2007 Monster Mud Mayhem! Discussion

[Zombie-F]

http://www.hauntforum.com/images/misc/monster_mud_440x100.png (http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=7020)

This is the thread for all discussion concerning the "Monster Mud Mayhem!" challenge.

Please refer to this thread (http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=7020) for the official rules.

Also, be completely aware that winners from the previous challenge are not eligible to win prizes in the current challenge. You may still enter, but your entry will not be in the running for a prize.

Here is a link to a great monster mud recipe (http://www.terrorsyndicate.com/tsp_mm.html).
Here is a link to a monster mud project Ghostess created (http://hometown.aol.com/howloweenqueen/grim.html).

Talk amongst yourselves. :D

[krypt]

Cost of Monster Mud mixture (latex house paint and spackling compound) will not be included in your cost to build.

am i just sleepy or did i miss somthing ...sorry i miss interrupted....

[krypt]

sorry if i miss interrupted look above

[Zombie-F]

Cost of Monster Mud mixture (latex house paint and spackling compound) will not be included in your cost to build.

am i just sleepy or did i miss somthing ...sorry i miss interrupted....

Right. The cost of the armature, chicken wire, burlap and anything else you incorporate into the prop is included in the cost, but not the cost of the mud mixture itself.

[krypt]

So joint compound and paint is a freebie? If so i dont understand why its a 50 dollar limit pvc and wire is cheap enough compound and paint is a killer in my book....Im sorry if im still missing somthing.

[krypt]

and burlap is cheap enough

[Zombie-F]

So joint compound and paint is a freebie? If so i dont understand why its a 50 dollar limit pvc and wire is cheap enough compound and paint is a killer in my book....Im sorry if im still missing somthing.

Well, if you want to incorporate something electronic in it feel free... add a lantern, crystal ball, or something else. That stuff can increase cost too. Be creative with your creation. It doesn't need to be made strictly out of monster mud and may incorporate other items like foggers, lights, etc... However, the main prop itself must be made from monster mud. You can't make a non-monster mud prop and add some teeny, tiny monster mud creation to it.

The cost of the mud mixture is a freebie.

I'm just looking to spur some creativity with the entries by not forcing the cost of the mud mixture into the fray.

[Lagrousome]

WoooHooo....I finally didn't miss something by like weeks!
I know I cannot win......but this is great! Another excuse to bust butt and make a prop! I have been wanting to break open hubby's pail of compound!

Thanks you guys!!!!!!

[krypt]

OHHHHHHH K I got ya good idea. Time to get the old pea rolling around again.

[Spookkid]

I have never worked with minster mud, could someone give me an example?

[Zombie-F]

I have never worked with minster mud, could someone give me an example?

I updated the first post with a recipe for the mud as well as an example project Ghostess built a few years ago.

[Lilly]

OK... Ideas already....
Well if anything we all have more props!!
I may be able to squeeze this on the schedule..hmm

[heresjohnny]

I have never worked with minster mud, could someone give me an example?

Lots of examples out there, for example http://www.hauntproject.com/projdetail.asp?category=Monster%20Mud

One of my favorite MM project's is BalckWidow's apparition (hope you don't mind me bragging BalckWidow!)
http://www.thewidowsden.com/2003%20Props.htm

[heresjohnny]

Oh, Monster Mud, I am gonna have to play in this game!! Count me in.

[Spartan005]

Finally I've been wanting to enter one of these... just a quick question

Say I only use like 1/8 of a can of pain or great stuff foam or whatever... do you still half to include the total cost or are we allowed to estimate....

[Spartan005]

Oh and since I have a bunch of leftover wood from my kitchen (that got redone) can that be marked as free? Or do I have to get the actual price of what it would be....

[Zombie-F]

Finally I've been wanting to enter one of these... just a quick question

Say I only use like 1/8 of a can of pain or great stuff foam or whatever... do you still half to include the total cost or are we allowed to estimate....

This is what is known as "pro-rating" an item and is covered in the rules. Basically, expendable items are only billed to your prop based on how much you use. Say you buy a gallon of paint for $15, but you only use half the can. Then you only charge $7.50 to your prop's total cost.

[Spartan005]

Oh ok thanks! I guess I'll read those over lol

[PerfessorEvil]

An entrant MUST have at least 30 new posts on the forums between April 15th, 2007 and June 30th, 2007
Dang it, joined too late.
Just as well... I need to be working on the other props I have going. :(

[heresjohnny]

Dang it, joined too late.
Just as well... I need to be working on the other props I have going. :(

Oops! I forgot to update that number... it should read between July 15th, 2007 and September 30th, 2007.

Hope you enter perfessor! Just think, you should get some new how-tos from this.

[Zombie-F]

Dang it, joined too late.
Just as well... I need to be working on the other props I have going. :(

Oops! I forgot to update that number... it should read between July 15th, 2007 and September 30th, 2007.

[GothicCandle]

yay another prop contest!!!! this time i will enter!!!!! yay!!!!! ive never made anything out of monster mud but hey, first time for everything.

[krypt]

I don't know if this would work or not..... For a mixer intead of hand mixing is using some threaded rod and flat stock and put a twist (bend what ever ya wanna call it) in the stock drill a hole in the middle and attach to rod with nuts. Just a suggestion thats what im going to try anyway. Wont be as messy as hand mixing.

[krypt]

I only suggest that b/c i think it would be cheaper then a drywall mixer attachment.

[krypt]

Nevermind they are only 5 bucks I thought they were 30 bucks i dont know where i got that.

[dave the dead]

I think this will be a great contest! The timing is right for everyone to have some kick-a$$ ideas for this year's haunt, and monster mud is such a cool way to make really great looking props! I may build a new one just for the fun of it, but will definitely be watching from the sidelines to see what everyone comes up with.
good luck everyone....now go get muddy!

[Sickie Ickie]

How does MM stand up to rain and snow?

[dave the dead]

How does MM stand up to rain and snow?

If it is sealed properly, it holds up very well. I have never had one out in the snow, though.....are you going to be making a monster mud Santa?

[1031fan]

i have actually never sealed any of mine and they still hold up great - they are painted with an extra coat of latex paint so maybe that acts as a sealer - - ive had them out for 3 months - and yes, some snow - and its still rock solid - im sure a coat of polyurethane would do the trick just fine if you were worried about it though - riley

[Sickie Ickie]

Here in IL it's not uncommon to have both. Good to know it can hold up though.

[Beepem]

Latex paint would act as a sealer, like sealing foam graves with latex paint so spraypaint doesnt eat it or anything

[Sickie Ickie]

Thanks guys. :)

[The Mangler]

I am not familiar with Monster Mud. When it dries, is it hard and gritty like drywall compound, or is it somewhat flexible like latex paint? Can/ do you sand it? If I soak fabric in it, how well will it adhere to the underlying frame/substrtae after it dries?

[dave the dead]

I am not familiar with Monster Mud. When it dries, is it hard and gritty like drywall compound, or is it somewhat flexible like latex paint? Can/ do you sand it? If I soak fabric in it, how well will it adhere to the underlying frame/substrtae after it dries?

When dry, it will be hard and hold any shape you have formed in it while it is drying. It is sandable, just like joint compound, assuming it is thick enough on the fabric....usually it is just left rough to give that nice texture, though. If you have fabric soaked in it, it will stick very well when dry to the framework underneath.....

ALLOW FOR LOTS OF DRYING TIME!!!!! THIS IS NOT A PROJECT TO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!!!!!

[The Mangler]

Thanks for the tips! Has anyone ever used 'chicken fence' for the frame? If so, what results? What can be used to make a smooth surface?

[tcarter]

Does it have to be totally Monster Mud? Can it be partly MM and some Papier Mache? Does the Monster Mud have to be drywall compound? The basic idea behind Monster Mud is that It's a Fabric Stiffener. If I were to use an alternative product to stiffen the fabric, would that still be allowed?

[Dr Morbius]

Does it have to be totally Monster Mud? Can it be partly MM and some Papier Mache? Does the Monster Mud have to be drywall compound? The basic idea behind Monster Mud is that It's a Fabric Stiffener. If I were to use an alternative product to stiffen the fabric, would that still be allowed?
I think the definition of Monster Mud is that it is made from joint compound and latex paint. The prop has to be predominantly MM. So, making it out of something else would defeat the purpose of the challenge.

[Spartan005]

About to start working on it... wish me luck! (and I've never done a mm prop before so I'll need it lol)

[GothicCandle]

About to start working on it... wish me luck! (and I've never done a mm prop before so I'll need it lol)

good luck!!

[Fangs]

THIS IS NOT A PROJECT TO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!!!!!


LMAO-----dave, was this meant for a certain "splinter" friend of yours? :googly: :D hehehehe.... j/k


Thanks Zombie-F!!!! I am soooooo glad we are doing this!!! It's gonna be soooo much fun! Now my hubby will be happy that I am going to get the container of compound out of the kitchen!!!! YEAH!!!!! LOL ---and so am I, my toes couldn't take much more of me bumping it in the middle of the night---:eek:

[pyro]

woo - hoo :D im game it gives me an excuse to build the prop i wanted to do last year

[Haunted Bayou]

I don't think I am artistic enough for this contest but good luck to everybody who enters.

[GothicCandle]

I don't think I am artistic enough for this contest but good luck to everybody who enters.

oh dont say that. enter anyway! im going to, though i doubt ill win. but im still gonna enter!!!

[Fangs]

Bah!!!! Being artistic is way overrated!!!!! LMAO hehehehe.... j/k

Seriously, just have fun making something, who knows, you may just discover a hidden talent HB :D

[BooGirl666]

Told my brother bout this contest and he soooo wants to help me.... maybe i'll actually enter this... maybe lol

[ZombieLoveme]

Has anyone tried mixing a different color latex paint than black? How has it turned out?

[1031fan]

o man....super bummed i cant enter this contest - i LOVE MM props - (shirt slogan????) ill definitely still make one though just to show - few tips for ya all - im sure these were already posted elsewhere on the forum but repeating never hurts....

- first and foremost - PAY ATTENTION TO POSE AND ANITOMICAL CORRECTNESS - i cant stress that enough - put yourself in that pose - if you cant do it comfortably chances are the MM prop wont fool anyone into thinking its real - angles from shoulders to arms are particularly important - arms are usually down at almost 90 degree angles when at rest - unless they are propped up on a sicle or something - or holding a lantern - there are things called elbows too - make sure you encorperate another angle in your arm to get this effect

- dont make the shoulders huge - keep in mind they will bulk up after the chicken wire and MM/fabric -

- dont slap a tiny mask head on the MM prop and expect it to not look shrunken - if you are set on using a favortie mask or something - make sure everything is proportionate to it

- dont cover him in shrink wrap - what do i mean by this? give him (or her?) 2 coats of fabric - the first layer should stick tightly to the chicken wire - this layer SHOULD look like shrink wrap - the second layer is to form the flowing clothing and get the realistic wrinkles

- give him some cool props/lanterns/anything you can think of that will add to him

- this is my preference - but i like using wood for the frame - particularly ripped 2x4 in half - very sturdy - will hold up to the weight of 2 layers of mud and whatever props you give him - and most importantly to me, the possibilities are endless - with pvc, not only is it flimsier, and harder to staple chicken wire to, your also limited to 45 and 90 degree angles whereas with wood you can get anything you want - giving it a more realistic feel IMO

- run all electric cords for lamps BEFORE you start layering mud

- use a dark color paint - brown or black preffereably to mix with your mud to cut down on painting time

- use shadows and highlights when painting to really make the wrinkles pop

- encoorperate other types of fabric to him after the mud is dry - latex in some cheese cloth - try dipping some webbing into a bucket of straight latex paint

- when preparing the second layer - the "clothing" layer - try to rip the burlap as much as you can instead of tearing it - straight cut lines will catch eyes whereas torn stringy burlap is much more convincing

- MOST IMPORTANT - have fun gettin dirty!!!!! -

good luck everyone!

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/1031fan/9-1.jpg

[HalloweenZombie]

I'm working on a set of mummies done with monster mud. Can I include the set as one prop? The three of them together come in under $50.

I still need about 25 more posts before I can enter. lol

[Haunted Bayou]

You have lots of time to get to 25 posts.
Good luck.

Thanks for the tips 1031 fan. If I ever try to tackle one of these, I'll know how to approach it.

[Front Yard Fright]

I started my entry tonight!
:D.

Are we allowed to post "teaser" pics?
:).

[Zombie-F]

I'm working on a set of mummies done with monster mud. Can I include the set as one prop? The three of them together come in under $50.

I still need about 25 more posts before I can enter. lol

If they're all attached together somehow, then yes. Otherwise, just enter one of them.

I started my entry tonight!
:D.

Are we allowed to post "teaser" pics?
:).

Yes, as with all of the previous builds, teaser photos are encouraged.

[Ms. Wicked]

I've never worked with MM Mud before.

This will be a great contest to follow!

[turtle2778]

ooh kellie go on and enter this one. Its fun. All you do is make a frame for a body or box or what ever and then you cover it with all that other stuff and then paint it. Make something you would like to have in your house. Like make a big sewing form and use it as a tombstone for your yard and put KELLIE WICKED at the bottom...THAT would be a perfect one for you...DAMN i cant belive i thought of that one, but cant think of one for myself. DAMN DAMN DAMN....OOOKAY people help me think of turtle project. And i cant make a turtle. SORRY i just cant.

[tcarter]

OOOKAY people help me think of turtle project. And i cant make a turtle. SORRY i just cant.

Why don't you make something for your Haloween villiage. who says it has to be a really big figure? Make some scenery. make some small trees, mountains for background, tombstones, rocks. Monster mud can be used for more than burlap over chicken wire.

[widowsbluff]

Sounds fun, but I don't post much. I always feel like there are more experienced folks who give advice. I guess I better get to work on a project and posting.

[ironick]

I've been wanting to try MM for a while, but keep saying I don't have the time or storage space. Might as well bite the bullet and go for... and yes I need to apparently do some posting as well.

[Adam I]

I've been looking for an excuse to try MM, I'm in.
Besides I've got 67 days till I start setting up outside ;)

[pyro]

I've never worked with MM Mud before.

This will be a great contest to follow! can you say DRAGON :p and TURTLE how about something like 1031fan"s with a latern that would be cool in frint of your house :D

[pyro]

opps no edit---front*

[GothicCandle]

Monster mud is soooo exspensive!!!!!

[1031fan]

well i dont know what you call expensive, but a 5 gallon bucket of JC from lowes at 10 bucks - a 3 buck can of oops paint, a roll of burlap for 8 bucks - free scrap wood - and maybe 5 bucks of chicken wire from lowes or a farm store - a handful of drywall screws and your set -

show me lifesize, realistic, outdoor, detailed, strong prop for under 30 bucks in any store or magazine and id call you a liar :)

[GothicCandle]

well i dont know what you call expensive, but a 5 gallon bucket of JC from lowes at 10 bucks - a 3 buck can of oops paint, a roll of burlap for 8 bucks - free scrap wood - and maybe 5 bucks of chicken wire from lowes or a farm store - a handful of drywall screws and your set -

show me lifesize, realistic, outdoor, detailed, strong prop for under 30 bucks in any store or magazine and id call you a liar :)

i looked online at jerrys and dry wall compound alone was like 30 somthing.

[Ms. Wicked]

can you say DRAGON :p and TURTLE how about something like 1031fan"s with a latern that would be cool in frint of your house :D

Dragon!!!!!!!!

I'm just worried it'll turn out bad and look stupid. ;)

[Zombie-F]

Dragon!!!!!!!!

I'm just worried it'll turn out bad and look stupid. ;)

I'm worried my crypt will turn out the same way, and that isn't stopping me! Just go ahead with it. The worst thing that will happen is you'll wind up with a new prop. :)

[heresjohnny]

I think you all should enter. No need to make the props big or expensive, for example a 1 gallon thing of drywall mud 1 quart of opps latex would make a small MM prop. The MM projects that are NOT the typical large grim reaper type prop will be the ones I will enjoy seeing, and there is a LOT of room for original ideas.

[slightlymad]

Ditto props do not have to be large or life size. Some of the best stuff that I have seen lately has been smaller detail stuff or accents.

[Zombie-F]

I think you all should enter. No need to make the props big or expensive, for example a 1 gallon thing of drywall mud 1 quart of opps latex would make a small MM prop. The MM projects that are NOT the typical large grim reaper type prop will be the ones I will enjoy seeing, and there is a LOT of room for original ideas.

I had almost made a "No Grim Reapers" rule, but I firmly believe that the rampant originality that is often found here on the forums will keep the amount of "typical" grim reaper props entered to a minimum. Plus, they're big and heavy and who wants to move around a big, heavy prop every year. ;)

[HalloweenZombie]

Joint compound is about 10-13 bucks for 5 gallons here. You can also get one gallon buckets of joint compound at WalMart. If you're stingy enough, the gallon will be enough for one prop.

[Haunted Bayou]

oh dont say that. enter anyway! im going to, though i doubt ill win. but im still gonna enter!!!


Bah!!!! Being artistic is way overrated!!!!! LMAO hehehehe.... j/k

Seriously, just have fun making something, who knows, you may just discover a hidden talent HB :D
[/COLOR]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys.

Now, where did I put those plastic legs? :eek:

[dave the dead]

Menards has the 5 gallon bucket for about 10 bucks.
Zombie-F, yes, big and heavy can be a pain in the tush....
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m240/davethedead/e7aac201.jpg
but man, were these guys fun to make! :D
I like this talk of originality......can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.....and why not a turtle, Turtle?:rolleyes:

[Hellrazor]

Well Im so excited about this contest. I actually started it tonight and have a teaser pic available. Gonna post it soon.

Ive been thinking about a prop I have wanted to do but havnt started it until tonight. I wasnt sure what I was going to do with the original idea... then I thought about how this could fit in and voila the conception of a new prop.

I cant wait to get to the next step!!!!

Ive talked and talked about entering and then chicken out.. not this time.. I dont care how it turns out. Its gonna be blast making. I hope we get tonnes of entries!!!!

[Hellrazor]

okay, so heres a sneak peak.....http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j76/hellrazor_1/Props%202007/?action=view&current=Picture195.jpg

[Dr Morbius]

Menards has the 5 gallon bucket for about 10 bucks.
Zombie-F, yes, big and heavy can be a pain in the tush....
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m240/davethedead/e7aac201.jpg
but man, were these guys fun to make! :D
I like this talk of originality......can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.....and why not a turtle, Turtle?:rolleyes:
Whoa!! Those are FANTASIC!! The middle one is by far the scariest! Brrrrr!:D

[Front Yard Fright]

okay, so heres a sneak peak.....http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j76/hellrazor_1/Props%202007/?action=view&current=Picture195.jpg

Those bricks look mighty real!
Good job!

And I'm coming along GREAT with my project...
Just "base" making as of lately...
Can't wait to break into the MM!
:D.

Oh, one more quick question...
Are we able to start a new thread for our entries showing progress?
Or do we do that in this thread?

[Zombie-F]

Those bricks look mighty real!
Good job!

And I'm coming along GREAT with my project...
Just "base" making as of lately...
Can't wait to break into the MM!
:D.

Oh, one more quick question...
Are we able to start a new thread for our entries showing progress?
Or do we do that in this thread?

Progress updates should be posted to this thread. I only allow new threads for your final entries in this forum to prevent the forum from becoming too unruly to manage come voting time.

[Front Yard Fright]

Okay, yet another question...
:p.

For my MM guy I plan on having smoke (fog) come out of his mouth via a tube in the back.
Now, would that go into the cost?
Or would it be considered something like lighting where it really isn't a part of the prop?

[Zombie-F]

Okay, yet another question...
:p.

For my MM guy I plan on having smoke (fog) come out of his mouth via a tube in the back.
Now, would that go into the cost?
Or would it be considered something like lighting where it really isn't a part of the prop?

Yes, include it into the cost.

The only time lighting is NOT counted as part of the cost, is if you are using colored lighting for the purpose of photographing the prop. For instance, let's say your prop has a light built into it... then you include the cost of that light in your prop's total cost. However, if you're using a blue floodlight to illuminate the prop at night for a night time photograph, you do not include the light in your total cost.

[Hellrazor]

Im trying to rig up fog and lighting too... guess I should create some plans before I go any further...I have a tendancy to jump right in... LOL

[skeletonowl]

well I said i was gonna enter the next contest but Monter Mud? Never used it but I know Terror Syndicate is heavy users (and creators i think) I'm three days late...maybe I can still enter...

[turtle2778]

Why don't you make something for your Haloween villiage. who says it has to be a really big figure? Make some scenery. make some small trees, mountains for background, tombstones, rocks. Monster mud can be used for more than burlap over chicken wire.


Hey thats actually a really good idea. I was just talking about expanding stuff. I did have a cliffside but it needst to be bigger

[turtle2778]

Menards has the 5 gallon bucket for about 10 bucks.
Zombie-F, yes, big and heavy can be a pain in the tush....
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m240/davethedead/e7aac201.jpg
but man, were these guys fun to make! :D
I like this talk of originality......can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.....and why not a turtle, Turtle?:rolleyes:


Dave youve met me...do you really think i can pull off something THAT detailed?? Id have to be able to sit still and i dont think thats possible. :D

[kidzero2525]

Finally I heard about a contest before it was over. I have three props I'd like to make this year.
#1 is a scarecrow for my neighbor's giant pumpkin(300lb) patch.:jol:
#2 is a pet project "how fast can you make a zombie/skeleton":xbones:
#3 a pair of stone Gargoyles for my graveyard entrance.:devil:
How much will a 5 gal. bucket cover?:confused:
Kidzero2525

[BooGirl666]

Dave youve met me...do you really think i can pull off something THAT detailed?? Id have to be able to sit still and i dont think thats possible. :D

Dave... you forgot to tell the "happy" MM you had a photo opt lol :p :D

[BooGirl666]

Well crap i clicked the wrong post to quote... That was ment for Dave's pic of his MM

[dave the dead]

NO! I refuse to admit that the "happy" MM prop is mine! Just one of those ideas that didn't turn out like I thought it would......

[BooGirl666]

LOL Dave!!! But he's sooo cute :D

[Front Yard Fright]

Here are some progress pics:
Start of a sign up front as well as start of my MM guy behind that.
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/frontyardfright/2007/Sign/100_0699.jpg

MM character gets a head... I'm naming him BUD. :D.
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/frontyardfright/2007/Sign/100_0704.jpg

Sign posts painted flat black.
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/frontyardfright/2007/Sign/100_0706.jpg

Sign posted dry brushed with gray paint.
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/frontyardfright/2007/Sign/100_0707.jpg

Sign planks. One dry brushed one not.
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/frontyardfright/2007/Sign/100_0708.jpg

Sign completely constructed. Just waiting for letters...
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/frontyardfright/2007/Sign/100_0709.jpg

The sing is going to say "FEAR IS HERE" on the top and "IN _ _ DAYS" on the bottom.
I plan on have little blocks of wood with velcro on the back so I can update my sign daily...

Questions/comments welcome!
:D.

[Front Yard Fright]

Oh, and I don't know if anyone has mentioned this or not...
But for those of you who are entering...
When/If you use chicken wire to build the body of you MM character be sure to make it tight/stiff so you can not push in the chicken wire easily.
I made this mistake while making my "Graveside Grim" character in 05.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/frontyardfright/2005/Graveside%20Grim/4.jpg

On the back of him I did not make the chicken wire as tight as I should have and now when ever I move him the back of him crunches due to the chicken wire not keeping its shape... Cracks are a big no no with this stuff!

If you have cracks water can get in and when water gets in it trashes this stuff...
I lost my Ground Breaker guy last year due to water damage.

Just a heads up for those who are entering...
Good luck and I can't wait to see what you guys can create!
:D.

[Front Yard Fright]

Doh, one more thing!

WEAR GLOVES!

You won't regret it if you do! It saves a TON of time with clean up... and it keeps your parent's sink clean!
:p.

[Merlin (The Quiet One)]

Hopefully I will get my arse in gear and get an entry done for this contest. Monster Mud is so cool to work with. As to the cost of compound, our Salvation Army Store sometimes has partial buckets for sale cheap in the building supply area.

[turtle2778]

Here are some progress pics:
Start of a sign up front as well as start of my MM guy behind that.

The sing is going to say "FEAR IS HERE" on the top and "IN _ _ DAYS" on the bottom.
I plan on have little blocks of wood with velcro on the back so I can update my sign daily...

Questions/comments welcome!
:D.

Hey FYF...Why not just put a little nail in it and then a hole in each number. That way you dont have to pay for the cost of the velcro and its super easy to take the numbers off and on. OOOH and i think you did a GREAT job with the sign so far. I love the dry brushing.

[Front Yard Fright]

Thanks Turtle!
:D.

I was actually thinking about doing something different than velco...
I might try the nail thing.
:).

[widowsbluff]

I started mine Sunday. Front Yard Fright, I are you in my head???? I need a new countdown sign and thought this would a good chance to make one. I do have a couple of questions.

Does it have to be a person/creature?
Do you have to use chicken wire?

[Zombie-F]

I started mine Sunday. Front Yard Fright, I are you in my head???? I need a new countdown sign and thought this would a good chance to make one. I do have a couple of questions.

Does it have to be a person/creature?
Do you have to use chicken wire?

It can be whatever you like and you don't need to make your armature with chicken wire. The prop must be a traditional monster mud prop in the sense that it must contain the "monster mud" Mixture and the prop be at least 75% monster mud. We don't want any huge creations that have a small monster mud item incorporated in it, the prop must be predominantly monster mud.

[Front Yard Fright]

I started mine Sunday. Front Yard Fright, I are you in my head???? I need a new countdown sign and thought this would a good chance to make one. I do have a couple of questions.

Does it have to be a person/creature?
Do you have to use chicken wire?

No... I'm not in your head!
:p.

But here's my sign (pretty much) done!
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/frontyardfright/2007/Sign/100_0723.jpg
All I have to do is paint the numbers on the little blocks!

Now I get to start on my MM character!
:D.

[Zombie-F]

Just added a prize to the pot! A full set of Hedstorm CDs courtesy of Michael Hedstrom of Hedstorm Productions (http://www.hedstorm.net). Thanks Mike!

[Lilly]

ok I decided I will try this MM adventure, I'm a little ahead of schedule so... this will be first time doing this...

heres my start : the top half so far

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/imdiamondlilly/contest%20pics/monster%20mud%20creation/18a.jpg

[pyro]

woo hoo nice---fyf & lilly

[Spartan005]

Frontyard fright, did you make that prop head for your mm guy? It looks really good

[Front Yard Fright]

Frontyard fright, did you make that prop head for your mm guy? It looks really good

Nope, I actually got it from the guy I use to work with at his haunt... He was going to throw it away!
:googly:.

[skeletonowl]

I can't participate in this...I don't know how much it will cost...don't know what to make...and never tried monster mud. Oh well

[Hauntiholik]

Yea! I just came up with a MM idea. I don't know if I'll be able to make it though.

Zombie-F - you need to fix the link to the contest rules up above. It takes you to the Sign of the Times Rules.

[Zombie-F]

Yea! I just came up with a MM idea. I don't know if I'll be able to make it though.

Zombie-F - you need to fix the link to the contest rules up above. It takes you to the Sign of the Times Rules.

Fixed it... again. This is about the third time I've fixed that. Weird... or maybe I'm just imagining things.

[Front Yard Fright]

Fixed it... again. This is about the third time I've fixed that. Weird... or maybe I'm just imagining things.

Yeah, last night it took me to the sign contest page... i thought i was the one imagining things!
:googly:.

[heresjohnny]

Okay, I finally have a clue what to make. The crow on top of the ball at Michaels gave me the idea. Muwhahahaha:zombie:

[HalloweenZombie]

I can't participate in this...I don't know how much it will cost...don't know what to make...and never tried monster mud. Oh well

Dude, that's what we're all here for! Ask us anything. If I don't know, someone else will.

If you buy just a gallon of joint compound and a small can of latex paint it will cost you less than $20. Mix them up at a 5:1 or 4:1 ratio. Price some chicken wire and find some scrap wood for a frame. Buy some cheap cloth material at a yard sale if you don't want to buy burlap. Find an old Halloween mask or improvise.

I've done lots of monster mud projects. It's really easy. Here's some ideas. If you don't like these, there are lots of resources out there:

http://home.comcast.net/~v.bariteau/images/facade2.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~v.bariteau/witch.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~v.bariteau/images/VAMP1.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~v.bariteau/images/scarecrw.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~v.bariteau/images/deadvmpr.jpg

JUST DO IT!

[Front Yard Fright]

Dude, that's what we're all here for! Ask us anything. If I don't know, someone else will.

If you buy just a gallon of joint compound and a small can of latex paint it will cost you less than $20. Mix them up at a 5:1 or 4:1 ratio. Price some chicken wire and find some scrap wood for a frame. Buy some cheap cloth material at a yard sale if you don't want to buy burlap. Find an old Halloween mask or improvise.

I've done lots of monster mud projects. It's really easy. Here's some ideas. If you don't like these, there are lots of resources out there:

http://home.comcast.net/~v.bariteau/images/facade2.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~v.bariteau/witch.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~v.bariteau/images/VAMP1.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~v.bariteau/images/scarecrw.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~v.bariteau/images/deadvmpr.jpg

JUST DO IT!

Great examples HZ!
Hopfully some of you that don't want to participate will get an idea going!

Come on people!
:p.

[Hellrazor]

Ok, Im starting to panic! There are only 89 days to Halloween and I havnt completed one project... I only have my bricks ready for this one... aaaahhhhhhh...

Only 58 days left to submit this one..... quick someone grab me a paper bag....

[DRoZ]

I've got my frame built up now with chicken wire covering the lower half of the prop... I am now trying to figure out how to finish the upper half as it wont be a completely static prop... hopefully things will start coming together soon...

[Frighteners Entertainment]

I can't participate in this...I don't know how much it will cost...don't know what to make...and never tried monster mud. Oh wellStart small.

[Fangs]

Dave---Those MM dudes you made were awesome!

Sweet looking head ya got goin there Lilly!!!!! :D

FYF--very cool prop you've got going too!!! :D

Dang HalloweenZombie!!!!! Those MM props are awesome!


Alrighty then, I have my idea, now I just need to get started. Its not going to be anything huge though. I'd say about knee high will be big enough! LOL :>

[Fangs]

Hellrazor, your bricks are looking good too! :)

[turtle2778]

Ok, Im starting to panic! There are only 89 days to Halloween and I havnt completed one project... I only have my bricks ready for this one... aaaahhhhhhh...

Only 58 days left to submit this one..... quick someone grab me a paper bag....


UGH!!! Im never going to finish everything. I still have ALL my fence/pillars and archway to complete. Im halfway through on EVERYTTHING...HEEEELLLLP:eek: :eek: :eek:

[Zombie-F]

UGH!!! Im never going to finish everything. I still have ALL my fence/pillars and archway to complete. Im halfway through on EVERYTTHING...HEEEELLLLP:eek: :eek: :eek:

I'm in that same boat. Everything is half done or not started at all.

[Fangs]

UGH!!! Im never going to finish everything. I still have ALL my fence/pillars and archway to complete. Im halfway through on EVERYTTHING...HEEEELLLLP:eek: :eek: :eek:


I know the feeling T.... But just look at it this way, what you don't get done this year, you can finish next year right? LOL ;)

[Fangs]

Ok, I have a question for all those who have worked with MM before----- How do you go about getting the details in a face? I've never worked with MM before, is it like mache, where you would build up the features and then MM/mache over them? ^V^

[1031fan]

usually faces arent made with just MM - its usually a mask, a foam head, a skull, or something similar - then to make it blend in you can add some mud to give it texture or even just paint it the same color and dry brush it to give it a similar look - i dont think ive ever seen a straight MM face - but i could be wrong - riley

[Fangs]

hmmm... i dont have a mask that i could use, i want the face of a gargoyle or something like that.... should i sculpt it first and add it that way?

[HalloweenZombie]

I've made heads with monster mud, but you still must start with a form. I used paper mache skulls to begin with. The scarecrow I made started as a paper mache head. I put burlap and mm over it. When it hardened I used a pair of utility scissors to cut out the pumpkin-like mouth (see link). I've also made a mummy head, but again I used a skull form and wrapped it up with strips of cloth dipped in mm. I was able to give it a little bit of expression, but not much. I'll see if I can dig up a picture of it somewhere.

http://home.comcast.net/~v.bariteau/images/scarecrw.jpg

Monster Mud really has the consistancy of runny mud. If you are looking to create a face, you might want to use a different medium like clay or paper mache.

[Fangs]

Thank you very much fan and HZ! as long as the rest is MM i should be ok with doing the face in paper mache or sculpting right? ;)

[HalloweenZombie]

Thank you very much fan and HZ! as long as the rest is MM i should be ok with doing the face in paper mache or sculpting right? ;)

Absolutely! You don't even need hands if you do the monk arms pose with the hands up the sleeves. Or you can form long fingered creepy hands with wire hangers and wrap them up with cloth and monster mud! The possibilities are only limited by the saneness of your mind!

[Fangs]

Cool! lets just say if i can get it to go right, there will be a gargoyle on my deck this year-----aside from the one i got from FE :> hehehehehe

[Lilly]

thanks fangs good luck on your project.

alot of my stuff is half done too ,but that's the way it always is.
I have 5 different things started no wonder my work room is a mess!!

what ratio do most of you use on the monster mud mix? ex: 5-1 is that 5 mud 1 latex or opposite.

[Fangs]

yv Lilly :D

its 5 joint compound and 1 latex i think lol

[Fangs]

and thank you for the good luck wishes Lilly :>

[HalloweenZombie]

Yup. 5 parts joint compound to 1 part latex paint. You can go as low as 4 to 1. So keep it in between that mix and you'll be all set.

[turtle2778]

Okay so i didnt think i was gunna enter this contest, but i came up with an idea that i hope to have time to actually do. It should be pretty simple i think. Im going to get started today.

[turtle2778]

Okay question. I was planning on building this from foam and wood and then covering it with monster mud to make it look like stone. Would this count as a MM project?

[Hellrazor]

Ive slowed down a bit here... got my bricks done and thats it... I will hopefully be working on it this long weekend. Wish me luck... hopefully I dont have anything else to do.

[Front Yard Fright]

Okay question. I was planning on building this from foam and wood and then covering it with monster mud to make it look like stone. Would this count as a MM project?

Can't see why it wouldn't...
:).

[Hellrazor]

Can't see why it wouldn't...
:).

Me neither, sounds like a genuine MM to me. As long as you use the mixture, you should be good.

[Front Yard Fright]

I got a little bit of work done on my MM guy yesterday...
He's now got one arm and a lantern!
:p.

This contest ends at the end of September... Right?
:googly:.

[Hellrazor]

Righto! 58 days to go!

[Lilly]

okay on the ratio mix..thanks again guys

[oct31man]

Hmmm, I am seriously considering trying this! Must think of an idea.....
And start posting.

[kidzero2525]

Okay this is it, I'm cutting the chicken wire/poultry netting this morning. if I'm covering somthing the size of a large beach ball will one gallon be enough? If I get one how long does the five gallon bucket last once I open it? I may not get back to another progect until next weekend.

[dave the dead]

I have a partial 5 gallon bucket left over from last year that's still good....you should be ok until next weekend.....

[Ghostess]

This contest even sparked me to make something new, even though I can't participate officially:

http://www.howloweenqueen.com/images/MMteaser.jpg

[Dr Morbius]

OOooo.A dry lake-bed! Niiice..

[Frighteners Entertainment]

I may even do something this time around.
Since I'm not doing a haunt this year....I may have a little time for something fun?

[Ghostess]

You should, Jeff... MM is good for you! Unless you don't wear gloves... and you have slightly sensitive skin...

Off to find some lotion!

[Spartan005]

So we can use store bought masks?

[kidzero2525]

I have a partial 5 gallon bucket left over from last year that's still good....you should be ok until next weekend.....
Thanks Dave, that's all I need to know. I got a $25 Lowes gift card for fathers day think I'll get a five gallon bucket of joint compound and some paint after church tomorrow.

[HalloweenZombie]

So we can use store bought masks?

Absolutely. Most people use store bought masks or store bought skulls.

[Spartan005]

Oh... so anything store bought still counts as well? Like say I happened to pick up a tombstone at a garage sale for $2.50......

[cindyt7]

Well hello! I'm too new around here to enter officially, but I think you've all given my some motivation to get to work. It's been so hot lately, I'm falling behind.
I've been wanting to try some MM for some time now. A few weeks ago I mixed up a small batch and put it on the clothes of some of my ground breakers. It gave a nice old dug up lool. I added some holes to the clothes, now I just need some, some, blood and I'll be all set.
Good Luck to all of you!

[Zombie-F]

Oh... so anything store bought still counts as well? Like say I happened to pick up a tombstone at a garage sale for $2.50......

Yes, store-bought items are ok to use in any prop for pretty much all of our contests.

[Hellrazor]

Okay this is it, I'm cutting the chicken wire/poultry netting this morning. if I'm covering somthing the size of a large beach ball will one gallon be enough? If I get one how long does the five gallon bucket last once I open it? I may not get back to another progect until next weekend.

With drywall compound, to help it not dry up and last for years to come. Pour a small layer of water on the top of the compound in the bucket. Replace the lid and it will last for over 1 year. You just pour the water off the top when you are ready to use it again. Im not sure if the same applies when its mixed with paint. But when you are storing just the compound, it works well.

[Lilly]

next pic in the making of MY Hssstderisistance 1
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/imdiamondlilly/contest%20pics/monster%20mud%20creation/29a.jpg
got a lot of work to do yet

[Fangs]

Niisssss Lilly! :D :devil: hehehehe, sorry, couldn't resist. Hopefully, I will get a chance to get crackin' and get some pics up. I'm not gonna miss this one---(still kickin myself for not gettin in the sign one :googly: ) LOL

[pyro]

Well hello! I'm too new around here to enter officially, but I think you've all given my some motivation to get to work. It's been so hot lately, I'm falling behind.
I've been wanting to try some MM for some time now. A few weeks ago I mixed up a small batch and put it on the clothes of some of my ground breakers. It gave a nice old dug up lool. I added some holes to the clothes, now I just need some, some, blood and I'll be all set.
Good Luck to all of you!
what do you mean good luck to all of us-----start posting you have 27 more to go and your in too, so hrry up and good luck to you :D

[cindyt7]

Thanks, I thought you had to sign up by July 1 or something.
Today I went to Menards in Illinois and a 3' X 24' roll of burlap is on sale for 5.96!
Also I use this OutDoor Carpet Adhesive from Menards. It's water resistant, I have used it with out a sealer and it holds up great rain after rain. It is already the color of aged bones. This works out really great for corpsing. It covers up PVC really well. You just need to stain or paint if you wish. Or MM if that's the project your working on.
I've opened cans and they last pretty well until they are gone. The really good thing is that they are on clearance for 1.99 for a quart. 5.99 a gallon. I stick with the quarts myself, it goes a long way. But it does take FOREVER to dry in this huymidity.
In my Mendards they are kept by the carpets on an end cap.
I'll post this in a more approriate place later today and upload a picture also.

[Hauntiholik]

Thanks, I thought you had to sign up by July 1 or something.

Pyro wanted you to get posting :)

An entrant MUST have at least 30 new posts on the forums between July 15th, 2007 and September 30th, 2007.

[oct31man]

OK, dang-it! I may just be setting myself up for embarrassment, but I'm in! I got my joint compound, burlap and chicken wire today! I have been thinking of what to build all week. I just hope I can pull it off! First time monster mudder here!

[Ghostess]

OK, dang-it! I may just be setting myself up for embarrassment, but I'm in! I got my joint compound, burlap and chicken wire today! I have been thinking of what to build all week. I just hope I can pull it off! First time monster mudder here!

YAY! I knew you'd do it!

[HibLaGrande]

Oh man I might have enough time to get in on this one.

[kidzero2525]

Well here is the first picture of the wire frame prior to mounting on pole
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d62/kidzero2525/Halloween/Halloween%202007/IMG_2251.jpg

[kidzero2525]

And here it is lashed to it's pole. Tomorrow mud and burlap.:jol:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d62/kidzero2525/Halloween/Halloween%202007/IMG_2252.jpg

[cindyt7]

I think I have finally settled on what I'm making! Hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew...
Gonna sketch tonight and start building tomorrow. Well building this one. I hope...
So many unfinished projects.

[Front Yard Fright]

I know the feeling Cindy!
I was afraid there weren't going to be that many entries...
So I'm glad to hear about all of you who plan on entering!

I was working right along on my entry, but work was stalled due to the fact that we need to start putting my haunt up before I can make any more props!

Good luck to all who plan on entering!
:).

[Hellspawn]

Can we build and submit "anything" that was built with MM? as long as its within the rules? or does it have to be a character type prop?

[dave the dead]

If i understand it right, hellspawn, as long as it is MM the sky is the limit....be as creative as you can, my friend!

[Ghostess]

As long as you stick to the rules, you can build pretty much anything. Creativity and imagination are what we wanna see here.

[Hellspawn]

Well, its not that creative and its sure as hell isnt imaginative, but I dont think ive ever seen it done with MM before, so mabey that counts for something? :D

The thing that im aiming for is a 100% free prop (minus cost of drywall/paint) or very very very low cost for something that everyone wants/needs.

The only thing that might cost me is the chicken wire, im trying really hard to find some that I can salvage or find an altranate material (scrap stucco mesh or something from contruction sites)

[dave the dead]

HaH!!!! I'll be very interested to see what you come up with Hellspawn....sounds like something right up my alley! (no pun intended....stay out of MY alley)

[Ghostess]

Well that should be interesting!

[Hellrazor]

alrighty I am back on track. But Im effing peeved. My hubby, knowing tomorrow I was focusing on my MM prop went and invited people over. People that I have to freekin entertain and clean the freekin house for. Im so upset right now I could cry. What the heck man. So Im gonna let him clean, hes working diligently right know because he knows im upset and Im gonna let him get the groceries and crap for tomorrow and Im working on this whether he likes it or not!

arrrg... I must put all this pent up aggrevation into .. prop

[turtle2778]

OMG, my husband did that to me a few weekends ago. I only have X amount of time left because i started a new job and i have to work overtime on the weekends right now. So he goes and invites peeps over on the one weekend i didnt have to work and had planned on working on props. I could have strangled him. Ive got so many props going half way right now im running out of time and room. I need to get this done. UGH!!! HELP!!

[Hellrazor]

Bill feels so bad, hes working on it with me right now. Im pretty excited. My MM prop is really coming along. I hope it turns out like I imagine it.

[kidzero2525]

alrighty I am back on track. But Im effing peeved. My hubby, knowing tomorrow I was focusing on my MM prop went and invited people over. People that I have to freekin entertain and clean the freekin house for. Im so upset right now I could cry. What the heck man. So Im gonna let him clean, hes working diligently right know because he knows im upset and Im gonna let him get the groceries and crap for tomorrow and Im working on this whether he likes it or not!

arrrg... I must put all this pent up aggrevation into .. prop

I went out to work on on my demon pumpkin head yesterday afternoon and it was GONE!! :eek:
It seems my wife thought it wasn't the right thing for the sweet sixteen party we're having Saturday. Okay she's right but it sure freaked me out. She put him/it in Halloween Town, that growing corner of the backyard where my props are stored under the old swingset.
I'm getting old :(

[Lilly]

"No one puts baby in the corner....."

[Hellrazor]

Im so excited to start MM'ding. Im gonna start tomorrow night. I have POOL party to go to right now.. yuck. I would rather be haunting. Just kidding! LOl. I am pretty excited though. Hope to have it up on this site by Sept 1.

GUess what!!! One of my friends - the one I was complaining about coming over yesterday - said to me yesterday.. (now I feel bad) that she wants to decorate her front yard... She has a reaper costume and she wants to make tombstones! YES!!!! I told her I would be happy to make them with her. We could get together and build our little hearts out. I need new stones anyway and hubby wont complain of the cost.. cuz he can play with Mike and their Jeeps. YIPPEE!!!

[oct31man]

Dang, Hellrazor, that is gonna be awesome! Good thing I didn't see that yesterday, or I wouldn't have evn tried!

[heresjohnny]

Hellrazor that is looking really good!

[ScareShack]

Awesome looking so far Hellrazor!

[dave the dead]

I know I can't compete in this contest, but I woke up yesterday with a MM prop concept....so here come the teasers!
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m240/davethedead/monstermud%20contest/monstermudcontest016.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m240/davethedead/monstermud%20contest/monstermudcontest004.jpg

[Fangs]

It seems my wife thought it wasn't the right thing for the sweet sixteen party we're having Saturday.

I would have loved to have something like that at my sweet sixteen party!!!!! :jol: :devil:

[Zombie-F]

I just updated the prize listing in the rules thread (http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=7020) with contributions from both Frighteners Entertainment (http://www.thefrighteners.com) and Scare Shack (http://www.scareshack.com). Thanks guys!

[heresjohnny]

I just updated the prize listing in the rules thread (http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=7020) with contributions from both Frighteners Entertainment (http://www.thefrighteners.com) and Scare Shack (http://www.scareshack.com). Thanks guys!

Those are some sweet prizes, thanks Frighteners and Scare Shack!!:D

[Revenant]

Well... I said I wasn't going to enter, but somehow I pulled into my garage last night with a gallon of oops paint and a full bucket of drywall mud... no memory of how that happened... according to the receipt in my pocket I apparently bought them... hmm...

Guess I gotta make something now. Time's getting late, so maybe small is the key here. The mind reels...

[Hellrazor]

Awesome prizes for sure. Thanks to all the sponsors. WOW!

[Hellrazor]

Dang, Hellrazor, that is gonna be awesome! Good thing I didn't see that yesterday, or I wouldn't have evn tried!

Hey guys, thanks for all the kudos but wait until its all complete before you say something like that. Who knows what it will look like in the end.

Everyone should join in. Dont be discouraged because of how to pics!

[Ghostess]

Well... I said I wasn't going to enter, but somehow I pulled into my garage last night with a gallon of oops paint and a full bucket of drywall mud... no memory of how that happened... according to the receipt in my pocket I apparently bought them... hmm...

Guess I gotta make something now. Time's getting late, so maybe small is the key here. The mind reels...

LMAO! That happens to you too? Happens to me all the time.... I think it may happen again today, but I can't be sure about that......

[Hellrazor]

So I have my form almost built. I just need to secure it a little better - over kill is good! Then I will attempt MMding my creation!

[Lilly]

mixed up my mud this morning .. during the storm
may attempt later today.

[oct31man]

OK, here's what I have done so far! This is my Demon Greeter. He has a small fogger inside his torso that is routed into the mask. I plan on adding a strobe inside as well, the eyes are clear, so I'm hoping it looks good flashing through the eyes. The mask is a plastic mask I had lying around, I added some latex appliances to it and some teeth. I still have more work to do, just thought I'd share my progress.



http://www.floridahaunters.com/images/DemonGreeter.jpg
http://www.floridahaunters.com/images/DemonGreeter1.jpg
http://www.floridahaunters.com/images/DemonGreeter2.jpg

[Merlin (The Quiet One)]

Nice! My form is built and the wire on, still no idea for the face......gotta get an idea soon........

[Front Yard Fright]

Wow!
Everybody is getting so much done!
I need to get to work on my entry!
:eek:.

[kidzero2525]

OK, here's what I have done so far! This is my Demon Greeter. He has a small fogger inside his torso that is routed into the mask. I plan on adding a strobe inside as well, the eyes are clear, so I'm hoping it looks good flashing through the eyes. The mask is a plastic mask I had lying around, I added some latex appliances to it and some teeth. I still have more work to do, just thought I'd share my progress.

nice job. Love the hands. What did you use?
Kidzero2525

[heresjohnny]

[QUOTE=oct31man;154261]OK, here's what I have done so far! This is my Demon Greeter. He has a small fogger inside his torso that is routed into the mask. I plan on adding a strobe inside as well, the eyes are clear, so I'm hoping it looks good flashing through the eyes. The mask is a plastic mask I had lying around, I added some latex appliances to it and some teeth. I still have more work to do, just thought I'd share my progress.

Looking good! I also need to get started. I have the concept and the material needed to make the form. I am trying to keep it on the smaller side.

[oct31man]

Thanks y'all!
I got the hands at Big Lots for $7. They Glow in the Dark, but I plan on adding some texture to them, since the face isn't skeletal.

[Ms. Wicked]

Looking good!

I can't wait to see all of the entries!

[AzKittie74]

since you've all sorta mastered this stuff (MM) I was wondering if it is good for dipping?? like hands, heads into it (not real ones ofcourse hehe) for like a glooping look. I've seen some of of the projects on here but never used it and thought I would ask before trying it.
And you can make it what ever consistancy you choose right? there is no right nor wrong way to go with it is that right?

Thank you for any info.

[Lilly]

I have asked that same question AZ..
the response I received was not sure..but probable
I think you prob can with a thin mixture at first to coat.. maybe 2 or 3 times...then when that is dry thicken it up and either dip again or glob it on. the thick stuff will take some time to dry though.
Another thing to think about is when dipping you will need a bigger container full of enough mixture and that when you do dip it it doesnt overflow.

[AzKittie74]

Thank you Lilly, I think I'm gonna give it a shot.

[cindyt7]

Here we go! At this point I'm still planing on entering. But like most of you around here I'm VERY critical of my own work. So here is what I have so far. This is my first MM project. I'm not very confident at the moment, we'll see how it goes!
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/cindyt7/PICT3670.jpg
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/cindyt7/PICT3673.jpg
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee229/cindyt7/PICT3676.jpg
The look is not exactly what I had in mind, but does fit my "theme"!

[Front Yard Fright]

Looking good Cindy!!!
Can't wait to see how it turns out!
:).

[AzKittie74]

I'm not sure if this has been discussed but can you keep the mixture or the MM in a bucket w/lid on? or do you have to use it right away? if so how long does it keep and if not how do you dispose of it can I just throw it in the garbage? sorry for all the questions just didnt see this info when I was reading.

[dave the dead]

It will stay good for quite a while with the bucket lid on. Use what you need, and save the rest for your next project...you know you can't stop with just one, right?

[AzKittie74]

Oh I know trust me, you should see the stack of tombstones I have after saying I'm gonna make "a couple" haha thank you for the info.

[Hellrazor]

I'm not sure if this has been discussed but can you keep the mixture or the MM in a bucket w/lid on? or do you have to use it right away? if so how long does it keep and if not how do you dispose of it can I just throw it in the garbage? sorry for all the questions just didnt see this info when I was reading.

With drywall compound, if you are going to keep it for quite sometime, I know you are supposed to put a 1 inch layer of water on top and then put the lid on so it doesnt harden. Then when you go to use it, pour the water off and use it.

Now, with the paint mixed in, Im not sure if the same will apply....

[SkullAndBone]

Ohh, this one sounds fun. If I get time maybe I'll scratch up an unofficial entry.

[SkullAndBone]

With drywall compound, if you are going to keep it for quite sometime, I know you are supposed to put a 1 inch layer of water on top and then put the lid on so it doesnt harden. Then when you go to use it, pour the water off and use it.

Now, with the paint mixed in, Im not sure if the same will apply....

I have some MM that is over a year old, just put an air tight lid on it. If you have cats, the buckets that kitty litter comes in, is perfect.

[Zombie-F]

Updated the prize listing (http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=7020) again! New grand prize is a hand made Vampire Cape (http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=7241) courtesy of Ms. Wicked and a new addition to the first runner-up prize is the winner's choice of any 40 colored glue sticks (http://www.corpsecounty.com/Selling.htm) courtesy of Sickie Ickie

[HalloweenZombie]

No way! Ms. Wicked is giving away that awesome cape she made? I shall re-double my efforts.

[Sickie Ickie]

Whomever received her cape shall not be disappointed! I've seen it in person. It's amazing!

[Merlin (The Quiet One)]

Cindy, looks like a great start. Can't wait to see it complete.

[Lilly]

Zombie,
I have posted a pic of something I was going to enter but I want to change what I am doing ..have something else in mind for that now.
Will that be okay?, since it's not officially entered yet.

[Zombie-F]

Zombie,
I have posted a pic of something I was going to enter but I want to change what I am doing ..have something else in mind for that now.
Will that be okay?, since it's not officially entered yet.

Sure, that's perfectly fine. As long as the entry isn't submitted and approved you should feel free to change whatever you're doing at will. Once it's been submitted and approved, then that's a different story. :)

[Big Howlin]

I wish I could have entered in this. I just don't have the space to do this...I live in an apartment right now. I really wanna start making a bunch for my yard.....when I get one lol. Hopefully next year!!

[Big Howlin]

Oh yeah, and goodluck everybody!! Cant wait to see what you come up with!!

[pyro]

well hopfully i start 2morrow-just need some pvc pipe

[heresjohnny]

I wish I could have entered in this. I just don't have the space to do this...I live in an apartment right now. I really wanna start making a bunch for my yard.....when I get one lol. Hopefully next year!!

It can be small, like a small statue, or table centerpiece. Don't let the size stop you.

[Frighteners Entertainment]

It can be small, Don't let the size stop you.
There's got to be list for this!!! LOL

[Lilly]

okay another ? what if what you are making is one of a set so to speak can they all be entered or just the one. Or enter one and just have pics of the set?

[oct31man]

I added another coat of mud today. I need to sand it down and add more tomorrow if I get time. I tested out the fogger today. Here's a video of it.
http://floridahaunters.com/images/demongreeter.mov

[DeathTouch]

I added another coat of mud today. I need to sand it down and add more tomorrow if I get time. I tested out the fogger today. Here's a video of it.
http://floridahaunters.com/images/demongreeter.mov

I was wondering when someone would come out with a prop that has a George Foremen Grill. I will have the cheeseburgar please. LOL. That is going to be cool!

[Zombie-F]

okay another ? what if what you are making is one of a set so to speak can they all be entered or just the one. Or enter one and just have pics of the set?

The entry should be just one piece.

[Big Howlin]

Wheres the best monster mud instructions on the web?

[Merlin (The Quiet One)]

Looking good, Oct31man.

[Sickie Ickie]

someone smell soul burning? sniff sniff

[oct31man]

someone smell soul burning? sniff sniff

Oops,that was Deathtouch's cheeseburger!:p

Thanks!

[Lilly]

Cheetah..
http://www.terrorsyndicate.com/tsp_mm.html

[heresjohnny]

Finally got started on the monster mud project. Kinda reminds me of a fiddler crab.
http://johnnyspage.com/images/TheGateKeeper/picture%20016.jpg

[Big Howlin]

Sweet thanks Lilly

Cheetah..
http://www.terrorsyndicate.com/tsp_mm.html

[Revenant]

I've only just now got started on the armature for my MM project. It's small, so I should be able to get him finished on time, but... I have a question about drying time...

What's better, cool and dry or hot and humid? If I put it in my basement, the air conditioning takes a lot of this godforsaken St. Louis humidity out of the air... but it's pretty cool in the basement. In the garage, it's a freaking oven, but it's a pretty humid oven. I don't want to lose a lot of time between layers waiting for this stuff to dry, what do you suggest? Also...

I know multiple thin coats dry faster than one thick one. Am I better off saturating the burlap fibers but squeezing out excess MM and letting it dry first and then putting on a fill-coat of mud, or just putting the muddy burlap on mache-style and filling up the surface smooth with each layer? (did that make sense?)

As an ex-plasterer, some may scoff at my lack of knowledge of joint compound, but plaster sets and cures chemically... it doesn't have to dry to get hard. This is new territory for me.

[Ghostess]

Hot and humid works okay out in the sun (Florida=uber-humidity) for drying, but I have found that cooler and less humid with a fan is better and faster. I keep my MM inside to dry.

One thing I noticed when making a couple of large MM props was that when I globbed the MM on thick, the cracks were bigger and filling them didn't work as well. When I coated with thin coats, I had the advantage of covering any cracking with another layer and so on until the cracks were all filled and it was more uniform. Of course, your mileage may vary... ;)

[kidzero2525]

Hot and humid works okay out in the sun (Florida=uber-humidity) for drying, but I have found that cooler and less humid with a fan is better and faster. I keep my MM inside to dry.
One thing I noticed when making a couple of large MM props was that when I globbed the MM on thick, the cracks were bigger and filling them didn't work as well. When I coated with thin coats, I had the advantage of covering any cracking with another layer and so on until the cracks were all filled and it was more uniform. Of course, your mileage may vary... ;)

Thanks this is just the sort of info us beginners need.
1. thin coatings
2. fill in cracks with next coat
3. dry air, and a fan is faster than heat
I'm in CA so its usually a dry heat but with these hurricanes I may come inside too. My family is going to love this, lol.

[Hellrazor]

okay, so my frame is pretty much complete. I am gonna start mudding tonight... YIKES! Im excited and scared at the same time. I didnt end up putting as much pizzazze in mine as I wanted to. I have to keep the weight down as much as possible. I think its gonna be a pretty cool new prop for 2007.

39 days and counting!!!!

[PirateChris]

I can't wait to see everyone's finished products. Maybe I'll enter next year.
=)

[HalloweenZombie]

I can't wait to see everyone's finished products. Maybe I'll enter next year.
=)

You might want to enter this year. I heard next year's contest will be an 8 piece moving animatronic alien with surround sound speakers and it will have to recite "Klattu, Barada, Nikto" over and over again. I'm thinking the MM might be a little easier.

[Hellrazor]

oooh why am i wasting my energy on this years project then.. maybe I will jsut wait till next year. That one sounds like a dream of mine!!!

[dave the dead]

You might want to enter this year. I heard next year's contest will be an 8 piece moving animatronic alien with surround sound speakers and it will have to recite "Klattu, Barada, Nikto" over and over again. I'm thinking the MM might be a little easier.

dang! I already have two of those!

[Lilly]

well my snake is out of the picture , I decided I need to do something else with that..so here is what I am working on now.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/imdiamondlilly/contest%20pics/monster%20mud%20creation/13web.jpg

[pyro]

a grey bodybag?

[Sickie Ickie]

you guessed it. Now he has to start all over! :p

[Haunted Bayou]

You might want to enter this year. I heard next year's contest will be an 8 piece moving animatronic alien with surround sound speakers and it will have to recite "Klattu, Barada, Nikto" over and over again. I'm thinking the MM might be a little easier.

I am afraid if I enter this year it would be the equivalent of a handprint ashtray.:rolleyes:

[Revenant]

I am afraid if I enter this year it would be the equivalent of a handprint ashtray.:rolleyes:
Plop a pair of diseased, tarred, pulsating lungs in that bad boy and you've got a prop there! Tube running up into them connected to the fogger... :sick:

[heresjohnny]

well my snake is out of the picture , I decided I need to do something else with that..so here is what I am working on now.


Hmm.. now what could that be.

[pyro]

heres a peek i just started---but will i finish

[Ms. Wicked]

What car is that you have there? :p

Oh - MM prop looks off to a good start! I can't wait to see it finished!

[Haunted Bayou]

"I've fallen and I can't get up"

[pyro]

What car is that you have there? :p

Oh - MM prop looks off to a good start! I can't wait to see it finished!
1966 impala ss

[HalloweenZombie]

Pyro! You finally got started! Woohoo!

[dave the dead]

heres a peek i just started---but will i finish

"miss scarlet! I don't know nuthin' bout birthin no babies!":D

[pyro]

"miss scarlet! I don't know nuthin' bout birthin no babies!":D

:D

[oct31man]

Looks like some very cool MM props will result from this contest!
Those armatures have my curiosity peaked!

[pyro]

heres look #2 and final till i put on the mud

[Ms. Wicked]

I just love him pyro!!!! He's going to look fantastic! I can't wait to see him finished!

[Big Howlin]

ooh looks good so far