Inspiration can come in the most unexpected places. So can Halloween decorations. A few days ago, some aimless browsing on eBay produced a wondrous discovery: the Vintage Science & Medicine category. Talk about the mother-lode! Collectors of antique items are probably the most frequent visitors, but for a creative Halloweenie it’s a treasure trove of creepy old artifacts that would be perfect to decorate a Halloween mad scientist party. Here are just a few of the curious, archaic, and sometimes chilling items that I found;
- 18th Century Pewter Leaching Jars (you know, to hold your leaches)
- Exceptional antique brass microscope (functional)
- 61 Year Old Syringe and 12 needles (mint condition)
- Antique dental chair (with spooky padded-electrode-looking headrest)
- Victorian Anatomical Watercolor Posters of creepy skin conditions
With a Steampunk aesthetic that merges medical past with a more technological future, you can create an amazing DIY mad science lab. For a quick Martha Stewart inspired Mad Science Halloween party, check out this how-to. A more DIY version can be seen at ljcfyi’s Mad Scientist Dinner Party, complete with tons of inspiring pictures. Want to see what can really be accomplished with a lot of creativity and 80 hour work weeks? AlexCF is a an amazingly talented artist who creates “things you wish existed in forgotten attics or secret rooms“, deftly mixing the past with imagined technology. His work is wildly imaginative and instantly seems to draw you back into a time of wonder that may, or may not have happened…
And if you’re interested in conducting some genuine feats of mad science, I direct you to- of course- Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories. And some safety goggles.
Step right up boils and ghouls, to the new Easy Felt Banner tutorial. With a couple sheets of felt and a sewing machine you’re about a half hour away from a scary circus inspired banner.
Remember the neighbor-frightening decoration that we mentioned earlier this month? Hopefully we’ll get that made tomorrow and posted in the next couple days. Unless it looks like crap, in which case we’ll be scouring the site 1984-style for promises of said tutorial. Double-Plus Good!
Okay my little dark decorators, we have a new Halloween Decor tutorial for you, courtesy of Jill King from Spokane, WA*. You know those little bricks of modeling clay that are available at every craft store? With a just little bit of artistry- not too much, this craft is still suitable for beginners- you can transform those into little pumpkin picture holders. Use them to display creepy old ephemera, Halloween cards, or even your emo photography. Here’s an easy Halloween decorating idea: for a simple Halloween display, line up a handful of these along a windowsill or mantle and your decor is done. No matter what you’ve got going on with your Halloween decorations, these will make a creepy cool addition.
New Tutorial: Pumpkin Wire Picture Holder
*Thanks, Jill!
Haunters are an ingenious bunch. They’re always thinking of ways to make their props and decorations more realistic, elaborate, and impressive. While their efforts are no doubt scaring the pants off their victims, sometimes simpler is better. How often to do you hear that “gore isn’t scary” and that mood or “hinting at the monster” is what really gave someone the chills?
I stumbled upon this Hand in a Box prop, and could immediately imagine the shock of those who unwittingly pushed the red button. “…the observers are supposed to push the ON button. After a while the lid of the trunk opens, a hand comes out and turns off the machine. The trunk closes - that’s it!”. Normally I try to present project ideas that come with at least a few instructions, but this simplistic prop seemed very worthy of mention anyway. Imagine this chest sitting on a pedestal at your front door. Before knocking to get their candy, Trick-or-Treaters would invariably push the button and scream as the hand shot out and slammed the lid. I am probably far too motivated by the screams of kids, but that thought is inspiring me to try my first pneumatic prop.
For all you other animated prop newbies, here are a few online resources to get you started. If you make a prop like this (or have already made one), please let us know!
During a recent search of “handmade Halloween” auctions at eBay, I discovered a seller who is sure to impress and delight my fellow Halloween lovers. Among the pumpkin covered hair clips and collaged Halloween cards, the gory goods from sleepyhallowprops really grab your attention. The store is run by Erik, a high school student trying to make money for the summer up into October. His specialty is butchered limbs, so if you’re planning on Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Saw themed decor this year then you know where to go.
Erik says, “I love Halloween and have been making props and decorating my front yard since I was little. This summer I decided I would take my skills and use them to make some extra money and to make quality homemade props that people can enjoy too. I will be making props to be regularly listed on eBay until the end of October. I am creating and sketching out new plans for more props that I will be making and selling soon. I am hoping soon to open my own Halloween prop website and selling homemade Halloween props.”
PS- Only 60 days until Halloween! And Happy Birthday to our resident 365 Halloween zombie, Sean!
When hinges creak in doorless chambers, and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still. 
That is the time when deals are present and you should create your own Haunted Mansion with full size working replicas from Gothic Manner. Was that cheesy enough for you? That’s right foolish mortals, everything from the coveted Haunted Mansion Gate Plaque, the infamous 4 stretched paintings, the all-knowing Madame Leota, and even the wallpaper and doors in the spooky hallways. It’s all there and it’s all on sale.
They only have one sale a year, and this is it! It’s over October 2nd, so remember to act quick because some items vanish without a trace before then. As a special bonus for those who deck out their mansion with over $250 worth of ghastly goods will get a special gift. Those who get even more spooky decor will get even more free gifts.
For those of us who want to know the secrets behind the magic of the Haunted Mansion look no further than GrimGhosts.com secrets of the major effects.
