Fog Machines, Strobes, ..general props
Page under construction (sorry about the dust)
When buying a fog machine don't simply think "any fog machine will do" ...otherwise you'll soon come unstuck.
The colder it is outdoors the more power it will need to heat it's plate (on which the fog-juice evaporates)
I sometimes struggle with a 1200w unit if it's outside all night.
So with that in mind always endeavour to ensure it is inside with a hose feed going outside.
Confused? ..don't want to let the cold in? fair enough try running water pipe insulating foam strips on the edge of the open window which can then be pulled to & pretty much closed simply allowing the feeder hose outside whilst the house stays warm.
(but i'll demonstrate that another time.
My favourite fogger is the Constant FX 1200w fog machine, its construction is exceedingly durable (if maintained & cleaned out) although for small blasts I've been known to use a small Asda / Walmart unit (around 500w) which allows an infra red remote to be used, very handy!
As time allows we'll play around with foggers & test out low lying fog to deal with windy environments & give your set up the best chance & maximum coverage.
Strobe lights can be aimed into fog generated via a fog machine to make a creepy and disorientating effect.
You should aim the light either up or down through the fog, not directly in the direction your visitors will be coming from.
When buying a fog machine don't simply think "any fog machine will do" ...otherwise you'll soon come unstuck.
The colder it is outdoors the more power it will need to heat it's plate (on which the fog-juice evaporates)
I sometimes struggle with a 1200w unit if it's outside all night.
So with that in mind always endeavour to ensure it is inside with a hose feed going outside.
Confused? ..don't want to let the cold in? fair enough try running water pipe insulating foam strips on the edge of the open window which can then be pulled to & pretty much closed simply allowing the feeder hose outside whilst the house stays warm.
(but i'll demonstrate that another time.
My favourite fogger is the Constant FX 1200w fog machine, its construction is exceedingly durable (if maintained & cleaned out) although for small blasts I've been known to use a small Asda / Walmart unit (around 500w) which allows an infra red remote to be used, very handy!
As time allows we'll play around with foggers & test out low lying fog to deal with windy environments & give your set up the best chance & maximum coverage.
Strobe lights can be aimed into fog generated via a fog machine to make a creepy and disorientating effect.
You should aim the light either up or down through the fog, not directly in the direction your visitors will be coming from.
simple strobes ..use the plural ..strobeS
Either you can simply let it strobe or you can set up 2 together in the same spot for a more realistic lightning effect.
A favourite of mine when time is running short is to have one flickering on & off in an upstairs window with a noose visible, ...body optional! ..takes minutes to set up, can be left to run all night, ..very effective.
Steer away from battery operated strobes though the flicker is more flash, flash, & not a true "eye & brain messing" effect!
The strobe pictured is actually classed as a mini strobe, around 15-20 watts available for £10 or less via the usual selling venues, this has a proper bulb & true strobe effect, but 2 often at a reduced price & play around, 2 are enough to create a good effect in your average room for best effect.
Strobes have a speed controller so you can match up to your required speed & effect.
Avoid led strobes for all but pumpkin lighting!
For indoor use only, ..however if used outdoors save some plastic ice cream containers or similar in order to protect them from the weather & moisture ingression.
Of course there are much bigger units available, however I'd state that you'd still want 2 or more to replicate a basic lightning effect, & for anyone on a budget, like myself we tend to start at the smaller, lower end price range of things..
A favourite of mine when time is running short is to have one flickering on & off in an upstairs window with a noose visible, ...body optional! ..takes minutes to set up, can be left to run all night, ..very effective.
Steer away from battery operated strobes though the flicker is more flash, flash, & not a true "eye & brain messing" effect!
The strobe pictured is actually classed as a mini strobe, around 15-20 watts available for £10 or less via the usual selling venues, this has a proper bulb & true strobe effect, but 2 often at a reduced price & play around, 2 are enough to create a good effect in your average room for best effect.
Strobes have a speed controller so you can match up to your required speed & effect.
Avoid led strobes for all but pumpkin lighting!
For indoor use only, ..however if used outdoors save some plastic ice cream containers or similar in order to protect them from the weather & moisture ingression.
Of course there are much bigger units available, however I'd state that you'd still want 2 or more to replicate a basic lightning effect, & for anyone on a budget, like myself we tend to start at the smaller, lower end price range of things..
Gaffer tape, duct tape, duck tape, carpet tape...anything to keep kids quiet really!
Ahh how I love this stuff, ..the single halloween decorators friend, like the extra pair of hands you need in a hurry! ..(but she's slunk off shopping)!
Perfect for rigging up allsorts, pinning "stuff" (even people) down, reinforcing, sticking stuff together to make shapes to dress up for props, perfect for quickly mounting a landscape fabric dark area, ..sectioning off a room / window etc..
Trust me you can never have enough of this! same go's for a packet of drawing pins, cable ties anything to get the job done (& stay up) before the first children pound at your door, dressed as fairies long before dusk, it's optional whether to turn them away for not dressing appropriately for the occasion, ..I mean, come on, "pink fairies" ???
Just remember to carry a craft knife to tear it all down afterwards, teeth are there to chew on better things than this!
Perfect for rigging up allsorts, pinning "stuff" (even people) down, reinforcing, sticking stuff together to make shapes to dress up for props, perfect for quickly mounting a landscape fabric dark area, ..sectioning off a room / window etc..
Trust me you can never have enough of this! same go's for a packet of drawing pins, cable ties anything to get the job done (& stay up) before the first children pound at your door, dressed as fairies long before dusk, it's optional whether to turn them away for not dressing appropriately for the occasion, ..I mean, come on, "pink fairies" ???
Just remember to carry a craft knife to tear it all down afterwards, teeth are there to chew on better things than this!
Weed blocker Landscaping Material ...pitch black, straight of the roll
A cheap & re-useable means of effectively blacking out large areas, covering general mess, as a basis for semi hiding props, & especially good for making a black screen to lurk behind & jump out at the children in costume, before slipping back into the fog of night...
Available at all good garden centres & d.i.y. stores.
Available at all good garden centres & d.i.y. stores.
Black lights &/ U.V. strip lights
A decent length Ultra violet light is a wonderful thing.
Although some smaller props can display well via the use of LED's theres nothing quite like the low energy CFL glow of a UV which covers a decent area.These produce much more ultraviolet light than most any other type of bulbs. The most common sizes for black light tubes are 18, 24 & a whopping 48 inches in length. The larger the bulb, the more black light "throw" is produced. These types of bulbs also use much less power than other types and do not generate anywhere near as much heat, making them much safer to use. The best type of black light for general purpose Halloween glow-in-the-dark lighting fx. an 18 inch variety in the above style is typically just under £20 delivered.
Don't bother with the simple "bulb" versions, having tried one, I was extremely disappointed, save your money & invest in a u.v. tube set in a holder, controllable safe & casts a strong glow on the area you choose to make "glow"
Although some smaller props can display well via the use of LED's theres nothing quite like the low energy CFL glow of a UV which covers a decent area.These produce much more ultraviolet light than most any other type of bulbs. The most common sizes for black light tubes are 18, 24 & a whopping 48 inches in length. The larger the bulb, the more black light "throw" is produced. These types of bulbs also use much less power than other types and do not generate anywhere near as much heat, making them much safer to use. The best type of black light for general purpose Halloween glow-in-the-dark lighting fx. an 18 inch variety in the above style is typically just under £20 delivered.
Don't bother with the simple "bulb" versions, having tried one, I was extremely disappointed, save your money & invest in a u.v. tube set in a holder, controllable safe & casts a strong glow on the area you choose to make "glow"
"Donna of the Dead" animated wailing banshee prop ..with u.v. lights
A great noise maker, although set her in a covered rainproof outdoor area (porch) unless you wish to keep clapping in order to activate her all night long!
Makes for a great singular window or wall display, intended to be set up in a DARK, breeze free area.
Donna is typically found only in the LARGEST Asda stores here in the UK for around £12-15 she's worth it as a prop, very well built, assembles in seconds, led's glow & reflect well on her white ragged outfit.
Runs on AA batteries (I use 7-dayshop.com own brand)
Keep the box for storing her out of season.
To enhance the glow, add a black weed blocker backdrop wherever you hang her in order to max out the "floating effect" of her in motion.
A firm favourite with children of all ages.
Makes for a great singular window or wall display, intended to be set up in a DARK, breeze free area.
Donna is typically found only in the LARGEST Asda stores here in the UK for around £12-15 she's worth it as a prop, very well built, assembles in seconds, led's glow & reflect well on her white ragged outfit.
Runs on AA batteries (I use 7-dayshop.com own brand)
Keep the box for storing her out of season.
To enhance the glow, add a black weed blocker backdrop wherever you hang her in order to max out the "floating effect" of her in motion.
A firm favourite with children of all ages.
Tattered Halloween window cloth..
Distressed, tattered, torn & shredded appearance cloth gives great visual impact of the area being deserted and dilapidated, ...very creepy when used correctly.
This product is now sold in most department stores as a regular Halloween decoration.
The material used for this cloth is generally a thin, gauze-type fabric that is made to look old straight out of the pack. Colors available are off white, black and green. You can easily cut or tear it to create the look you want.
Most are flame retardant, but be sure to check the package before purchasing!
Whether you hang or drape it, consider addng a drape twist to add focal impact rather tan simply having it pinned up covering a complete window,combined with a flickering light effect you can really enhance simple material that makes your house a showcase once the sun go's down!If pinning your fabric up use a sharpie marker to colour the drawing pin heads, helping the overall effect (we use this for props to keep them properly dressed in high winds too.
This product is now sold in most department stores as a regular Halloween decoration.
The material used for this cloth is generally a thin, gauze-type fabric that is made to look old straight out of the pack. Colors available are off white, black and green. You can easily cut or tear it to create the look you want.
Most are flame retardant, but be sure to check the package before purchasing!
Whether you hang or drape it, consider addng a drape twist to add focal impact rather tan simply having it pinned up covering a complete window,combined with a flickering light effect you can really enhance simple material that makes your house a showcase once the sun go's down!If pinning your fabric up use a sharpie marker to colour the drawing pin heads, helping the overall effect (we use this for props to keep them properly dressed in high winds too.
SIMPLE "FLICKERING LAMP"
OK, so you know by now how much I love my howler lights yes? ..yes!
Due to the fact that U.S. special effect lightning & flicker props are out of our league (& on 120volt supply) we have to make our own props & get creative.
For this you'll simply need a shaded lamp, possibly some gaffer / duct tape or wire & duct tape to make it stick together.
UNPLUG your lamp & stick some gaffer tape over the plug so it's rendered unuseable!
1st remove the bulb from the lamp, store it safely.
remove the lamp shade (if applicable)
secure a "TRADITIONAL" flicker effect howler to the lamp so it plays light at the best possible, maximum illumination light play.. (so possibly at a right angle) casting it's light up, down & around.
replace the lampshade, test it out & play around with the angle it's secured at, place in an otherwise pitch black upstairs window.
If fitted correctly it will give the impression of a spooky, messed up, old possibly ghostly "interfered with" power supply..
I'll add pictures next time I make one!
Due to the fact that U.S. special effect lightning & flicker props are out of our league (& on 120volt supply) we have to make our own props & get creative.
For this you'll simply need a shaded lamp, possibly some gaffer / duct tape or wire & duct tape to make it stick together.
UNPLUG your lamp & stick some gaffer tape over the plug so it's rendered unuseable!
1st remove the bulb from the lamp, store it safely.
remove the lamp shade (if applicable)
secure a "TRADITIONAL" flicker effect howler to the lamp so it plays light at the best possible, maximum illumination light play.. (so possibly at a right angle) casting it's light up, down & around.
replace the lampshade, test it out & play around with the angle it's secured at, place in an otherwise pitch black upstairs window.
If fitted correctly it will give the impression of a spooky, messed up, old possibly ghostly "interfered with" power supply..
I'll add pictures next time I make one!
Floating Pumpkin Hanger
Floating Pumpkin Hangers are a simple but innovative product that suspends jack-o-lanterns safely, securely, and invisibly from almost any hanging location. They flicker and sway in the wind, creating the illusion of haunted, living jack-o-lanterns.
Kit comes with suspension assembly (corrosion-resistant aircraft cable and metal disc), 2 plastic lid-locking screws, 2 metal anchoring screws, and a plastic suspension tie.
So if you've a tree branch spare, or have hanging baskets why not suspend a thinned out pumpkin as a beacon or spooky face, I've had one suspended in high winds for the best part of a month, people walking beneath it, (me bumping my head on it) simple, yet so well thought out! ..very secure including the lid.
I love these & will be buying more.
A great way to display!
Available from zombie pumpkins, click the photo to open a direct link to Ryans shocking shop!
Kit comes with suspension assembly (corrosion-resistant aircraft cable and metal disc), 2 plastic lid-locking screws, 2 metal anchoring screws, and a plastic suspension tie.
So if you've a tree branch spare, or have hanging baskets why not suspend a thinned out pumpkin as a beacon or spooky face, I've had one suspended in high winds for the best part of a month, people walking beneath it, (me bumping my head on it) simple, yet so well thought out! ..very secure including the lid.
I love these & will be buying more.
A great way to display!
Available from zombie pumpkins, click the photo to open a direct link to Ryans shocking shop!
Cheap as chips ..Chalk Body Outline
Steal chalk from your child, locate the cheapest can of hairspray laquer you can find...(pop down to your local chemists)
Get a small child / person to lay down & outline round them, chalk it & then go over it.
Now seal it with hairspray, make sure it's on your driveway not the street,as the hair laquer sealing lasts a good while before fading away! ..otherwise your neighbours may get a tad upset!
If you don't seal the outline it will simply be trodden away by hordes of feet before it even gets dark.
Consider using a few props as evidence of the kill, such as a toy knife, gun, ...etc these can be marked numerically like you see on CSI etc...
Crime scene tape isn't always necessary, & it's not actually cheap, whereas the actual body shape "visual" is understood even by munchkins.
Get a small child / person to lay down & outline round them, chalk it & then go over it.
Now seal it with hairspray, make sure it's on your driveway not the street,as the hair laquer sealing lasts a good while before fading away! ..otherwise your neighbours may get a tad upset!
If you don't seal the outline it will simply be trodden away by hordes of feet before it even gets dark.
Consider using a few props as evidence of the kill, such as a toy knife, gun, ...etc these can be marked numerically like you see on CSI etc...
Crime scene tape isn't always necessary, & it's not actually cheap, whereas the actual body shape "visual" is understood even by munchkins.