most scares... that's all the time you need ;)...

Castle of Terra has been using a computer to serve as central command for the control over the pneumatic props in it. Over the years there have been many questions and answers on how this is done. Thought I'd put up a general tutorial on how to use a computer, software and DMX signaling to run...

Yeah, yeah...I know. Another old tutorial. But, I have an excuse! Been working on two big projects. One was the Demon Horse that needs to wait until it can be pictured in it's native habitat (graveyard). That'll be a tutorial nearer Halloween. The other project is new ChromaDepth 3D panels and...

Another one of my older tutorials. Brushed off the dust and shined it up a bit. If you want to see it in action and have me explain how it works, please see this video: The genesis and heart of this 5' tall spider victim is from a 'Hanging Man Zombie' prop made by Gemmy and was sold at...

Don't know if anyone has noticed, but I've been slowly transferring my photo album tutorials to the blog here. I've fixed some broken pieces (picture links), put on a fresh coat of paint (better explanations) and added a few more goodies to them (videos). This next one was my very first tutorial...

Electrical transformers are accents you could use in a laboratory scene or electrical room at your haunt. You can make these using some funny things around your workshop. Hey, just like a mad doctor would :p For a quick rundown of how to put this together, please check this video out...

Steel I-beams are critical set pieces for an industrial/factory room in your haunt. Luckily, they are fairly simple to make using foam. Plus, they are just fun to have around the house. heheh. Here's a video of them scattered around the basement: Items Needed: (to make 6) One sheet...

Czech Hedgehogs are a military defensive barrier that are easy to replicate using 2x4's and one wood screw. Yeah! :D Use them plopped outside the haunt to add a fast military look or for the base of an elaborate display. Below, they are in a minefield/queue line: Here's a quick video...

Here's a fake old factory glass window (55" tall x 53" wide) that will add an industrial look to your haunt. You can easily change up the size to fit your needs. I used the basic idea from TDK421 and adapted it for a wall that has no window. Here's TDK421's awesome idea...

Here's an easy way to give your windows a stained glass look. The effect you get (click on the link to YouTube for video): Here's a picture: Basically this is a thin, old, white sheet painted with thinned acrylic paint. There is a light shining behind it to give it illumination. If...

Here's a way to take the brand new prop you made with new materials and dirty it up so it looks like it's covered with years of grime. This also works great for everyday items you use in your haunt to help them blend in. Pictures that compliment the video: The amp on the left looked...

Here's how to take a raw Boogedy form from Fright Theatre and make him ALIVE! er...I mean DEAD! Purchase the raw version (with steel armature) of Boogedy from Fright Theatre. It comes with the built-in steel armature, foot plates, latex, webbing and chip brushes for $200 off their list...

Here's a quick and literally 'dirty' way to make some spider eggs sacs. If you want to see them in action, please check out my video showing the spider room: Materials needed: Chicken wire Poly batting Cheesecloth Fake spider webs Fake spiders (or real ones) Dried leaves...

So glad there was the time to make this just before Halloween. Was thinking if there was an impressive entrance to the haunt, it would help set the mood. Also, needed something to be obvious that this was the entrance to the garage haunt. This is a very large gate (8' x 6') so it is...

Love the flicker lights using tealights created by jimmyzdc. But, needed them to be on a timer. Time to hack a string of Christmas flicker lights. Videos of them in action can be found here: The following pictures shows you how to make the candles but I did not show how...

I tried my hand at making the Beloved Tombstone by somewhat using the instructions at Haunted Webby - Alice Tombstone. I got additional ideas from Kevin at Brewster's Yard haunt at Brewster Yard Haunt: New Props. From what I can gather, the Beloved Tombstone was created by...