New Etsy Pumpkins WIP

Granted they don’t look like much now…..

Currently working on a new collection of special“themed” pumpkins to put in my Etsy store next week.

Using a new technique to make these guys and will post the detailed construction information once they are complete.

Project Runway

My television viewing habits are pretty non-existent except for The Weather Channel and CNN in the morning while I check email and have my coffee.

There is one exception and I will probably take some shit for posting this.

I love Project Runway.

First off I don’t much about fashion, I’m a jeans and t-shirt sort of guy…give me a pair of Reeboks and a baseball cap and that’s about as far as it goes for my fashion statement.

Secondly I don’t much about sewing or fabrics other than burlap works well to make scarecrows and tulle makes great ghosts.

Back in the 70’s I took a home economics class and made a lovely apron so I guess I’m not a complete virgin.

Project Runway rocks because it is about the only place where you can catch a glimpse of the creative process at work. (and watch the creative process fail)

Watching Project Runway forces me to think, I participate in my mind along with the contestants finding a solution to the challenge presented.

I love watching how people handle criticism and find it interesting to see who has the good sense to edit their ideas.

The show features some of typical drama found on reality television but in the end it showcases creativity and the human thought process.

Project Runway is my weekly dose of comfort, even though I don’t have a clue when it comes to fashion I can still relate to the process, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

You now know where to find me on Thursday nights!

Mmmm!

One of the great things about this time of year, bring it on!

Concept to Completion

Original Concept Art

Completed Papier Mache

Over on STOLLOWEEN.com I have been documenting the progress of my undead pumpkin build for Scott Alan Dimmick, the winner of a pumpkin on the STOLLOWEEN Facebook page.

It is sort of fun to look at the original concept artwork and the final piece. The finished piece is pretty close to the original concept.

I really enjoy working on pieces that are well mapped out, it takes the guess work our of the process and in a way sort of speeds things up but…I also enjoy working without a game plan and making things up as I go along…both processes work for me so I do a little of both in my prop building endeavors.

Q&A: Liquid Starch

I’ve been fielding a lot of questions lately regarding where to find liquid starch.

First using starch is not a necessity for making papier mache paste, it’s just my preference so if you can’t find it don’t sweat it.

Liquid starch is available in the laundry detergent section of most grocery stores, or a least it is in my area.

The brand I use is called Sta-Flo concentrated liquid starch and runs about $2.70 for 64 fluid ounces.

It is also possible to make your own liquid starch by mixing corn starch and boiling water, this is a recipe I found via Google.

1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water

Mix and keep stirring while you pour in about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of boiling water depending on how stiff you need.

It should stay clear.

Regarding C.R.A.P. Files 002

I wish I had the name of the person that sells the ceramic figurines featured in my previous post.

The best I can do is to point you a supplier of the unpainted Halloween bisque.

Looks like there are ten different characters, seems I'm missing the Witch and Frankenstein.

After looking at the website I must say I really love the way mine are painted in a monochromatic fashion.

Here's the link.

C.R.A.P. Files 002

More “Collectibles Retained and Packed” although using the word crap is sort of insulting for these pieces.

These small ceramic pieces have a ton of character, feature light up eyes and are wonderfully painted.

I have obtained one or two each year from a local craft show held at a cool apple farm that really knows how to celebrate Halloween.

I’m not sure how many different characters are available but you can be sure that I will head back to the craft show this September to complete my collection.