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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Every year I do this to myself.

I plan waaaaaaaaaaaayyyy too many things that I want to do and then can't realistically complete them all. So I either cut back (and only do a few) or try to do everything (and then it ends up looking crappy becasue I rushed it). Either way, I feel like I'm letting myself down.

Do you do this? Do you ever feel like you didn't live up to yourself? How do you manage it?

Sigh... It's like I didn't know Halloween was coming or something. ;)
 

· Wisp in the Mist
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Yes! I have a list of things to do, and I keep putting it off. Then I see the "XX # of days until Halloween!" reminders, and I just KNOW that I will never get all of this stuff done before then. I do it every year, too. I honestly think that it's because people (off forum, obviously!) give me so much crap about "my Halloween", that I feel like I can't work on it "early" (to them). I know better, I know that a good display takes a lot of time, but I tend to ignore that.

I was just kicking myself for not making good tombstones this year, that I could reinforce with rebar, because last year the wind was awful, and took some of my store-bought stones. Then I took most of them down, because I didn't want to lose more, and my cemetery was terrible because of it. I had one single row of just a few stones, when I really have close to 50.

My fiance seems interested in helping me make the fence...but we haven't started yet! I need to make a fake fireplace, and a fog chiller, too. And, if I'm going to make a tunnel, I will need to break out the heat gun and bend some PVC for the top of it. I would also like to make a sign for my cemetery, a fake tree, and a pseudo-mausoleum out of a sun canopy. I have everything for all of it, except the canopy. I need to go pick that up later today, if the store hasn't sold the last one already.

I'm always disappointed in myself and my display, and you'd think that I'd learn and actually not procrastinate because it's my only real hobby right now. That's why I really think that it's the guilt that people lay on me. The "why is this so important?" like there's something wrong with it.
 

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I do several big projects or parties every year and that's ALWAYS an issue; I always set my goals unrealistically high. I've gotten over most of the disappointment about not attaining them all though. It's inevitable-- I will not achieve all that's in my mental plan. I was once lamenting what didn't get done and the friend I was whining to helped put things in perspective. She said (I'm paraphrasing, of course, but I'll put it as a quotation so you can "hear" her advice, too), "No one who comes to your party knows what you had in mind that didn't get done. They just see what you did accomplish, and they're impressed."
It's true. You're the only one comparing your decor to the mental image of perfection you had when you started. Everybody else just sees what you do have! Take your time to do a good job on the things you do, and if there isn't time this year, work on the rest of it for next year. Enjoy!
 

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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
OMG LairMistress - I could have written that exact post! From the "XX Days Until Halloween" to the making of better tombstones. Thanks for making me feel less crazy!

I'll just say, "You can do it!" If you're doing a fence with PVC pipes get a PVC pipe cutter and don't try to use a hacksaw or something. Those pipe cutters go through PVC like a hot knife through butter. I made about 6 sections of fence using a hacksaw and it was so slow (and wore my arm out!). Made another 6 in half the time with a $8 pipe cutter.


Yes! I have a list of things to do, and I keep putting it off. Then I see the "XX # of days until Halloween!" reminders, and I just KNOW that I will never get all of this stuff done before then. I do it every year, too. I honestly think that it's because people (off forum, obviously!) give me so much crap about "my Halloween", that I feel like I can't work on it "early" (to them). I know better, I know that a good display takes a lot of time, but I tend to ignore that.

I was just kicking myself for not making good tombstones this year, that I could reinforce with rebar, because last year the wind was awful, and took some of my store-bought stones. Then I took most of them down, because I didn't want to lose more, and my cemetery was terrible because of it. I had one single row of just a few stones, when I really have close to 50.

My fiance seems interested in helping me make the fence...but we haven't started yet! I need to make a fake fireplace, and a fog chiller, too. And, if I'm going to make a tunnel, I will need to break out the heat gun and bend some PVC for the top of it. I would also like to make a sign for my cemetery, a fake tree, and a pseudo-mausoleum out of a sun canopy. I have everything for all of it, except the canopy. I need to go pick that up later today, if the store hasn't sold the last one already.

I'm always disappointed in myself and my display, and you'd think that I'd learn and actually not procrastinate because it's my only real hobby right now. That's why I really think that it's the guilt that people lay on me. The "why is this so important?" like there's something wrong with it.
 

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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
I do several big projects or parties every year and that's ALWAYS an issue; I always set my goals unrealistically high. I've gotten over most of the disappointment about not attaining them all though. It's inevitable-- I will not achieve all that's in my mental plan. I was once lamenting what didn't get done and the friend I was whining to helped put things in perspective. She said (I'm paraphrasing, of course, but I'll put it as a quotation so you can "hear" her advice, too), "No one who comes to your party knows what you had in mind that didn't get done. They just see what you did accomplish, and they're impressed."
It's true. You're the only one comparing your decor to the mental image of perfection you had when you started. Everybody else just sees what you do have! Take your time to do a good job on the things you do, and if there isn't time this year, work on the rest of it for next year. Enjoy!
Good points. Glad to know I'm not the only one who sets my goals unrealistically high. Thanks for sharing that bit of advice too! Makes complete sense.
 

· Going bump in the night..
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Every creator (artist / maker / inventor / etc) looks at what they've made, and thinks, "It's not done..."
On the occasion they do say "That's done.", it's the times they didn't have their heart in the project.

That you have that "not done" feeling means you are all in - congratulations!

Always remember, the people who come and enjoy your work will never realize it's not done, and what you've put before them is already amazing.
Those "whoah"s, "wow"s and "look at that"s are genuine joy...
 

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Yeah' I'm assuming most folks on this forum relate to that post! There's still a month and a half until Halloween and I have already resigned some of my project plans for next year, I just know there isn't enough time and want to focus on doing a few things well rather than rush to get everything I envision done.

Plus as soon as October hits and I'm setting up I always have to factor in the extra time for inevitable repairs...
 

· Wisp in the Mist
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OMG LairMistress - I could have written that exact post! From the "XX Days Until Halloween" to the making of better tombstones. Thanks for making me feel less crazy!

I'll just say, "You can do it!" If you're doing a fence with PVC pipes get a PVC pipe cutter and don't try to use a hacksaw or something. Those pipe cutters go through PVC like a hot knife through butter. I made about 6 sections of fence using a hacksaw and it was so slow (and wore my arm out!). Made another 6 in half the time with a $8 pipe cutter.
I told my fiance that I was going to buy a pipe cutter and he actually looked like he was pouting. I think he was looking forward to cutting them himself, with his new tools. ;) I bought the pipe a few months ago, intending to start it in a timely manner. Then a couple of weeks ago, he was telling someone "We'll have a fence this year, and everything!"...kidding me about how big of a production it is, but sounding just a little enthusiastic, too. I think that he enjoys it more than he lets on. ;) So, since he outed me on the fence, which was going to be sort of a surprise, he's going to help me build it whether he knows it or not, haha!
 

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In the UK Halloween is a one night deal, so its hard to balance the time effort and cost that you want to throw at projects (especially when you see what people produce on here) with the fact that ot will be up for less than 24 hours.

I have hardly done anything, but fortunately the kids are off school the week before Halloween, and seeing as it is them pushing for an all out Halloween, we have 7 days to do everything, which I hope is enough!

From an organisational point of view, write down what you have to do, what you would like to have and then what you want if you had all the time in the world.

Start with the priorities and then work down the list, so you know the essentials are done, and then your onto the extras.
 

· It's pronounced "Fronkensteen."
Fun with Skeletons
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This year I actually sat down, and typed up a list of the things I want to get done (it was 2 pages long) plus I drew up a plan of where I'm putting everything. But between a Job, family, girlfriend and being a ScoutMaster (yes really!) I only have two free weekends between now and Halloween. Well, actually Oct. 24th, because I'm having a party that day and want everything up! I don't know how I'll get it all done, and I've been working at it for 3-4 weeks already. The advantage of the list is I was able to prioritize things, and it keeps me on track. I tend to start 5-10 things and never quite finish them. This forces me to finish items and then move on. Even if I don't get everything done, at least what I have is actually done. I also can share my list with my kids and my G.F and they are willing to help out when they know what to do. So far I have repaired & reinforced my 24' driveway arch and upgraded 4 of my old tombstones. I have the material for more tombstones and to repair my poor scarecrow. The old coffin is nearly reconstructed and a new larger one is being planned. I have a weekend blocked out in two weeks to "get serious" and really knock some stuff out.

One thing I've learned is that while I worry about all the little details, nobody else sees them, so I've started to make myself look at my stuff from 5-10 feet away and realize, yeah, it is done! I also do some of the painting and detail work on the small to medium items in the evening while watching TV with others. I still get the stuff done and I'm not a complete stranger for 2 months.:eek:
 

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We did that for this year ourselves. So what we did was list everything we wanted to make or do. We listed it green for things we HAD to get done...yellow for things that if we got the green done we would work on and red for things that wouldn't hurt our feelings if we didn't get done this year...then it would be top priority for next year.
 

· Dawn of the Dead
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I agree with Therewolf, a list is so important. That and Pinterest to set up idea boards. By February I have a complete list of my theme and everything I want to do. Feb thru the summer I'm at garage sales and thrift stores looking for what I'm going to use for props. The summer is spent making my props. I should have nearly everything done by the end of August. September is spent doing last minute items. Then there's a second list on how I want to set up each room. Plus a check off list for one week prior, two days, night before and day of. I don't beat myself up about what I didn't get to because the important stuff is done. The remainder is low priority.

You might think this sounds like a lot, but it really isn't. I spend a day or two brainstorming. Now that I know exactly what I want to do, the rest is done kind of leisurely throughout the year.
 

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I use a heavily detailed list. Which unfortunately, didn't account for my husband's pickup dying for a good 3 weeks and him having a Toyota Corolla for a rental. It's really, REALLY hard to pick up plywood sheets for a project with a Toyota Corolla. ;) I always say get done what you can. I'm taking a look at things realistically....what's in my head versus what others will see. Are my rooms going to be as highly detailed as I want? No, but I can add to them next year. No one except me will know what's missing, and my plans will be good to go earlier than usual for 2016 since I've already thought things out! :)
 

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I think the secret to having fun is this: You gotta accept that you'll do as much as you want to do, within the limitations of what you can do. You'll do your best. If you do less than what you think you're capable of, you're not as motivated as you think. Accept that too.

And keep in mind, as an artist/craftsperson/hobby enthusiast, you will always have the opportunity to wish you had done "more"...it's human nature to want more. But that hunger is never-ending, no matter what you accomplish. Therefore, don't feel bad about that gnawing feeling that you didn't do "enough"--there will never be enough. Accept that too.

So: Don't beat yourself up with criticism. Relax and enjoy what you're doing. If you don't, you'll be taking what is potentially a good experience and turning it into a bad experience. Have fun. Be happy about your hobby/love/enthusiasm. You are sharing your enjoyment with the world! Let happiness run the show.

Some years ago there was a heavy rain here in Los Angeles on Halloween. I was bummed! All the Halloween stuff was shut down all over town. There wasn't anything to go out and see or do because of the weather. I rented a huge stack of videos (including "Incubus" with William Shatner---the Esperanto horror flick) and visited a friend who was working alone that night. We made popcorn and watched movies. Not an optimal Halloween night compared to what I wanted to be doing! But we made the best of what was possible, and now when I look back, I remember that it was a good, fun Halloween, and I remember that I did my best to enjoy myself considering the circumstances.
 

· It's pronounced "Fronkensteen."
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Adding the detail later is a good idea. and you are right, nobody but you will miss the details, or items that are not ready. And it just leaves room for improvement next year.
 

· It's pronounced "Fronkensteen."
Fun with Skeletons
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Last year in NW Indiana, it was freezing, raining and snowing on Halloween. I didn't have half my lighting out and bunch of the stuff on do on the last day never got done. I was left with a huge bowl of leftover candy to sweeten my sorrows. (normally I run out).
 
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