Walls are JUST about done, just need to put the hooks in for the rear chains and drill screws for the cauldron lights.

The pipes and clamps are assembled and rusted up. They just need to be attached to the walls and it’s good to go. Think I’m gonna need to buy some screws for the clamps though, don’t think I have the right size on hand. Can’t wait to finish these panels up. They’ve been fun but I still have 100 million other things to get done.

Made a good big of progress on the wall panels which will serve as a facade in front of our garage. The large opening leads into an internal room in the garage. The other smaller opening is still in the deciding stages. Since the walls depict a sewer like setting, I’m considering making it a small alcove with a faux ladder leading down into darkness and perhaps something climbing out. If I do go that route it would just beg to have a bottomless pit add-on next year or so.

The material I bought last year for the surface of the walls sucks ass though. Took an entire gallon of paint to base coat 4 4×8 panels because it kept soaking up the paint. And doing a running wash was difficult at best because the watered down paint kept going in the pores and drifting to one side instead of downward. The rusted pipes on the other hand are coming out really well. I just need to paint the connectors and mount them to the walls.

Well, I finally got around to doing some monster mud. Was interesting but I wouldn’t say I’m addicted to it yet. I’m actually quite proud of the way this is turning out. But man they aren’t kidding, that stuff is heavy (and not in a Marty McFly kinda way either). I had to dip each end separately and I still didn’t get it 100% soaked. I ended up having to smooth on spots with my hands. All she needs is a few coats of paint and she’s done.

Tonight I started working on my witch jars that will hang in the front tree. They’re coming along nicely but I’m definitely no Rot (Pumpkinrot). Its been a learning experience though and a lot of fun.  I might have gotten a little over zealous with the blood splatters.

Got the initial sanding and joint compound done. Will need another round of sanding by hand once the JC is dry (ie: tomorrow).  This project is moving along nicely and can’t wait to finish it. I made a couple nicks here and there with the electric sander but I smoothed them out a little and will just chalk it up to aging technique. Might even do some cracks and whatnot with the soldering iron tomorrow.

More progress on the crypt. All pieces glued together. Tomorrow I will do some sanding and smooth out the edges, give it a wipe down to clean the dust, then fill in the cracks with joint compound. Progress pictures below with more pictures found under Constructs.

Well, finally getting out of my post move funk (being in the hospital last week didn’t help either) – yeah I know, took me long enough. I think I get a buzz out of working under pressure. And well, the pressure is on because it’s Halloween crunch time and I hadn’t done jack shit until now. So anyways, I’ve gotten the general theme and yard plan sketched out. I’ve decided to work on the major large scale props first before doing any character additions. This year’s large prop additions are:

. Finish those damn wall panels I started last year (not really all that much left to do, all detail work now).
. Do that crypt/sarcophagus I had been meaning to do now for two years. And this is what I’ve been currently doing.

For the crypt, I’ve been inspired by the work going on over at the Davis House (those guys do some amazing work). If time permits I’ll be animating the lid to this much like the Hallowed Haunting Grounds had done. I’ve got most of the foam cut, just a few pieces to go. Then its glue time and then my virginal venture in monster mud before painting.

Other Updates

I know I’ve got some updates to do to the Hauntcast Android App.  With everything going on post move and prepping for Halloween I haven’t even fired up the development environment since before the move. I promise folks I haven’t forgotten about you. To sweeten the deal, in addition to the bug fixes, I’ll throw in some bonus features when I do get around to it to at least make it worth this wait.

The realms of Faegoria are a bit rooted in fae legends with a twist of Halloween. Most of the darker reaches of Faegoria are ruled by the various houses of the Samhain Court. In Faegorian mythos, the lords of the houses have been cited as an original source of inspiration for Jack-o-Lanterns. In fact the very name Jack is attributed to Lord Jack Orion of House Orion. Lord Jack Orion (pictured below) was known as the trickster and the lord of theives and may very well also be the origin of the popular seasonal catch-phrase “Trick or Treat”.

Their facial features are very gourd like and range in various pale rotting shades of orange with coarse sickly green hair. Jack tends to keep his pulled back in a style akin to Chinese monks further lending to the likeness of a pumpkin. Their necks are slightly elongated and hunched over. If not for gourdish heads they could easily be mistaken for Skeksis.

The Samhain Court is comprised of several other houses and lords but this year I’m probably only going to concentrate on Jack.

UPDATE: Colorized the sketch

Halloween is quick approaching boys and ghouls with only 143 more days to go. As things get sorted out at the new haunt I’m gearing up for a new segment here called “What’s He Building In There?”. The segment will take a look at some of the things I’m working on and the thought processes behind them.