[heresjohnny]

What, you can buy this stuff!?! Damn I didn't know that! LOL

I build everything I can, I'll be the first to admit that I go overboard, and I don't plan on changing anytime soon. Why use a $5 bucky skull in a prop when you can work a couple of hours and caste a mache one LOL! I enjoy building and setting up more than anything. I must admit I recently bought a Parallax prop controller, didn't build one, but I am creating custom software to run it. Guess I am a glutton for punishment.

 

[Ugly Joe]

I've been known to build a few things, here and there...

I'll admit an affinity for ACC Bucky's as props (have 2), and BagOBones (buying some more this year...made a countdown sign from one last year)

I have some store bought stuff, but most of the items I put out for Halloween are my own creation or modifications of store bought crap...


I did manage to sculpt a "Vilethings" marionette for last year (I fly it over my yard on a length of 50lb test fishing line - almost invisible during the day, absolutely invisible at night)...used fiberglass instead of latex for the outer skin, and it survived almost a month of exposure with absolutely no ill effects...

 

[Beepem]

umm, I think we all make out own props....its like the only way to get it done right

i hate store bought props...usually. some of them are really cool, but thats not very often

 

[mrklaw]

I've been known to build a few things, here and there...

I'll admit an affinity for ACC Bucky's as props (have 2), and BagOBones (buying some more this year...made a countdown sign from one last year)

I have some store bought stuff, but most of the items I put out for Halloween are my own creation or modifications of store bought crap...

I did manage to sculpt a "Vilethings" marionette for last year (I fly it over my yard on a length of 50lb test fishing line - almost invisible during the day, absolutely invisible at night)...used fiberglass instead of latex for the outer skin, and it survived almost a month of exposure with absolutely no ill effects...

I like your flying ghost. It's not the stereotypical axeworthy ghost that everyone sees. Did you have a problem with the weight? What is the skeleton/ghost made out of?

 

[mrklaw]

Everything I have is made by me....well almost everything. I do buy my mask and some heads (you can't beat a ready made and painted head for $7.00).

I was cleaning out my garage, a couple weeks ago and what was in it would look like junk to most people. But some how I turn that junk into a prop.

Everything on this prop was made by me (besides the hardware)....total cost was around $25 to $30.00. Scare Factory sells theirs for $2,500 http://www.scarefactory.com/catalog/images/2006/GRY207_DeathStatue_big.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f117/wkuyoungguns/foam molding/drop.gif

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f117/wkuyoungguns/foam molding/crying.gif

Wow, that only cost $30? That's incredible work!

 

[ScareFX]

... I did manage to sculpt a "Vilethings" marionette for last year (I fly it over my yard on a length of 50lb test fishing line - almost invisible during the day, absolutely invisible at night)...used fiberglass instead of latex for the outer skin, and it survived almost a month of exposure with absolutely no ill effects...

Very cool. Eric's props on Vilethings have inspired many of us. It's amazing how many people have one of his simple pop-ups or copies of one of his other props. That's a good marionette Ugly Joe.

 

[ScareFX]

umm, I think we all make out own props....its like the only way to get it done right

i hate store bought props...usually. some of them are really cool, but thats not very often

So true Beepem. However, I do like a nice latex mask or a prop from a good sculp. One day I'll try to learn to work with clay and make a mask.

 

[Empress Nightshade]

So true Beepem. However, I do like a nice latex mask or a prop from a good sculp. One day I'll try to learn to work with clay and make a mask.

ScareFX,
I took a look at your site and you're a fan of Death Studios, aren't you? I know I sure am. Your yard is kickin'!! :smoking:

 

[ScareFX]

ScareFX,
I took a look at your site and you're a fan of Death Studios, aren't you? I know I sure am. Your yard is kickin'!! :smoking:

Guilty as charged Empress! Jeff Death makes some very fine masks.

 

[Ugly Joe]

MrKlaw - as far as the "flying" skeleton goes, it weighs in around 5 lbs or so...

I carved the skull, spine, and arms from foam (kind of like the pink or blue stuff - but's it's a yellowish color where I get it), and the ribs were some fabric with fiberglass resin applied.

Once I had all of the foam carved, I slathered it in white primer (lots - and covered every freaking inch of it), and applied fiberglass resin.

I painted it after that - however, upon reflection, the fiberglass resin was almost the color of bone once dried, and if I had just used some Minwax stain, I may have been able to somewhat decently age the bones without having to paint (the painting was actually more of a chore than fun - I just couldn't seem to get the right tones).


Hope that helps...it was a pretty fun project to do!

 

[JustMatt]

Count me solidly in the 'making' category.

I have some decorative pieces that I get on sale after Halloween, mostly stuff that's too difficult or intricate to fabricate myself.

I built my Halloween set last year, and am building all of the main props and decorations this year. My wife says that puttering in the garage is keeping me mellow.

Shameless plug: schie2k.com

 

[jdubbya]

I'll weigh in on this, but a bit more on the other end of the spectrum. While I have built some large props ( cemetery fence, columns, toe pincher, large throne-like chair, etc) I have almost no (read zero, zip, nada) skill with electronics or pneumatics. I also don't dabble in latex, monster mud (although this looks fun), or other mediums used by a lot of prop builders. I have made some nice pvc frame monsters, but will also spend money on good masks and some of the detailed latex/foam static props, as I believe these create a great visual image to the crowd on H night. I will also buy some of the nicely detailed hard foam head stones that come out each year. To me, the 20-30 bones is worth it, and while I could spend hours carving, dremelling and painting my own creations, I put some arbitrary value on my time and frustration level! While my budget is far from unlimited, I can justify the cost of purchasing things as opposed to finding time to make them. I DO plan to make a version of scarefx's witch stirring a cauldron this year. Plan to use two witches, with one stirring while the head on the other turns. I think I can pull this off but will likely be picking some brains as the project evolves. I am totally in awe of some of the stuff produced by forum members. I think there would be a large market for some of these items should there ever be duplicates built for sale!

 

[Pandora]

My first choice is always to make, if my (or my husband's skills...... make that willingness) are up to the job. I buy masks usually-haven't dabbled in the mache yet, though Lauriebeast is going to help me out with that soon. Although I have to cop to buying my crank rig and my pneumatic jumper. My husband likes to check it out visually first and then copy. Sometimes directions online are terrible and end up costing you more than buying one for an example. Tombstones - I do my own and love every minute of it. Crank ghost (marionette) I also do myself. Some people buy them, but I like making it.

IMHO, when you make a prop, it becomes yours. Not to know Christmas - but everyone has the same decorations as everyone else or the next street over. Halloween is the chance to be yourself and make it personal. Gotta love it!!!!!!!

 

[Beepem]

im kinda a build it all, or a buy the blucky and fix him up...like I plan on buying a ghost that flies back and forth on a cable, but im going to rip off the existing ghost and make ny own one thats scary

 

[Hellrazor]

I always chuckle when I see this thread title pop up... like really... does anyone here BUILD props???

 

[Skrew2nite]

I usually build my own props allthough I do buy a far amount of stuff and gore it up or repaint it. Some things you have to buy you cant really build such as spiders, rats, mice, snakes, skeletons either bluckies or buckies but of course your gonna gore em' up!

 

[spokanejoe]

The reason I get 300+ T.O.T's a year is because I build my own things. NOTHING like all of you have though! I am in awe of all your creativity. I have to admit though I have stolen ideas from all of you. This year, I too discovered Pumpkin Rot and VileThings sites. So I am creeping things up in my cemetary with my own scarecrow and grave ghoulsand a skel FCG marrinette. I agree with the majority here that the props available for purchase pale in comparison with those that we build ourselves. Right now it is crunch time and I have to finish my skell marionette and the groundbreakers I have started before trying to build a pop up. The wife gets upset if I flit from project to project....LOL imagine that! Keep posting all your good ideas.

 

[ScareFX]

The reason I get 300+ T.O.T's a year is because I build my own things. NOTHING like all of you have though! I am in awe of all your creativity. I have to admit though I have stolen ideas from all of you. This year, I too discovered Pumpkin Rot and VileThings sites. So I am creeping things up in my cemetary with my own scarecrow and grave ghoulsand a skel FCG marrinette. I agree with the majority here that the props available for purchase pale in comparison with those that we build ourselves. Right now it is crunch time and I have to finish my skell marionette and the groundbreakers I have started before trying to build a pop up. The wife gets upset if I flit from project to project....LOL imagine that! Keep posting all your good ideas.

Welcome to the forum spokanejoe. You should introduce yourself in the Welcome Room. Post some pics of your props too. Prop building is BIG FUN!