[13mummy]

I'm finished painting my columns and would like your opinion should I put moss on them? I've been searching for photos of columns with moss on them, but I can't find any. If I were to put some on how would you suggest I do so?

 

[TK421]

Yes, Yes! You must, you must!

(Because I want to see good moss application techniques! )

I know, it's selfish of me.



Actually, I think the question of moss can be answered by defining your theme. For myself, I really want to get a Nunhead Cemetery theme, so I'll need lots of moss and greens. Are you going for a wet, overgrown graveyard? Perhaps a deep south, New Orleans hanging moss sorta look?

 

[alucard]

I vote for moss application. I'm with TK on this. I need to see some moss application so I can decide if I like it too!

 

[Wolfman]

My advise? For what it's worth - go with Ivy. Artificial Ivy. Cheap. Easy to apply. Re-usable. Looks a lot like the real thing - especially after dark!

 

[TheEighthPlague]

Moss is great!

A while back (a couple of years maybe) I saw a recipe online for making moss grow that included moss, beer and a paintbrush. No time to look it up right now, but maybe you can google that?

 

[LadyAlthea]

my friends mom did it with yogurt and moss in a blender....

 

[Elza]

All good ideas! Definitely moss. Use one of the techniques listed or buy the $ store bag moss and glue to your columns. (Guess it will depend on your column's surface and what it will be exposed to.) MOSS, moss, moss, moss! And use some Ivy TOO!

 

[Terra]

Basic rule of thumb: moss and lichen grow where it's shady, moist and has a little dirt. Oh, and usually on the north side of things.

So, look for cracks and crevices as the main places to put the moss. Also try to keep it on one side of the object (the North side if you can).

 

[Baron Samedi]

All good ideas! Definitely moss. Use one of the techniques listed or buy the $ store bag moss and glue to your columns. (Guess it will depend on your column's surface and what it will be exposed to.) MOSS, moss, moss, moss! And use some Ivy TOO!

...And don't forget the lichens!!
All exterior stonework looks better with a little growth here and there.

In another thread, I posted a quick how to on a quick, simple and fairly effective method of adding moss and lichens to a prop if you do not have access to the real stuff.

If you are interested you can find it here:

http://www.halloweenforum.com/halloween-props/78413-i-need-help-aging-3.html

 

[TK421]

It's been 48 hours!

Show me the moss!!!

Just kiddin'. It's been really hot here in WA the past couple of days -- today being the worst. I know to many people around the country, hearing someone whine about 90 degree weather seems like nothin' -- but I dare you to try and get comfortable with a three week old baby that likes to snuggle up against your neck!!! Not the most relaxing or comfortable thing to endure.

I haven't really had a chance to do much outside, so I'm hoping I can get something big done over the weekend.

So for now, I need to live vicariously . . .

Show me the moss!!!

 

[RRguy]

My advise? For what it's worth - go with Ivy. Artificial Ivy. Cheap. Easy to apply. Re-usable. Looks a lot like the real thing - especially after dark!

I use ivy on my graveyard fence. My brick house is over grown with it, so I can just pull off however much I need.

 

[TK421]

I use ivy on my graveyard fence. My brick house is over grown with it, so I can just pull off however much I need.

That's a good idea. It sound so simple, I can't believe I didn't think of that. There's a tone of ivy in the woods by my house -- I should just go collect a whole bunch in October and drape it on some choice props!!

Thanks for the brain wake-up shake!

 

[Pumpkin King]

My brick house is over grown with it, so I can just pull off however much I need.

That is a good idea, I have moss all over the place.

 

[Pumpkin Torture Guy]

Moss, moss, moss. Oh, did I say you should moss it?

 

[13mummy]

Ok TK, so I just got back from the lake and I ran out to the garage and took some photos. I didn't want to put to much on them. In case it took away from the columns. I'm very happy with the results. Any suggestions I'll take.

 

[Pumpkin Torture Guy]

Looks really good. I would maybe add some moss around the candle area. Just a thought.

 

[TheEighthPlague]

have you thought about aging the candles, maybe rubbing them with brown paint or stain? They kind of look stark white against the columns.

Other than that, they look terrific! Nice work.

 

[B Scary]

They look amazing!

13 Mummy -- while checking out your columns I snooped at your 2008 prop photos. Can you tell me how you aged the potion bottles? The glass looks so cool!

 

[13mummy]

have you thought about aging the candles, maybe rubbing them with brown paint or stain? They kind of look stark white against the columns.

Other than that, they look terrific! Nice work.

I will try that. =) Thanks.

 

[13mummy]

They look amazing!

13 Mummy -- while checking out your columns I snooped at your 2008 prop photos. Can you tell me how you aged the potion bottles? The glass looks so cool!

I didn't make those bottles, I got them when I bought my autopsy table from a sale from the movie "A Haunting in Conneticuit." They filmed the movie in my city. Thanks!