2009 Halloween Summary

This year I added lights to my house and yard and had them timed to music, the kids just loved it. I redid all of my gravestones; carved all of the epitaphs by hand using a hot knife and then I created a base for each of the gravestones. I built a crypt out of 2"x2" and insulation foam board. It took a few months to finish this project, so if you are planning on making one of these, make sure you plan enough time because it toke a few months to complete (instructions are in my 10/4/2009 blog). I created a lamppost out of an old fan base and a black pumpkin from Wal-mart. Now I just need to figure out a way to keep it from not falling over every time there is strong wind. I also created a Beatlejuice character a few days before Halloween, but I didn't have time to finish making his hands, so that will be a project for next year.

My house is becoming more popular every year. The only problem is within the next two years, I'm planning on moving, so they will have to travel to see my Halloween Display.

Click here for more 2009 Halloween photos

Setting up for Halloween this weekend

I'm planning on setting up at least 60% of the yard this week (October 10-11).

Halloween Project - Crypt

 

Step 1: I used 2" x 2" lumber to build the frame. I also attached "L" shape brackets to help hold the wood together in case of strong wind. (see photo on left)

Step 2: I then attached a trash bag to the roof to make sure the crypt would not leak. (see photo on right)

Step 3: Then I used zip ties to attached the Styrofoam walls. The inside of the crypt was painted dark brown (thought it was black when I purchased the paint).

Step 4: Filled in all of the holes, created by the zip ties, and cracks with window putty.

Step 5: I used a wood carving tool and a ruler to carved all of the blocks into the foam.

Step 6: Paint the crypt.

Halloween Project - Gravestones

I used the free Styrofoam I picked up in Arlington from a Craig’s List posting to create some new gravestones and to update some of my old gravestones.  I made approximately 29 gravestones with more to come; now I just need to paint and carve epitaphs into each one.

To make gravestones, it is best to use the 2” thick installation board that Home Depot or Lowes sells.  The 2” is better because it is thick like a normal gravestone.  Then you can use a hacksaw or a Styrofoam cutter to carve the gravestones.  You can find a Styrofoam cutter at a craft store, like Michaels or AC Moore.  If you decide to use a Styrofoam cutter, make sure to use it outside with a mask because it lets off toxic fumes.  The Styrofoam cutter makes it easier to carve the gravestones because it cuts the Styrofoam like butter.

To paint your gravestones, make sure you use outdoor flat paint.  Do not use spray paint because it will eat the Styrofoam. 

You can also use Gorilla Glue if you want to attach other pieces of Styrofoam together.  I used Gorilla Glue to glue on an extra piece of Styrofoam to the bottom of my grave to make my gravestones look more like a real gravestone.  Then I glued on boards to the bottom of my gravestones, which I drilled holes on each end, so I could use long stakes to attach my gravestones to the ground.

Halloween Project - Lamp Post

I decided to create a Halloween Lamp Post out of a old weighted fan base. The fan base was not very tall, so I used a PVC pipe to place overtop of the fan base pole to make a long lamp post. Then I took a Halloween pumpking from Walmart and cut a circle out of the bottom of the pumpkin. I ran an outdoor extension cord down the inside of the PVC pole and out the bottom of the fan base. The I used some gorilla glue to attach the pumpkin to the top of the pole.

Donation of free installation foam board

Thanks to a free posting on craig's list, I was able to come across a ton of free insulation foam board. I'm planning on building a crypt with this material and some more gravestones during Labor Day weekend. Will post instructions on how to build a crypt once it is complete.