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.

C.R.A.P. Files 001

Back in the 90’s I was really into collecting sci fi and horror toys.

After we had our kids I sort of toned down on the collecting and due to lack of space packed them away where they have sat for close to a decade.

Collecting stuff takes up a lot of space…around 30 rubber totes and boxes filled to the brim to be exact.

My better half continues to suggest I get rid of the “crap” as she calls it.

Yes it is crap but in my world crap stands for “Collectibles Retained And Packed” and for some odd reason I thought it would be enjoyable to start exploring the content of the boxes and sort of catalog my goods.

The first box I opened contained my Star Wars Phantom Menace collectible (see there is that word again) cups.

The cups were available at Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut when the movie premiered in 1999. I’m a Star Wars geek and these were too good to pass up at the time.

And you know what? I still like them….yup, I still like them.

SCORE: Burlap

My wife surprised me with a dozen old burlap bags that she picked up at a rummage sale for a couple of bucks.

As luck would have it I am planning three new characters for our display that will be cloaked in burlap…happy coincidence or fate?

August Projects: Asylum Skulls

You can never have too many skulls for Halloween and here is one box, yes there’s more.

These were created using a new technique I’m working on…when done they will feature movable jaws.

They are called “Asylum Skulls” because they are being created for a specific project…more on that later.