Planning for Props

Okay - my house flooded and I have changed jobs and am no longer able to access blogspot or other normal websites during the day (i.e., hotmail). So I'm a little behind. I realize that Halloween is coming very soon so let's get going. NOW is the time to start decorating!

If you're going to use any elaborate props or mechanical contraptions to haunt your home for Halloween, it's a little late but don't be discouraged!



For the most part, I've gone low tech or used store-bought props in the past. Maybe next year I will get around to bewitching my husband into helping me build something that moves. Now is the time to start thinking about what you want to do.



Store-Bought Props:

A lot of stores have sales going on. It's also good to shop before everything has been picked over.



Here are a few of my favorites stores:

• Michael's - They're website is useless, except for one purpose. They post their weekly ads on the website and if you sign up for their e-mail list, they mail you coupons to use in the store. Just the other day, I used a 40% off coupon on an animated witch trick-or-treeter greeter.


• The Fright Catalog - This store has everything from tombstones and bats to serious animatronics. The "Ratzo Creeper" and "Animated Hex" animatronics really creep me out.


• Haunted Props - There stuff tends to be on the more expensive side, but it is cool to look at.


• Fright Props - This store has a lot of pneumatic parts for DIY'ers. It also has some gruesome foam creatures.


• Oriental Trading Company - This is a good source for party supplies such as plates, cups, and basic decorations. It's also a good source for cheap, smaller decorations like a tabletop cemetery kit or door decorations.


• Local party supply stores - They tend to start stocking Halloween stuff around now. I would not go anywhere near these stores after October 15 because they can be super crowded, but for now they can be a lot of fun.

If you're shopping online, always check Retail Me Not for coupon codes.

DIY Projects:
Besides my edible creations, my DIY projects have consisted of ghosts, a wreath, tombstones and now a grim reaper. I will post detailed instructions of some of my DIY projects with photos in my next blog.

There are a lot more creative people out there though! There are individual pages here and there, but The Monster List of Halloween Projects has literally accumulated a MONSTER LIST of Halloween projects, with directions or links to other websites with directions.

This site has a lot more basic, non-mechanical props for your cemetary: Halloween Dark Site. I have made the grim reaper using the basic directions fromt their site and it was super easy!

Also - Buy or start making your costume NOW!!!! The longer you wait - the fewer the choices and the longer the lines. Don't procrastinate! Just pick something (hint, hint to Mr. Baker!)!

It's less than 30 days to Halloween! So start celebrating and start making stuff now to avoid the last minute rush.