Projects your working on.

[Frosty]

Post your projects your working on.

[CandyCane]

Christmas projects? Sheesh, I haven't even finished cleaning up after Halloween.

[NJWilk]

I'm trying to sort through the Halloween supplies and props as I'm packing things up, figuring out what stuff will be re-used for Christmas. Spotights, extension cords, tape, glue, rebar, wire, speakers, all the obvious. Keep a fogger accessible to use for train smokestack. A couple of flickering lanterns to put along the railroad tracks. Some of the spookytown also belongs with the Christmas village. Hmm, wonder if I can use the animated trasure chest as a toy chest, with something more cheerful-looking than the skeleton popping up?

[Clarice]

Baking and candy making. I make goodies for 15 family and friends. 1000's of cookies, dozens of snack size cakes, and 1000's of pieces of candy. I usually don't get started in time (although every year my intentions are good) to make goodies for my own family. Maybe this year I'll actually get candy and cakes made for us.:rolleyes:

[Mistress Muffy]

Clarice.....I know the feeling! !000's of pcs. of candy TAKE TIME!

We try to work on stuff as best we can and this year we did get some Halloween stuff done but nothing toward the xmas decorations. Our goal is to work toward a Gingerbread House look so last year we just made a few 6ft. candy canes & some candy pcs..

Today we just went over the patterns to see what we need to do. We will be cutting small canes & candy pcs. for inside the house. We have a Nutcracker soldier that is 6ft., one of the gingerbread houses from Winfield Patterns, and some snowflakes....so we can get them cut....but time to paint...mmmm....gotta work on that. More design ideas will be put on paper for where we will try & take the look of the house. Next year frames of candy canes around the windows.

So we got an idea.

Muf

[Frosty]

Trying to get my dads old Lionel train from when he was a kid (i think the date was 1956) going i need 1033 transformer for it though and some re wiring and cleaning it up. This thing has everything you can imagine. Only if i can figure out how to hook the accessories up. I dont think but 5 or 6 carts though. I thought it be kinda cool to go around the tree and all.

[Sickie Ickie]

gotta try to make a slot/tab sleigh and raindeer this year. Mis, do you have pics of your candy?

[spookineer]

Nothing on the drawing board yet, but my imagination is running amuck with ideas for animated Christmas props.

[Sickie Ickie]

I must admit, I LOVE the idea of Santa hanging by his foot from lights!

[Mistress Muffy]

Sickie Ickie there are some albums at the bottom of the page on the below link that shows candy I made for a Veterans party.

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=muffy7

also at: www.collinschocolates.com

We are mostly wholesalers as the web site is not open yet. I got behind with Hubbies surgery and such but the site should be open soon. There are some pictures there.

Muf

[woodmizer]

Heres a couple of ornaments I started last year for the tree but never had the time to finish, im going to sculpt a few more from the movie and finish this up first thing this year.
They are made from latex.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/playfx/heads107.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/playfx/heads099.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/playfx/heads104.jpg

[CandyCane]

Wow, I love those, woodmizer!

[woodmizer]

Thanks, they were fun to do, I just have to get them done this year!

[Sickie Ickie]

That's fantastic! Wish I could sculpt like that!

[Mummy deer-est]

really detailed -- just great.

[Sickie Ickie]

Do you sculpt from latex, or clay sculpt and then cast in latex?

[woodmizer]

I sculp in clay and cast in latex, the mold is made from ultracal 30. These are hollow so I need to foam fill them and my plan was to put some holly or something on the back to cover the foam.

[Ms. Parker]

Wow! You are a guy of many talents!!!!!!!!

[CandyCane]

Wow MM, your goodies look great.

[Sickie Ickie]

you peeping in her window again? :p

[buddytheelf]

The only thing I make for christmas is my cinniomen puffy pie. Ummm.

[CandyCane]

you peeping in her window again? :p

LOL...I didn't have to peep, she showed 'em to me. In fact, she showed 'em to everybody!

[CandyCane]

The only thing I make for christmas is my cinniomen puffy pie. Ummm.

Mmmm yummy, so ya gonna post a recipe?

[bethene]

love the grinch!!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I'm working on making an FM transmitter setup to broadcast the music from my cheapo Light Controller to radio instead of having it blaring out into the yard thru the speaker.
Neighbors might appreciate that.

[childofthenight]

I don't have any Ideas ,yet .but I'll be making cookies with my wife, lots and loooooots of cookies.I'd love to make props like I do for halloween.some reason the creativity just isnt there hmmmmm.

[Frosty]

Working on a runway down the driveway and a land here sign.

[Mummy deer-est]

Any pictures yet, Frosty? Sounds like a great idea.

[Frosty]

I only have 1 section done ill get a picture of that if you want? I have 11 more 10 foot sections to go.

[Mummy deer-est]

Yes please! what are you making it out of?

[Frosty]

1X2'S and minilights takes 100 light string for two 1x2's. Im going to have the strings blink first string then second set then 3rd set with a simple light controller. its going to have 600 lights. http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff126/FrostnSnow/?action=view&current=christmas006.jpg

ignore the clutter i cant get things picked up before i start another prject.

[Sickie Ickie]

What a neat idea! I can't wait to see that pregress!

[Frosty]

Here is one side done and they are side by side b/c i dont have 60 foot room. I need some black outs and need to adjust a few bulbs so they look all straight. This is just a test so....When its setup in the driveway all will be straight and extra lights will be black out but you get the idea.

http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff126/FrostnSnow/?action=view&current=christmas008.flv

[Mummy deer-est]

looking good!

[Frosty]

Thanks

Photobucket doesnt do it justice though they steal all the quality from pictures and video :(

[Sickie Ickie]

It provides the idea, though. Man this is gonna be great!

[Frosty]

is this better?

http://img532.imageshack.us/my.php?image=christmas009mz7.flv

[Frosty]

Sign so far.

[AngelEye]

Don't have to do much other than just finish decorating in general. But something I start doing around Christmas time are sewing crossstitches of Christmas scenes. I have some Christmas Cat scenes to work on. Then everything is complete!

[putrid]

Got the trunk for the main tree drilled and stained. Now I'll go through and re bend some of the branches so they're all held the right way. ( some stick out, some hang down to far) Once this is done I plan on making a poinsettia tree. Been collecting these fake flowers for a few years now. After Christmas .25 cents a bundle and auctions. Got a few boxes full. Hopefully enough for a 4 ft cone.

Still working on the new web site. I took pics and wrote lots of notes wile working on the tree trunk so I guess that'll be my first how to. Will do the same when I do the poinsettia tree.

this is an idea I had and for fun I'll just post it here. Usually I'll go threw 4 or 5 ideas before something looks good so if this flops you'll know why. LOL I have about a half can of Great Stuff left from Halloween 2006. Someone posted a way to keep this stuff usable after the first time. Figure over a year ought to be long enough to see if it works. LOL Plenty of pine cones left and more on the ground outside. I was thinking of wiring three of them together in a zig zag elongated form. Use the foam on top of the cones and paint up like snow. If it works it'll be a how to. If it looks like a Halloween prop you'll have to wait till then. LOL

[B Merry]

Frosty,

The run way is looking great. Can't wait to see it finished. Just wanted to let you know that if you are looking for a better place to upload video you should try www.putfile.com. They don't convert the video into flash so it maintains its clarity.

Happy Holidays.

[Frosty]

Sign is done! Thats reflection from the tree :) and things are under contruction bare with the wall....

[Sickie Ickie]

Looks great, man. Did you use a florescent light inside?

[B Merry]

Love the sign! Your tempting me to stop thinking about building spooky props and make some for Christmas!

[Mummy deer-est]

yay! Love it....

[Sickie Ickie]

Pssssst! That's the idea B merry! :p

[Frosty]

Looks great, man. Did you use a florescent light inside?


No Just one C7 bulb.

[Frosty]

Thanks for all the compliments and thanks B Merry for the putfile link.

[Thecandyman]

For me, I'll just be doing a few little paint up's on some Santa statues,
bought from Micheals craft store.
I think they started to sell these in early Sept. 'I believe that's when we bought these'.
Since these Santa statues have a little basketball mixed in with all the little gifts he's holding/carrying,.
We thaught sports fans might like these as gifts. So I printed out the little team logo as decals, cut and glued them on there suits after painting them in there team colors. :)

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r178/chaosnfx/santasstatuesduke.jpg

[CandyCane]

What a great idea candyman, I think they're adorable.

[Sickie Ickie]

Am I missing something? Where's the logo?

[Mummy deer-est]

On the left Santa you can see "Duke"...

cute idea!

[Sickie Ickie]

Oh...maybe I don't get it because I'm the only guy you will ever meet that has never gotten into sports???

[Thecandyman]

Thanks!
And sorry for the poor qaulity pic. It was a bit blurry..

I do have some more statues that I still need to paint up soon; However, some of those where damaged when we bought them,. Just the 'puff ball' on his hat was missing. We bought them anyway.
My idea to fix this problem is to just sculpt a little poloymer clay into a ball and bake . And glue to the end of the hat. Then paint. I think it will work.

Sickie Ickie, I'm not really a sports fan ethier, but many sports fans like these centered
inside there perspective team wreaths. Wired inside of them, of course' for stableness...
:D

[Sickie Ickie]

Frosty just added his runway light project to Santa's Projects! Thanks buddy!

[Frosty]

I wish i had more detailed pics at the moment but i have been trying to get the shop half way clean so i can get better pictures. It looks like a gorllia tore through there.... OOPS that was me LOL

And i have not forgot the foam hot wire knife. Its something im going to work on this week. :)

and the land here sign i didnt get it finished the way i wanted it this year so i am reworking it so thats another project in the comming weeks

[Xmaslilly]

snowflakes, icicles, more snowmen, potpourri scenters, mini Xmas tree table tops decorations and who knows what else I'll start..and oh yeah Halloween stuff of course.

[Xmaslilly]

Ha Ha Sickie well my hubby not a big sports fan I am..but i Have gotten him to start watching some football woohoo

[Sickie Ickie]

LOL you sports nut you

[putrid]

Not a big sports fan myself Sickie Ickie. Used to watch football every time it was on. Just don't have the time to sit for 2+ hours. And if I tried I'd fall asleep anyway. LOL

Still have two more 9 ft sections of the garland for the kitchen to finish. A friend of mine gathered me up some pine cones from a White pine. The real long ones. Thinking of making a garland with them for the hallway opening. I have enough poinsettias for that 4 ft cone tree so as soon as I can get some wood cut I'll start putting that together. Bought two clear glass Santa heads form Hobby Lobby. Going to spray the insides silver and then paint them up. And I'm sure I'll find more things to start......LOL

[Sickie Ickie]

by paint them up, you mean the marker?

[Xmaslilly]

Putrid you have to make your stuff while watching the game.
I did that last time the Indy game was on, I made 75 hot glue icicles.

Are you using reg sharpie markers or paint markers?

[putrid]

by paint them up, you mean the marker?

The markers only work on plastic. These are glass and will get the linseed oil and oil base paint.


Putrid you have to make your stuff while watching the game.
I did that last time the Indy game was on, I made 75 hot glue icicles.

Are you using reg sharpie markers or paint markers?

You know, that's something I've never done. Tried to watch TV wile making something. Usually I'm in a basement or kitchen with no TV in the room. Guess I'll have to try that. But I do listen to music.

The markers are Sharpie for the plastics. They work well but your limited on color. If the paint markers are oil base then they'd work on glass. If they're acrylic or any water base they'll wash right off. You would have to coat the ornament with Gesso or the like. I tried that with one a few years back and the painting is still on the ball.

Hot glue icicles? Do you have pics? How clear are they? I'm going to try something with spray foam, pine cones and icicles. Right now all I have are the plastic ones and they're only in two sizes. Would work better if I could make my own sizes of icicles. Look more realistic.

[Mummy deer-est]

I use the ZIG Painty Twin paint markers and they are oil based. The label says they are good for plastic, glass, ceramic, metal and more...and I have tried most of these with great results. They are permanent and waterproof too.

[Xmaslilly]

P-thanks for info
I put a thread up here for the icicles
http://www.christmasfanclub.com/showthread.php?t=452

Mums..never heard of those (ZIG) where did you get them...do they come in alot of colors?

[Mummy deer-est]

I got them at Michaels -- I don't think they make too many colors, though. They are all double tipped, with one color on each end. I have the silver/gold, and the christmas red/green. I think they also make a baby blue/pink one. Don't know other than that, sorry.

[Xmaslilly]

No thats good i was really wondering if they had the silver and gold...thanks

[Sickie Ickie]

I love hearing about these projects! Awesome, dudes!

[putrid]

Finished up all 47 ft of garland for the kitchen. Got a change of plans for the hallway arch garland in the living room. Was going to use white 'frosted' pine cones and holly. Now I'm going to paint up a bunch of those plastic ornaments and make an ornament garland. Might still use the pine cones and holly but they wont be the main focal point.

[bethene]

wow, Putrid, 47 ft!! thats amazing. The ornament garland sounds interesting, post a pic when you get working on it!

[Mummy deer-est]

I have thought about doing an ornament garland, but was worried about storing it. I guess with the plastic, it should be pretty well safe and sound. Sounds like a plan, putrid!

[putrid]

Kinda worried about breakage too Mummy deer-est. That's why I haven't done any wreaths or garland with glass. Now that I can mimic the glass look with oil paints I'll give that a try. Was even thinking about doing something with those silk balls. The ones that string themselves to everything. LOL I'll paint them good with laquer or urithane to keep em from becoming colorfull spider webbing.

[Mummy deer-est]

well, you let me know next year how well these things held up in storage, okay? I don't have the money to make it yet, anyway!

[Xmaslilly]

get some of those packing peanuts from ups or something to pack them in, they should be okay in that.

[Sickie Ickie]

Seems to me like you could do a variation of this box for storing it in. like a maze type thang:

http://www.ronhazelton.com/howto/christmas_train_storage_box.htm

[putrid]

The boxes I'm storing the kitchen garlands in are 17 x 21 by 14 deep. Only able to get 3 9 ft sections in each. One box has three, the other has the remaining two and some of the older plastic garlands. In comparison I have 8 of the same type but undecorated garlands in the same size box. All the window, door, picture and garland that runs along the top of the wall goes into an old computer monitor box. And it gets PACKED in tight. I'm stuffing enough garland in one box to make 6 trees. LOL Checked out your link Sickie Ickie. Wouldn't have to make a wood box, just insert the styrofoam into a regular box. Totally cool idea. Think it would be perfect for some one with a glass ornament garland. Or wreath. If I did it I'd divide it in half. Glue a styrofoam 'maze' to the bottom half half the height of the box. Use a piece of cardboard the same size as the box and glue the top half styrofoam to it. You could store a glass ornament garland and matching wreath in the same box.

Mummy deer-est. I used 'Glass Paint' in the past and it's always stored bad. Stuff never dried all the way and would stick to whatever I wrapped it with. If it didn't stick one year it'd stick to something the next. Never had any trouble with acrylics or any of the glittering I've done. (lines, words and the like ). I used the dimensional paint folks paint cloths with to stick the glitter on to the glass. Really hoping the oil and linseed oil mix dries completely. Would really suck to go through all this work to end up with the used toilet paper look. LOL

Haven't started any new projects yet. Going to get the tree and all the garland down and packed away. Want to get rid of one mess before I start another. LOL

[putrid]

Sickie Ickie, I did a variation of the project link you posted out of cardboard and a cardbaord box to store wreaths in Totally works dude. Made a collar to go around the bottom wreath and placed cardboard over it to support the one above. I wont have to fix stored wreaths anymore. Sweet!

Put the ornament garland on hold for a bit. Still going threw and sorting stuff. Right now I have 28 boxes in my living room. Still have to take down the now naked but still with lights tree and garland from the walls. Have a few more boxes to go through in the basement. And more stuff that still needs boxes. Looks like I'm moving. LOL

I have started a new project. Bought two clear glass Santa head ornaments from Hobby Lobby with the intent on painting them to look like old glass. Needed to 'silver' the insides so I tryed to take a cap off. Broke a chunk out of it, the cap is glued on. The break wasn't bad. I used Gorilla glue to piece it back together. So wile I had this hole threw the top of the ornament I sprayed the inside with silver spray paint. Didn't stick...???? Just pooled in the bottom and poured right out when I tipped it over. So I sprayed the outside. That stuck. Sprayed the other one too. Going to use the oil paint and linseed oil to hopefully make these ornaments look like expensive glass. Let ya'll know how they turn out and post pics on the small site when they're done. One thing I do know about the oil and linseed mix. Takes a few days to dry.

Have no idea why the spray paint wouldn't work on the inside of the glass ornament. To much pressure in an enclosed space? But then why wouldn't it stick to the glass after it pooled and I sloshed it around? I think the next time I try this I'll use an acrylic silver on the inside.

[bethene]

can't wait to see them done, putrid!

[Nephew Fred]

As I was taking down the last string of lights off the back of the house,I am determined this year to bulid "fake" icicle boards to place over my eaves.The lights will mount through the back of the board hiding the cords, just the lights poking out. A couple of screws and they are up.I think I will use a thin plywood and paint it gloss white.If I get a prototype I like, I'll post a pic.

[putrid]

Cool idea nephew Fred. Be great to see the pics.
I used icicle lights once. Got tired of flipping them back off the roof. Was at an auction a few weeks back and they had 6 huge bags of icicle lights. Must of had 50 strands in each. I'm not the only one who thinks they're a pain in the a..... The only bid the auctioneer got is when he offered all 6 bags for $1.00.

[putrid]

Still waiting for the oil paint to dry on all three Santa heads. Guess it's the cold weather but it's taking forever. Started a new project wile that's on hold. Adding stuff to the evergreen garland on the archway between the kitchen and living room. A friend gave me 5 full bags of white pine pine cones ( the long ones ). I frosted them with a white primer. Then I frosted some plastic holly by dry brushing and wiping the same primer around all the leaf edges. Plus adding some gold plastic ornaments. All this on a thin and branched garland. It's looking good. I may not have any new ornaments painted up by next year. But I will have some killer garlands. LOL

[Sickie Ickie]

You are not kidding!

$1? Wow! What a steal!

You gotta do a how-to for the wreath box, dude. :D

[putrid]

Yep, 1 buck for the lot of em. I admit they look really cool on the right homes. Not a simple straight roof line like mine.

LOL Guess I'll add the wreath box how-to to the rest of them for the site I'm still trying to get up and going. It's the old saying over and over again,
"Life is what happens when you plan on doing something else."

[putrid]

Finished the archway garland. Got it boxed and in the basement, and I still have room for more. LOL And yes, still waiting for the paint to dry on the glass Santa heads. Have places to be over the weekend so I don't think I'll be starting anything new till next week

[Xmaslilly]

Y i agree the icicles lights are a pain we have about 10 stings hanging in the garage and I think I have 3 or 4 boxes in my workroom pantry. I was thinking of making star frames and using those lights to make big hanging snowflakes someday

[Clarice]

My current project is getting my craft room cleaned up. I've been sorting through yards of fabric, supplies, and this and that so I can start working on actual projects.

[bethene]

I hear ya, Clarice, I need to clean just to find some of the things I am looking for, case in point, I have a large size Q crochet hook, used it in the last year, but don't know where it is now , I am getting frustrated. It is probably some where logical, but I still am having a hard time finding it!

[putrid]

No longer waiting for the paint to dry. LOL gave up on that project. Still have one more trick to try.

I'm changing the toilet paper horse too. Going to make a paper mache Santa to sit on it's back. The Santa will be in a red coat with blue pants. Will also have a green bag of toys and gifts on his back.
This is as far as I've gotten with the horse and deer. ( the horse is the yellow one. Hard to tell when your looking at toilet paper rolls. LOL)

http://home.earthlink.net/~jazzfusion/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/img_0419horseanddreer.jpg

The next image is a paper mache Santa I made last year as an experiment. Think it turned out well enough. Face and all is paper mache.

http://home.earthlink.net/~jazzfusion/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/img_0382papermachesanta.jpg

I'll leave the horse yellow and drop the spots idea. Also will make the tail and main out of snot ragging instead of combed yarn. Thinking about having Santa holding the reigns in one hand and a small tree in the other. Of if I can find one, a small American flag. Be nice to have a working printer.

[bethene]

Great job with the paper mache! You have alot of detail already! Can't wait to see how it turns out!

[Sickie Ickie]

The horse reminds me of the saw horse in the Wizard of Oz books. heh

[putrid]

A horse of a different color of coarse. LOL

[Sickie Ickie]

Wilburrrrrrrrr! :p

[putrid]

A talking horse, a talking mule. A few dogs that could bark out signals and rescue people. And a dolphin that did the same. Not to forget a nun that, because of her hat, could fly. Plus all those folks stuck on an island without sex or fighting. No wonder the people of the 60's took drugs. LOL

[Sickie Ickie]

Visuals and watching the lovely color trails! :p

[Blinky]

Everyone's projects sound so nice.
i 'm working on taking the Santa I made last year and putting a motor in his arm so he can really wave. and may be having him sit on one of those target deers.

I have 3 yards to do this year,lol

[putrid]

Totaly cool Blinky. You planning to use different themes for each yard?

[Blinky]

Totaly cool Blinky. You planning to use different themes for each yard?

yep I will have a all new waving Santa on a reindeer in my yard
Madame X will have the Gingerbread house theme
The Mad House Wife will have the penguins I designed a while back
all with PVC trees and lights and GE sound machines

I just know got the layout of how to make him work from a good friend I think he is on this forum too Terror bob

[bethene]

sounds great Blinky!make sure you get lots of pictures

[Blinky]

The Reason "The Mad House Wife" gets the biggest display is there is joining to be a BIG B-day Party there too. In The Month of Dec we have 4 B-day's and the Oldest B-day is mine. Then Madame X's and Then Sam-I-Am's she wanted it for her B-day present so she could have her class over too. I know there will be plenty of pic if I Live through all that.lol

[Sickie Ickie]

Wow! Buying all those gifts could make ya go broke!

[putrid]

Totally cool Blinky. Must be nice to have that many fellow haunters and Christmas display folks close by.

Made two small bread clay faces for the web site how to and a few projects I'm working on. Plus made the bread clay antlers for the toilet paper roll deer for the project and web site as well. Now I have to figure out how to glue the antlers onto the cardboard deer head. Always something. LOL

[Sickie Ickie]

sounds like you're doing well, Putrid! Seems I have less time right now. I can't wait untill I have time again to do crafts!

[putrid]

I've decided to make time. Turned off the TV. The only thing I do when that thing is on is sleep anyway. LOL Started a new experiment. Making my own paper pulp instead of buying the pre packaged stuff. I'll post what I've done so far.

What's needed
Heavy sauce pan
1 roll of toilet paper
2 cups of water
2 or more drops of dish soap
Spoon to stir with.
Cookie sheet or baking pan.

Add the water and the dish soap to the sauce pan and start to heat up. Tare the toilet paper into small pieces. I just wadded it up and ripped it into chunks. Add to water stirring as you go. When you get all the paper into the pan turn up the heat and boil for 10 minuets stirring all the time. Should look like mash potatoes. When done turn out into cookie sheet and use the spoon to spread it around as thin as you can. When it gets dry enough to handle squeeze out as much of the water as you can and return it to the cookie sheet. Break it up in as small of pieces as you can and let dry.

That's where I am now. Letting it dry. Hopefully this stuff will smooth out when I add glue.

Already got a project in mind to use it on.

[Blinky]

Putrid this new idea of yours sounds cool keep us posted.

well, Sam -I-am knows this is her B-day and Christmas present,since I'm giving her the GE light display for and Christmas present. But as the cryptmaster I get to test dive it for Halloween first I going to hook it to my diplay but turn the sound down so no music just the blinky flashy stuff

[putrid]

Blinky, totally cool. Still wish I had folks around here that did both Halloween and Christmas fanatically.

If you haven't tried it yet DON'T. There are ways of making your own paper mache pulp but none have ever used toilet paper. I wanted to find out why. It doesn't work, that's why. LOL. There's not enough fiber left in toilet paper. It's designed to completely break apart. But all isn't lost. What I ended up with when I tried to reconstitute the pulp into a mache was lots of very small globs that wouldn't stick together. Snow? I'll add a bit of blue coloring to it to get that deep snow look and see if it'll make good looking snow for small displays. Santa and sleigh, Santa on a horse, Santa in old German twig sleigh and so on. Or perhaps mixing the pulp in white latex paint to add a snow texture to stuff. If that works it'd be a lot cheaper than buying those small jars of 'snow paint'. (I don't except defeat. If I have to I'll add it to potting soil and use it as slow release fertilizer. LOL)

In case it does work I need to make a revision on the recipe above.

4 cups of water instead of 2.
Cook for 5 minuets instead of 10.

You can speed up the drying process. After squeezing out as much water as you can by hand put the cookie sheet into a 200 oven for a few minuets.

I'm going to make this work for something.

[Blinky]

(I don't except defeat.) thats the way to go !!! If we all quit at the first try have the stuff we make would not be born..

[Sickie Ickie]

Why not put the roll, minus the brown tube, into the blender? I'm sure it would chop it into a nice powder.

I think the most recent thing I've seen with paper is by cutting blue jeans up into !" squares.

[Blinky]

" is by cutting blue jeans up into !" squares." quoted from sickie

she is till wearing them sickie, and they are her best pair too.!!

[Sickie Ickie]

That's why it's so exciting! :p

[putrid]

Maybe that's why it doesn't work. I left the roll in. JK LOL. It's really not the process it's the paper itself. Toilet paper has no fiber left in it. I've heard of folks using the shiny adds you get with the newspapers or brown shipping paper to get good results. The main problem with these is it's best to boil outside. They stink BAD when heated up. I've got a grill but will have to wait till the weather turns better. It's all rain and mud right now. Plus it's not a good idea to use a gas grill this time of year. End up using more gas because your fighting against the cold weather as well.

Well I tried the boiled toilet paper with acrylic paint. It adds volume to the paint but the texture is bad. Big difference between latex and acrylic so I still have that to try. Haven't come up with anything else to do with it yet. Nothing that would justify going threw all of that to make anyway. Can't use it as slow release fertilizer. It's been bleached. Bleach turns to salt as it decays. Salt isn't good for house plants.

Sickie Ickie, if heard of folks adding materials to paper pulp or mache to make them stronger. Lots of things have been used in the past for mache. This stuff is historically older than Egypt.

[bethene]

Have you ever heard of dryer lint clay? The recipe is form Black Cat on hauntforum, I have n't tried it but sounds interesting, simular to clay mache. except a whole lot cheaper.
Dryer Lint Clay
1/3 cup warm water
approximately 2 cups dryer lint
6 Tablespoons cheaperst white glue you can find
1 tablespoon liquid dish detergent
Mix until smooth, not wer, add lint if need small bits at a time.
Great use for something that we all get too much of, and if it works as good or nearly as good, it will be so much cheaper!!

[Sickie Ickie]

According to blackcat it dries rock hard

[putrid]

Thanks folks, yes, I've even played with it myself. And cheep enough for me. LOL Sitting here thinking about it ya'll gave me an idea. I've got two rolls of toilet paper invested already. Still in two separate piles to see if there was a difference in the way they turned out. I'm going to try to reboil one with lint to see if that'll help. Thanks folks. Might be hope for this failed stuff yet!

Ya'll know you just added pages to the web site I'm still struggling with? LOL I forgot all about dryer lint clay. If I remember right it has a texture to it. Which leads to more experiments!!!! Wonder what it would look like as a coat for a Santa.....Now if I can find the room to start yet another project to add to the unfinished stuff I have now. LOL

[Blinky]

I wonder what Black Cat would do If I started to sent her my dryer lint?
I have her address bobaahahaaaa ooops wrong forum..

[putrid]

Don't really know. I think handling someone else's dryer lint would be like handling someone else's underware. It might be clean but you know where it's been. LOL

Well that didn't work. It added plenty of fiber. But the paper pulp itself continues to break down when I add the glue. I started by soaking the lint to break it up before adding the paper pulp to the mix. Took a bit to get it all mixed. The lint tended to want to clump back together. For the record. Toilet paper is great for snot ragging. Not as strong as kleenex but gives good a texture. Not so good for making pulp mache. I think this project is a bust. I got boxes full of projects I can't figure how to finish or wont work. I'll just add this to one of them. It's my living library of 'didn't work when I first tried it' materials. LOL

[Blinky]

putrid i'm sorry it did work out.but after all tp is made to break down..

Have A Happy Easter ..\^/

[Sickie Ickie]

Time for a break down? :p

[putrid]

NEVER SAY DIE! LOL Not a break down. More like it's time I start following the wisdom of those who trotted this path before me. A polite way of saying " Use what works dumb a..... LOL. Instead of kicking the dead horse I threw the boiled toilet paper away. There's a good chance I'll need that extra space in one of those boxes in the future. LOL

[Frosty]

Some arch ways i have been putting off for a few years now or a drive way tunnel. Only budget will tell.

[Frosty]

Scratch that last year i was going to do some mini mega trees out of old dj light stands and it slipped my mind i better do them this year :)

[Sickie Ickie]

you know you'll change your mind a doz more times! LOL

[Frosty]

Excuse the mess its always messy in the shop but heres one stand painted for the 8 foot mini mega trees 1 to go then its time to attach some lights red,green and clear 12-18 strings per stand have not decided yet :)

[Sickie Ickie]

Looks like tripods so far. :)

[lhallow]

Every year we make some kind of wood craft for family and friends. In the past we've done fence post snowmen, light up christmas trees and light up snowmen. This year we're going to do a carriage lamp. My inspiration is this (http://hobbylobby.com/project_inspiration/pdfprojects/HL-686.pdf) from Hobby Lobby. The main differences are: it will be made of wood; we're not going to put names on it; we're not going to use as much greenery; we'll add a bow where the bottom of the lantern and the top of the pole meet; and we'll add some snow.
The only thing I'm undecided on is the lighting. I was thinking about making one of the pvc flicker candles (http://www.halloweenforum.com/tutorials-step-step/68856-pvc-flicker-candles.html), but hubby wants to use votive candles.

[Sickie Ickie]

That would be right up Ms. P's alley. She does a real classy halloween display with silhouettes.

[Blinky]

well I have started a new website link under my banner and I have started sculpting Mrs Santa ( No sneek peeks tho till she is done):sadfatsanta:See even Santa doesn't agree with that.

[Sickie Ickie]

LOL He does look grouchy. :D

[Blinky]

aaww man got out voted again, by the head elf no not you sickie lol :happyfatsanta:


ok gang I'll [post pic's hahah oops hoho:deer:

[Mistress of Mistletoe]

Great projects everyone!

Right now I'm working on making 2 small silver ornament wreaths. I will also me making the PVC candles this weekend! :)

[Blinky]

Ok I posted pics in a new thread called Mrs santa

[bethene]

lhallow, that looks like a great project, very interesting. I can't wait to see what your verson looks like.
I am still thinking about projects, don't do as big as most, I think I am first going to make a large(3 foot) old fashioned santa, not sure if I just want to use the plastic come I have or make a base for him, I am working on ornaments for the santa projects too. I got one done, started the other, need to figure out the directions for sure, I don't have any except what is in my head so am trying to get it easy to figure out for every one. Would those be good for the turorials too? I don't know if that is what that section is for .

[Blinky]

Hey everyone right now I'm sculpting a small headed elf to go with the Mrs Santa . I decided to change her ears and make her look more human. and do the elves seperate. i was thinking of doing 3-4 different faces for the elves. The first one will be the bottom elf. and the others will be made to stand on his shoulders so he will be straining to hold them up lol.. I can post pics in another thread

[bethene]

can't wait to see them, Blinky!!

[Blinky]

got the #1 elf done now in clay
http://christmasfanclub.com/showthread.php?p=13646&posted=1#post13646

I don't know if I will have time to sculpt all 4 elves this year before Christmas cuz I still have people ordering Halloween stuff too lol In fact i have to cut 3 skull plates out tomorrow lol

[Sickie Ickie]

What do you use to cut out the plates?

[Blinky]

What do you use to cut out the plates?
I use my dremel roto attachment:)

[Sickie Ickie]

wow! Must take a pretty steady hand.

[Just Whisper]

I found this cute little rocking horse at an antique and thrift shop this weekend. Also found this cute wooden train and wooden truck. I am going to use them in my Santa display with my rocking santa, and elves in the workshop. The truck still needs to be sanded and painted.http://melissawatts.webs.com/toys.jpg

I told you I recycle as many of my Halloween props as possible (as we all do I am sure). This is before (Crypt minus the cryptkeeper that goes inside)...
http://melissawatts.webs.com/crypt.jpg

This is after:
http://melissawatts.webs.com/bearinbox.jpg
Still need to add the inside lights and the bow on top. I changed from the fabric I used last year and changed the bear also.

These are a couple of new gingerbread kids I am working on, and some of the candy pieces I am making. http://melissawatts.webs.com/candy.jpgAlso have some kisses I haven't finished, and my lollipops need repainted and rewrapped.

Didn't get any work done today as I was at the Blue Angels Homecoming airshow all day. But I really needed a day out of the house after 3 months of being tied to Halloween and then starting Christmas immediately after. Now the really bad part for me is, I just turned my A/C off this afternoon and will have to turn my heater on this evening (for real, it happens that fast here). I hate working out in the garage when it's cold. Guess I will have to drag out the portable heater. What can I say? I am a weenie.

[Mummy deer-est]

Very nice, Just Whisper! I love that rocking horse.

[bethene]

Just Whisper, love the box with the bear coming out of it, what a great way to use your halloween ! The rocking horse is so cute!!
Man you sure would hate it here, you would of needed a heater for quit a while!!LOL! We are having snow and about 30 degress weather, daytime!

[Frosty]

One down 1 to go the end of the light strings will be staked to the ground equal spacing around the center post a few feet out.

[Sickie Ickie]

Those are going to look great Frosty!

[Just Whisper]

Just Whisper, love the box with the bear coming out of it, what a great way to use your halloween ! The rocking horse is so cute!!
Man you sure would hate it here, you would of needed a heater for quit a while!!LOL! We are having snow and about 30 degress weather, daytime!

Bethene, That is why I live in FL. Already back up to 65 today. It won't last long but I'll take it. Took advantage and put up a few of the lights that will be hard to do after my knee surgery this Thursday.

Frosty...that looks so professional. I can't wait to see it lit up. I thought about making one this year but my list is already so long. Our eyes (haunters and deckers) are always bigger than our budgets and our calendars.

[Sickie Ickie]

ain't that the truth! LOL

[bethene]

Frosty, that looks great, I have thought about something like it for a long time, I saw one some where years ago and have always liked them,but never gort around to making it.
Hey whisper, good luck with your surgury!!

[Frosty]

Thanks guys :) Yeah i have been wanting to make one for a few years now myself now im making two. I had a idea yesterday about a easier way if you dont have old dj stands. (but old dj stands much easier to store and found same ones online for 39 bucks so) Is get a cement block and some 2 inch pvc and cement the pole in the hole in the block. Then do what i did for attachment of lights straightened the stings out and fold in half to find the center of string but you know where it ends it has lights and still has some cord? I didnt count that i folded where the lights are on the line so its even. Then all i did is used a bolt through middle of the cap and bolt it on there and leave a good amount of bolt sticking out of cap so you can have room to tie strap the lights to the bolt. Nothing fancy i see some really genius ways for the light attachment but kinda over kill if ya ask me.

[Frosty]

Heres a picture of the red one its light outside and i added two feet to it you can see in the pic with more pipe and clamps so its 10 foot tall now and the strings are not staggered equal and i used books and heavy tools and Halloween jars to hold the light strings in place but you kinda get the idea.

[Blinky]

That Looks really great frosty , I wanted to make some this year too.
Everyones ideas here are just so Nice they will make a Great Christmas
I just got done doing a baby elf my self, his name is Xander
http://christmasfanclub.com/showthread.php?p=14119#post14119

[webbossing]

Hi,

I am working on some nice christmas coloring pages

i love them!!!

[webbossing]

Hi,

I am working on some nice christmas coloring pages (http://coloringpages.nick-magic.com/christmas.html)

i love them!!!

[Just Whisper]

Webbossing, those are nice pages. Did you draw those yourself? Very pretty, but simple. Nicely done.

[bethene]

great coloring pics, webbossing, VERY nice!

[Just Whisper]

Absolutely adorable, and so nicely crafted.

[pyro]

my wife wants me to do the nightmare before chirstmas -so im at the planning stages for that-- hope it come all together by next chirstmas

[Just Whisper]

My newest project is the elve's workbench that goes with my Santa's workshop display. Wanted to make it last year but couldn't figure it out in time. This is by no means a beginners how-to project, and used every bit of MY engineering skills (both of them :idea:). So this is what I have so far... 3 elves at the workbench, one building with a hammer, one adjusting with a screwdriver, and one putting a toy in a gift box. The hammer goes up and down, the toy car goes back and forth, and the hand with the stuffed dog goes up and down. I still need to make their heads (or use them as Halloween elves), and finish mounting their hands to the appropriate spots. I will not attempt anything this big again. I got burned out trying to figure it out.
http://melissawatts.webs.com/elves3.jpg
http://melissawatts.webs.com/elves4.jpg

These are some candy kisses I made to go with my candyland. They will get mounted on small stakes and put in the ground.
http://melissawatts.webs.com/kisses.jpg

[Just Whisper]

I am also revamping my animated sled. So far I have painted the sled and built a new track from plexiglass. Something I also wanted to do last year but lacked the funds. These are the before and after pics of my sled.
http://melissawatts.webs.com/sled5.jpg
http://melissawatts.webs.com/sled6.jpg
http://melissawatts.webs.com/sled7.jpg

I am fixing my animals so they sit up better this year also. It was hard to see them all slumped together before.

[Blinky]

Just whisper That is so cool love your elves did you make the clothes too.

Pyro Nightmare before Christmas set it up at Halloween and leave it up till after the new year LOL

I have been woking on Xander's out fit today almost done with the Shrit, I have his body made he is 2 feet high. Tomorrow I order the rubber mold compaound to make the molds.and finish his pants. lol Cant have him Naked

[Just Whisper]

Just whisper That is so cool love your elves did you make the clothes too.
Thanks Blinky, I only made the vest on the left elf, and the pants on the right elf. They are actually wearing children's PJ's I bought at WalMart, and a pair of girls knee socks added on left.


Cant have him Naked Well, he'd fit right in with this crowd...LOL

[Sickie Ickie]

what did you use for the bodies? The legs and arms look great in proportion.

[Just Whisper]

I am actually writing the How-To as we speak. But here is a photo of the basic body frame.http://melissawatts.webs.com/bench_frame.JPG
I used a shelf bracket and PVC. Then I added bubble wrap, until I ran out, then I used fiberfill.http://melissawatts.webs.com/bubblebody.JPG

[Sickie Ickie]

I would have never thought about using the shelf bracket. That's awesome! Did you also use pvc for the legs?

[Just Whisper]

I put legs on the one on the right (PVC), then realized I didn't need legs. The 2 on the left look better without the pvc legs. Not so stiff. Just stuffed those with filling.

[Sickie Ickie]

I really really like this idea. Kudos to you! :D

[Just Whisper]

Thanks Sickie. But it was SOOOOO hard for me. And with my ADD I thought I would never finish. I had to keep making myself go back and work on it. I kept wanting to go on to something else. Hope I can get at least one head done tomorrow. I have to say I am rather proud of myself, mostly just for actually finishing it.

[Sickie Ickie]

I'll be waiting for that tutorial to be added to the SP site. :D

[bethene]

wow, just whispers, what a great idea, can't wait to see their heads, love the sleepers on the elves, VERY creative idea1

[Just Whisper]

Sickie, I added the tutorial to SP just now so as soon as it's approved it will be there. In the meantime you can access it at my website...http://melissawatts.webs.com/

[Sickie Ickie]

It's approved and should be a big hit there! Thanks!

[Blinky]

I have been working on making clothes for Xander the Elf. I order the rubber mold compound today and his eyes.Next I have to make his elf Boots lol for some reason the color came out looking orange in the pic it is bright red.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Elf%20Toddler/pict0066.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Elf%20Toddler/PICT0069.jpg

[Just Whisper]

Blinky, those came out great.

[Blinky]

Just Whisper Thanks so much he will look better with his head too
I'm going to make his boots tonight and a black belt for him and I bought gold cord to lace his shirt with and brads so He will look sharp lol

[Just Whisper]

Sounds like all he needs now is some Bling and he can hit the discos. LOL I can't wait to see him finished, sounds awesome.

[Sickie Ickie]

John Travolta eat your heart out!

[Blinky]

Hey Whisper now he is ready to get down!!! Got his dancing shoes on!!
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Elf%20Toddler/YoungElfSculpt105.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Elf%20Toddler/YoungElfSculpt110.jpg

[Sickie Ickie]

*singing* Get down on it....Get down on it....

[Just Whisper]

Cuz he's a souuuul man.

[Blinky]

oh Wow you 2 crack me up the UPS brought The mold material today!!! yeah !!!!
and I started putting the PVC Trees up Have 2 up and the Noth Pole. Tomorrow I will get Santa out of Storage and put him up and 1 more PVC tree then I can get the mold made for Xander's head and get him together.Photobucket is so slow tonight cant post to it But I have taken pics already Maybe late to night things will be better in Buckets where I can Up load pics.Keep your fingers crossed for me lol :)

[Just Whisper]

Hubby helped me get everything out of attic tonight and it is suppose to be warm tomorrow. I might actually get some decorating done.

[Blinky]

Cool Whisper Remember to take pics.
Here are some pics of My 2 pvc trees
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Christmas%202008/pict0084.jpg and the North Pole with out Santa lol
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Christmas%202008/pict0090.jpg

[Just Whisper]

Blinky, I like the little trees. So cute. If I have time (never do, why do we say that?) I may add a few. I promise to take lots of pics.

[Blinky]

Blinky, I like the little trees. So cute. If I have time (never do, why do we say that?) I may add a few. I promise to take lots of pics.

I know its awful the way we run out of time no matter how soon we start to decorate.Tomorrow 1 more little PVc tree and the Light Arch that Santa will stand under. Have to go get him out of Storage .lol
man I'm all ready Tried then I have to do the same thing at My Daughter's House for her Party for Sammie.:deer:

[Just Whisper]

Wow, I am just getting started. Haven't put anything out yet. Just been building. I always think I have so much time then BAM! it's the week before Christmas. And you have to do this twice? Who is Sammie?

[Blinky]

Wow, I am just getting started. Haven't put anything out yet. Just been building. I always think I have so much time then BAM! it's the week before Christmas. And you have to do this twice? Who is Sammie?

Samantha is our second oldest Daughter and she has a B-day Coming up. So De's wants me to decorate her yard too for the party.

[Just Whisper]

Blinky, are you guys still having the "ultra" party for everyone? I forgot about it until I read an older post, then I remembered who Sammie was. What day is your birthday?

[Blinky]

Blinky, are you guys still having the "ultra" party for everyone? I forgot about it until I read an older post, then I remembered who Sammie was. What day is your birthday?

yes we have 3 b_days this month and a wedding Anniversary too
here are some pics of my 3 PVC trees and the Lighted Arch, Now all I have to do is set up Snata and do Xander's mold of his head and hands tomorrow.:deer:
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Christmas%202008/Christmas2008myyard031.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Christmas%202008/Christmas2008myyard029.jpg
Carol's (Madame X) is B-day is the 16th. Mine is Christmas and Samantha's is the 26th and so is the wedding anniversary Of Bob and Judi ( Lady Wolf and Big bad Wolf)

[Just Whisper]

Awww, they are really cute. What is the arch made of?

[Blinky]

I bought a Mr Christmas Music Box at Lowe's last year so all this lights dance to music too.On the section across the Sidewalk I will put another PVC Tree. Where I have the red star in this photo.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Christmas%202008/Christmas2008myyard029-1.jpg
Next Year I will have to do the reindeer stall where I have the Cemetery on Halloween.

[Blinky]

Awww, they are really cute. What is the arch made of?
The side pole of the arch is made of 3/4" PVC pipe and a reducer 3/4 to 1/2" the arch part is 1/2" pvc pipe 2 strands of multi color lights and 1 snow flake strand and 2 rolls of black electrical tape.

Thanks Glad you like it My back is Killing me lol Getting old lol:tree:

[Blinky]

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Christmas%202008/ss851460.jpg http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Christmas%202008/ss851463.jpghttp://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Christmas%202008/ss851452.jpg
The Lights made this come out blurred tomorrow is Xander 's Day lol
I see Santa is leaning a little so I will have to fix him tomorrow

[Just Whisper]

Looks great Blinky, do you ever worry about someone stealing your Santa?

[Blinky]

Looks great Blinky, do you ever worry about someone stealing your Santa?

I have them chained down
when I make the pvc props like santa I make like a coffee cup handle holder thing in the foot so i have a way to run the chain through it.I hope that made sence to you.But I can run a chain through the props.:deer: and hide the chain in the clothes.

[Just Whisper]

good idea. yes, it made perfect sense.

[Blinky]

good idea. yes, it made perfect sense.

Oh forgot to tell you I use the "H" formation to do my prop skeletons out of PVC pipe.Thats 5 "t" and a "cross" held together by 1" pieces.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/Blinky_12/Dead%20Fred/SS851122.jpg Spookineer came up with design and it works better.This is a pic of the frame withpout the arms or legs

[Just Whisper]

I finally finished my animated sled. I will try to post pictures tomorrow. Have to go to dinner tonight so may not have time.

[Blinky]

I finally finished my animated sled. I will try to post pictures tomorrow. Have to go to dinner tonight so may not have time.

wow whisper is buying us dinner where we going? Red Lobster?? I Hope !!! Lol

Iam going to start a new thread call our yards so everyone can post their Pics there. Can wait to see your yard pics Whisper Hugs to you:deer:

[Just Whisper]

wow whisper is buying us dinner where we going? Red Lobster?? I Hope !!! Lol
Went to Saki Cafe for Japanese, Blinky. It was totally fun, sat at the habachi table, food was great. It would be fun if we could all get together for dinner. Too bad we can't mass web cam, then we could have dinner together. LOL I am going to put these pics here until my yard is done. Since this is just one project, it seems to fit better here. I will take more pics tomorrow of my whole(ish) yard. Depends on how much I get done (of course), and post them in the new thread.

This is the before and after of my animated sled:
http://melissawatts.webs.com/sled%202.jpg 2007
http://melissawatts.webs.com/sled10.JPG 2008
http://melissawatts.webs.com/sled11.JPG 2008
I still need to add lights underneath and some white fiberfill underneath and around the edges.

[Blinky]

Cool cant wait to see your yard done up, today I got all the poles paint for De's trees 2- 2foot trees made and done 2-4 foot trees made and done and 2- 6 foot pvc trees made and done tomorrow the arch and she gets the Grinch under her arch I also bought her a MR. Christmas Music machine as her Christmas Present this year and she is tickled pink,just loves it lol. Now that she can see what it does lol.

[Sickie Ickie]

That sled is really looking good! Does the whole plexy move, or just the sled?

[Blinky]

I Got the Insane House Wife's yard done, will post pics in the Our Yard at Christmas Thread

[Just Whisper]

The plexiglas does not move, Sickie. Just the sled. Here it is at night:
http://melissawatts.webs.com/sledlit01.JPG

And here are closeups of my elves. You can see the whole worktable at the thread of finished yards.

This is TAZ http://melissawatts.webs.com/taz1.JPG

This is FABIAN http://melissawatts.webs.com/fabian1.JPG

and this is SHILOAH http://melissawatts.webs.com/shiloah1.JPG

[Sickie Ickie]

I asked this in the other thread, too. But just in case you didn't see it, how did you make the heads?

[Blinky]

The plexiglas does not move, Sickie. Just the sled. Here it is at night:
http://melissawatts.webs.com/sledlit01.JPG

And here are closeups of my elves. You can see the whole worktable at the thread of finished yards.

This is TAZ http://melissawatts.webs.com/taz1.JPG

This is FABIAN http://melissawatts.webs.com/fabian1.JPG

and this is SHILOAH http://melissawatts.webs.com/shiloah1.JPG


yes she did a great job on her elves they are cute

[Just Whisper]

I asked this in the other thread, too. But just in case you didn't see it, how did you make the heads?

I used styrofoam wig heads, sanded them down a bit to make them smaller, and more rounded. Painted them using latex paint. Enlarged the whole in the center a bit so it would fit over the pvc fitting.

[Sickie Ickie]

Another great idea! Be sure to add that to your how-to! :D

[Just Whisper]

Will do, sickie. thanks

[theedwin]

Hello everyone!

First post here, but I have been looking around for a while.

Wow! There are some GREAT things here! You all do a very good job! The animated elves and sled is what REALLY got me going! GREAT JOB!

I like to tinker with things and I like to decorate for all the holidays. I live in a tiny apartment and I don't have a yard, but I still decorate! I work at a movie theatre so I do my holiday decorating there. I shop thrift stores as a hobby, and you would be surprised by the deals on things I find there to use in my decorating! I like to use the "reindeer" motors in my displays to make things animated. I am not much into Christmas lights other than for background "supposed to be there" stuff.

So there is a little background on me (and I had to get the first post out of the way so that I could post pictures of some of the "Projects I'm working on"...)

Edwin

[theedwin]

Hello everyone!

This years theme is Penguins. I haven't taken pictures or videos of everything yet, so here is some of it. (Sorry they are links, it was easier that way)

The first link here http://s443.photobucket.com/albums/qq158/theedwin/penguins/ is of my initial penguin creation, before and during it's setup. There is a short video there of phase 1 in action. The display is on a 4' catwalk that surrounds the lobby of the theatre.

The second link is of the rest of the lobby. I couldn't fill the whole place with penguins, so I did what was done last year and put presents the rest of the way around the lobby. http://s443.photobucket.com/albums/qq158/theedwin/Presents/

Here is a link to a video of the finished Penguins display on the catwalk. YouTube - Penguins behind the scenes Check out my other youtube videos to see how the penguins work up close!

Here is a link to the snowman I built out of chicken wire and paper mache. (I really don't like either of them.....) This display is located in the middle of the lobby behind the ticket selling machines. (the backs of the ticket machines are really ugly!) http://s443.photobucket.com/albums/qq158/theedwin/Snowman/ I have updated the lobby display with another animated penguin, but I don't have pics or video yet.

Sorry for being so long winded, but I figured I would post all of these in one post.

I hope you enjoy!

Edwin

[Blinky]

Hello everyone!

First post here, but I have been looking around for a while.

Wow! There are some GREAT things here! You all do a very good job! The animated elves and sled is what REALLY got me going! GREAT JOB!

I like to tinker with things and I like to decorate for all the holidays. I live in a tiny apartment and I don't have a yard, but I still decorate! I work at a movie theatre so I do my holiday decorating there. I shop thrift stores as a hobby, and you would be surprised by the deals on things I find there to use in my decorating! I like to use the "reindeer" motors in my displays to make things animated. I am not much into Christmas lights other than for background "supposed to be there" stuff.

So there is a little background on me (and I had to get the first post out of the way so that I could post pictures of some of the "Projects I'm working on"...)

Edwin


Welcome Edwin, Glad You Like everyones project . You will love it here .

[Just Whisper]

Ed, great job on the penguins. You will fit right in here. I would love to see a more detailed How-To on the penguins decorating the tree. The marshmallow scene is adorable. I didn't see where you used a snow machine in the video? Guess I missed it. Hope to see more of your great ideas (even if you don't actually get to build it and display it). And welcome to the forum.

[Sickie Ickie]

Nice jobs with the projects there, man!

Are those penguins store bought?

Love the animatronics and would love to have how-to's on the animations!

As for the snowman, I think it looks fine. :) However, it's not too late to change the look of that for next year if you are unhappy with it. Insulation foam works great for stuff like this. Carve it, paint it with latex house paint, and voila. A snowman. Cloth covered balls of different sizes on top of one another also work with a support rod hidden.

[Warrant2000]

The Nativity pic I promised. It still needs all the plywood cutouts added.

http://christmasfanclub.com/picture.php?albumid=33&pictureid=356

[Just Whisper]

Warrant, I love it. Just curious...which of your neighbors now has a naked palm tree? He he he...I said naked. Can't wait to see the finished scene.

[Sickie Ickie]

Whisper, I think the palm tree may need a cozy cover. heh

That's really taking shape there, Warrant!

[theedwin]

That does look great Warrant!

Whisper: the snow machine didn't work out... I fixed it a few times, but then something else would keep breaking. It isn't easy getting up on the catwalk in the lobby. It is 15 feet up!

Sickie: they are store bought stuffed penguins, about 40 some of them. Every time I saw one at a thrift store I would buy it. (planning this since late March) I also bought all of the Christmas trees at thrift stores too. (I am a thrift store aholic)

As far as the how to's, I will have to wait until after New Years when I take it down. Then hopefully I will have time to take them apart and take pictures so that I can reverse the pics for a how to. But I would be more than happy to share!

I do feel that I am going to fit in here!

Edwin

[Sickie Ickie]

You fit in without a doubt. :)

[theedwin]

Sickie,

I have to ask..

From what movie is your picture from? I think I know it, and I would love to show it in the lobby or on one of my movie screens... BUT, I just can't think of it right now!

Jack Frost?

Edwin

[Sickie Ickie]

I'll give ya a hint...It's the Snow Meiser.

Give up?



The animated movie Year Without a Santa Claus

[SantaPaws]

I have been slacking this year but we did take time to make some stockings.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/lovermonkey/Christmas2008/DSC01904.jpg

[Just Whisper]

Those are cute. Did everyone make their own?

[Blinky]

wow Santa paws hung a stocking up for me lol Nana thats what my Grands call me lol They are very nice stockings

[Blinky]

Warrant you are doing a awesome job on my new room add on when do i get to move in lol
cant wait to see the finished pics Hugs

[Sickie Ickie]

Dude, everyone did a nice job with those. :)

[SantaPaws]

Those are cute. Did everyone make their own?

Yes we did.

[SantaPaws]

wow Santa paws hung a stocking up for me lol Nana thats what my Grands call me lol They are very nice stockings

LOL. Actually it was for my girl friends little girl. They call her Nanna. Santa gave me a dress up thing for her and a chair so I let her have it before Christmas. Here she is. We couldn't stop her from playing dress up all day.:smiley:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/lovermonkey/Christmas2008/DSC01921.jpg

[SantaPaws]

Dude, everyone did a nice job with those. :)

Thank you! All I did was the sled and make the presents for the mail box on my stocking.

[cybervision1]

a website for christmas !

[Sickie Ickie]

Best of luck with that! :)

[Blinky]

well Nana is as cute as a bug in a rug Hugs to her Merry Christmas Nana

[Blinky]

Heres a couple of ornaments I started last year for the tree but never had the time to finish, im going to sculpt a few more from the movie and finish this up first thing this year.
They are made from latex.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/playfx/heads107.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/playfx/heads099.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/playfx/heads104.jpg

wow i just saw you ornaments they are Great love them !!!

ps I cant remember who you are on the other forums but I know your work< Play?

[Sickie Ickie]

Those are awesome indeed. :)

[Blinky]

Those are awesome indeed. :)

Sickie is that Play?? did he make those cool ornaments???

[woodmizer]

Yes its me Blinky...playfx:happyfatsanta:

[Blinky]

lol Play they are great Love them

[Sickie Ickie]

Didn't know if he wanted to be revealed. LOL He does great work, doesn't he?

[Blinky]

Didn't know if he wanted to be revealed. LOL He does great work, doesn't he?

its ok sickie i know his work any where
he is so Good
plus i asked him lol

[theedwin]

Well all!

I have finally gotten my lazy butt up and uploaded another video. Again, of course Penguins plus my snowman.

YouTube - Snowman Lobby display

This one is on the ground level at the theatre, all the BINGO players walk by it an seem to ignore it! BUT, the kids love it!

Edwin

[Sickie Ickie]

The trees make a nice touch. I love the penguin. Where did you put the axle? On the platform?

[theedwin]

Sickie,

This one drove me nuts all day making it! In the beginning I had wires doing this, that and the other thing, I pulled out my erector set and put angle after angle on the motor... Smoked about a pack of cigs just to calm myself down and finally thought about my penguins decorating the tree and it just came to me.

Create a lever and connect the deer motor. (then cut a hole in the penguins "posterior" and shove the lever up the ol', well, you know.) I actually used tape and I hate to say it, paperclips.

When I take it apart, I will take pics.

Edwin

P.S. The bingo ladies are starting to notice it! :D

[Sickie Ickie]

Congrats. heh I noticed it immediately. I love animatronics. From the simple to the complicated.

[theedwin]

Sickie Ickie,

If you think about it too much, it becomes complicated.

Edwin

[Just Whisper]

I actually used tape and I hate to say it, paperclips.
Edwin, can't tell you how many of my projects have been put together originally with similar items. When the creative juices are flowing you use whatever is at hand. Who has time to run to the hardware store every five min, when you have perfectly good make-shift "junk" lying around. I know my husband thinks I'm a half-assed builder because i won't get in the car and drive to the store every time I need something. Instead, I make it. In a way, that's half the fun. And i definitely have to agree on the complicated part. Seems I overthink everything and then muddle it all up in my head.

[theedwin]

Whisper,

As a wise man once said...

GIT 'ER DONE!

I think you may know to Whome I am refering to...

Edwin

I can't spell worth a crap! Even when I shouldn't even be able to spell... haha

[putrid]

Spelling! Don't sweat it Theedwin. If it wasn't for spell checker ya'll would have to interpret what I'm typing. LOL

After Christmas means a multitude of experiments! Most will fail. Some will end up in one of the 'box of half done things'. Some will fall into the kicking a dead horse syndrome. I'll fight with it for months before I admit defeat! After Christmas sales means I can get stuff cheap enough to mess up! LOL

First experiment of the year.
A way to permanently seal canned snow on to fake evergreen and ornaments. Or as it will be known in my garage. The 'Perm-a-flocking' experiments.

A way to make my own snow paint. Instead of buying that little bit of paint in a jar.

If I can get that to work I'm going to try to make a more opaque version. Something that will look more like real snow when the light hits it.

Topiary! I haven't got a clue. I'm no flower arranger. Hopefully when I'm done with it I wont be stuck with 'trashiary. LOL

Finding something better to frost fake fruit with.

Outdoor evergreens. Finding a way to modify a fake tree to stand up better to the winter winds.

And I AM going to make myself a few Santas this year.

And depending on how many of them I get done today....LOL

[Sickie Ickie]

Topiary frames look like wire frames. I've thought of using these to put lights on. Ebay has them.

[Sickie Ickie]

This year I've decided to start heading in the direction of putting up window displays for Christmas in my yard. It will keep the snow off, and allow my mechanics to work fine.

[putrid]

Been working on the topiary. Got the cone carved and sprayed. Been making evergreen branches by wiring and glueing three small pieces together. This is turning into a lot of work. But I'll fight with it before i spend $50 on one. And speaking of over priced,...
I was in Michael's today and seen some garland that kinda looked like the stuff I made. It some different stuff but over all had less to it. They wanted $30 for a nine ft strand! Not even worth the $6 they want for it now with everything at %80 off.

[Sickie Ickie]

Micheal's is cool, but most of their stuff is overpriced, hence the big run on 40% off coupons.

[theedwin]

I creatively placed the 2 $2 9 ft strands of branch garland on the conveyor belt at Wal-Mart last night. It was all 75% off so, I placed the 2 $2 garland branches that I found in front of and behind the 7 $4 garland branch garlands.

It was 3:30am.

"Judy" scanned the first one, and put the rest through at the same price! They Looked the same but had a different price. I May go to Hell for not telling her different but at least all my friends will be there with me!

In Hell I mean!

I felt kinda bad until I went to another Wal-Mart today and bought some of those Rope Lights for $1.75, and when she rang them up, they came up at 80 cents apiece!

I couldn't get them at the 99cent store for that price!!!

I went back and bought more!

Edwin

[Sickie Ickie]

I'm finding out that there are a lot of deals stores just aren't telling about.

I went to walgreen's yesterday eve and bought all the singing/dancing chickens they had left. (3) Orig price $15, at the counter they rang up for $3.75 ea. Not bad.

[putrid]

Theedwin, please don't think I'm not commenting on your projects because I don't like them. The mac wont play them. I'm guessing because I'm on dial up it takes to long. I get a message "device not working". It takes 10 to 20 minuets on the PC.

I've set the topiary project aside for now. There's got to be a trick to this I'm not figuring out. Might sneak into a library and go threw a few books. Right now it looks more like a compost heap. LOL

Starting to work on the snowy tree. I've set the tree up in the basement and will work on one branch at a time. A little bit of the shredded styrofoam goes a long way for the light dusted look. I'm also adding very small amount of white and iridescent glitter to the mix. Because the only decorations on the tree will be the snow and ornaments I'm estimating I'll use between 260 to 300 of them. The top part of each ornament will be covered with 'snow'. Each one will be wired into place.
I've also thought of a way to mark the placement of each branch. The first branch at the bottom will have a piece of colored tape on it. The remaining branches will all be tagged and numbered. Placement will be in a clockwise manner. I already know I'll need to store this tree in multiple boxes. I think the ornaments will kinda get in the way in the original box. LOL now back to the lab...