2012 Christmas prop contest ideas???

[putrid]

Not an official thread. Just a start.

More than likely I wont have the time to make something this year so I plan on being a sponsor again. But enough about me. Let the thinking begin!!!!

There's a lot of haunter/deckers on the forum. What about a prop that can be easily switched between the two holidays? Now the first thought that'll go threw you mind is 'Nightmare Before Christmas'. TO EASY. Cool but I don't think it should count as creativity. I'm thinking more along the lines of a prop that can be quickly changed by adding, taking away, turning inside out and so on. Something that all the parts are made for both holidays and the prop would be judged by how well it looks for both Christmas and Halloween. I'm thinking the cost on this one would have to be a bit higher than the usual.

OK folks, that's my idea. And I made it hard cuz I wont be doing it. LOL Let's here what every body's got! Lets get those brains a thinking and come up with another great contest!!!

[Just Whisper]

My idea is a static prop made from recycled items, or from scratch. Nothing on it can be made from an item using it's original purpose. For example, if you wanted to make Santa in a sleigh you would have to make Santa, his outfit, and the sleigh from scratch. You couldn't buy a sleigh and make the santa. If you want to animate your prop, that is fine, but it can't be mentioned in the prop description or be considered in voting. This will give our non-animated enthusiasts a more fair chance to enter this year. I am tired, so I may have other ideas, or better ideas another day. LOL.

[Daisy-Duck]

Hubby needs ideas on how to make a ski lift, 2 poles with bicycle wheels at each end to make a continues loop. Then hang 5-10 animated characters sitting in the ski chairs. Any ideas how to make that possible?

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Sounds like an Axworthy Ghost type set-up would work as a ski lift, Daisy.

[Just Whisper]

Hubby needs ideas on how to make a ski lift, 2 poles with bicycle wheels at each end to make a continues loop. Then hang 5-10 animated characters sitting in the ski chairs. Any ideas how to make that possible?

Daisy, first off let me say...nice to see you around. Second, that sounds like a great project idea. Why not post a request for help under Tutorials or Home-Made Props...not sure which is appropriate but sickie can help there. That way more people will see it and can make suggestions.

[Daisy-Duck]

Thanx Whisper and Grinch,

I feel so rusty popping in now and then I have lost my way around the forum. I'll research Axworthy Ghost on the web and see what turns up.

[Just Whisper]

Thanx Whisper and Grinch,

I feel so rusty popping in now and then I have lost my way around the forum. I'll research Axworthy Ghost on the web and see what turns up.

Go to this website HauntProject.com (http://www.hauntproject.com/)
Or this website MonsterList (http://www.halloweenmonsterlist.info/) for info on Axworthy projects.

[Craig]

I have to say that I am in full agreement with Putrid (one of our resident geniuses, and whom I have only the greatest respect FOR) I will also be a sponsor of this event and am DAMNED proud to do so. SO, let's hear all the creative and fantastic ideas of our wonderful members (I can't WAIT to see where this goes!)

HAVE AT IT PEOPLE!

[Just Whisper]

Thank you Craig and Putrid for jumping in there.

[putrid]

I have to say that I am in full agreement with Putrid (one of our resident geniuses, and whom I have only the greatest respect FOR) ............

See it's is true. All you have to be is insane and people follow you. JK LOL Like you I'm VERY proud to sponsor events on this forum. Always been a great place with more than our share of fantastic talent.

I don't know Craig. If you and I are sponsors then I don't think we can set the rules for the contest. But it we could we could RULE this place! Hahahahhaha.... Well at least till the contest is over...LOL Hopefully Sickie Ickie's computer problems will be fixed soon and he can start this properly. There was a discussion at the end of the contest last year about setting up the ideas and the dates shortly after Christmas. The idea was to get the word out when there's a larger amount of people participating in on the forum. All in hopes of getting more people involved in making stuff. That's the reason I stepped in with this thread.

Just Whisper. I like the idea of everything having to be repurposed or made from scratch. Doesn't take talent to buy something cute and come out with a cute prop.

[DanoNJ]

I like JW's idea!!

[Goofy]

looking at this from the 100ft level, it will be tricky to lay out the contest rules on this but it could also be a challenge.

someone could do like i did with my pumpkins ,wrap em in paper and call them hard candies.. wahoo multi purppose prop, or my 14ft all recycled scarecrow, made from a tree branch chicken wire and a garden hose. that for christmas I just turn the head around paint it to look like jack put on a santa suit also made from reuse and call him jack skeleton. sandi clause

I really like the idea of making the Challenge about a full multi use prop... I think it would need to be a prop that after transformation, cannot be seen as a reuse prop. (ie doesnt look like halloween in anyway, or during halloween doesnt look like christmas..)

just my two cents lol.

I hope I will have to time to compete or try to get n on the challenge. either way it goes. I do like the idea of multi use.

[Sickie Ickie]

Howdy folks. 3 days without a computer is the pits! Hopefully I can get this straightened out soon.

I also like the idea of a multi-use prop. It would be different than any other prop type we have done. And if we leave it like that, it should be general enough to make the majority happy.

If anyone wants to sponsor any prizes, please let me me know via pm. I'll start working behind scenes to line up some terrific prizes again. Sponsors are not able to enter the contest, but if you want to build along with the contestants, that's fine. :)

Craig has already volunteered as a sponsor! Thanks!

Putrid THANK YOU for bringing this up when I was gone- and for sponsoring again!

We always can use more sponsors, but not at the detriment of losing entrants.

Now, I need suggestions for dates to make this contest happen, folks!

[Sickie Ickie]

No suggestion for the best month for the contest??

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I think two years ago we started at the end of February. Last year I think it was Whisper who suggested we wait until April for the contest since it was too cold too work in the garage until then.
Any month is fine with me, except September through December.

[Just Whisper]

I don't care

[putrid]

Ideas? interested? Time? Cost? Warmer months would work better from most folks. Time, if a dual purpose prop idea is selected then the amount of time to make it should be longer. That'd give more time for both 'sides' of the prop to be completed. Spending limit would have to be raised as well. Still time for submitting ideas for this contest. Nothing's set yet.

[theedwin]

I am up for either the "Recycle" idea OR the "Multi Use" idea.

As far as dates, not too late please, that is when lawn, yard work and other things come into play....

[klacc]

I really like the ideas about recycled trash. I saw some pretty creative Christmas trees and decorations made out of empty Mt. Dew cans this Christmas. Pretty cool stuff.

[Sickie Ickie]

How about Early March starting and we would have May 1st midnight be the cut off? That would give roughly 8 weeks.

Does that work for everyone?

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Yea, works fine for me.

[Goofy]

that works for me, I will have a little time here and there to actually try and compete. I hope....

I dont think prop making in an airport will to frowned apon lol

[Just Whisper]

------------------This is me still not caring when we have it. It's all good. :)

[Goofy]

------------------This is me still not caring when we have it. It's all good. :)

(said with the sounds of power tools going off in the background and her fingers burnt from the hot glue gun..)

So are ya entering? if so do we get any hints on what our working on?

I will give you a hint on mine.. I will call it my "out of one's mind schizophrenic unhinged thingy ma jig"

(honestly I have no clue what i will attempt, lol)

[Hilda]

It sounds like fun... but I don't know nuttin about making props. I only dress up blowmolds. ;) How about I put on my old high school cheerleading uniform and I cheer you all on??!? (Oh wait... that is sooooooo not going to fit. Hmmmmm... maybe I could put it on one of the blowmolds! LOL)

Good luck to all! I can't wait to see what you do!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

That would be cool, Hilda! You could sing Toni Basil's "Mickey". (Oh Mickey, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, HEY MICKEY...) :)

[Just Whisper]

I would love to give you a hint as to what I may build, or even if I am entering, as soon as it is settled what the challenge will be.

Hilda, I think you should wrap yourself in aluminum foil, tie lights all over yourself (this is to distract Jay and Goofy so I can win) and THEN sing "Mickey". Now I just need to find a way to distract Grinch so I stand a chance....hmmmmmm.....where did I put those bikinis I got at Target last month? If he gouges his eyes out he can't see to make a prop. LOL

[putrid]

NOOOoooo now I have that song in my head!!! but wouldn't mind humming along with it if Just Whisper's modeling bikinis......

Still have to decide the 'what'. My idea is a bit on the ruff side. May not be fare to everyone to make props for both Halloween and Christmas. Just Whisper's idea of reusing and recycling to make something would be more fare to everyone. I dig this, "Nothing on it can be made from an items using it's original purpose." That would mean I couldn't glue a few teddy bears and some fake evergreen on an old sled and call it "The to big for any sane person's table centerpiece." Also like the animation part. But I really shouldn't be adding my two sense because I'm a sponsor and I can't enter and really shouldn't be able tell people what they should do to make me happy. LOL


My idea is a static prop made from recycled items, or from scratch. Nothing on it can be made from an item using it's original purpose. For example, if you wanted to make Santa in a sleigh you would have to make Santa, his outfit, and the sleigh from scratch. You couldn't buy a sleigh and make the santa. If you want to animate your prop, that is fine, but it can't be mentioned in the prop description or be considered in voting. This will give our non-animated enthusiasts a more fair chance to enter this year. I am tired, so I may have other ideas, or better ideas another day. LOL.

[Hilda]

(humming 'Oh Mickey you're so fine... you're so fine...)

(clasping hands to head) MAKE IT STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Just Whisper]

LOL...sometimes I actually wake myself up in the middle of the night singing a song over and over that is stuck in my head. Very irritating.

Putrid, that was the one drawback I saw to the "2-sided prop". It is a really cool idea, and while we do in fact have a lot of haunters on this forum, if you aren't a haunter you will have no interest in making a multi-purpose prop. Unless we make it a multi-purpose prop, but the prop-maker gets to decide which other holiday it will serve, as long as one is Christmas.

I think if we used the recycled idea, we would have to make a few clarifications. I mean, it would probably be okay to use things like garland, floral pieces, lights (they are really hard to make from scratch), but NOT things like stuffed animals, pre-made props like sleds or houses, well, you get the idea. I am sure you guys will come up with something else anyway. It was just a thought.

[theedwin]

Sometimes I think we "over think" the rules.

I honestly don't feel that any one of us would "cheat", but if we are "overthinking" the rules - we do have it in the back of our minds....

And is this thread about the rules? I thought it was about this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiMPuEiao3E&feature=related

And just because it is very very very annoying... :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nYp1owTFQk

[Warrant2000]

Dang you, theedwin! My office-mates are wondering why I'm silently dancing in my cubicle....

Honestly I thought we were talking about this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ

Being a Haunter/Decker I like the multi-purpose path, but agree with Bikini-clad JW about keeping is multi-purpose. I suppose folks would need to demonstrate and explain it's two purposes. I have a few plans/desires for building this year, we'll see how they flush out. Like taking one of those Christmas animated "try me" singing dolls, replacing it's skin with roadkill, changing the song to a scream, and putting it in a cage. Sorry, got sidetracked.

Any time of year is fine since I live in San Diego, where it's "...a high of 70 degrees, a low of 70 degrees, not a cloud in the sky." (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120789/)

[Hilda]

I thought it was about this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiMPuEiao3E&feature=related

And just because it is very very very annoying... :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nYp1owTFQk

Now I'm just banging my head on the laptop til bloodied.....

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I always liked that song "Mickey". I've got it on my MP3 player. (My wife hates it.)

I like Warrant's idea about using the roadkill. I see dead squirrels in the street every day. (There's one or two in my attic I want to see dead, too.)

How about we compromise--see who can make the best bikini out of recycled materials that can be worn at both Halloween and Christmas. http://getmesmileys.com/smilies/sign0093.gif

[Just Whisper]

I always liked that song "Mickey". I've got it on my MP3 player. (My wife hates it.)

I like Warrant's idea about using the roadkill. I see dead squirrels in the street every day. (There's one or two in my attic I want to see dead, too.)

How about we compromise--see who can make the best bikini out of recycled materials that can be worn at both Halloween and Christmas. http://getmesmileys.com/smilies/sign0093.gif

I am so down with this idea. (JW wanders off to look in the trash for dental floss, egg cartons, and a kleenex. Then digs around in holiday boxes for a piece of christmas ribbon, a string of old toy skeletons and that squirrels tail that has been in the back of her closet for 23 years.) Oh Yeah! I am gonna win this for sure. :)

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I can't make any comments on that without getting banned from the forum.

I'm already casting my vote for you, Whisper!

[putrid]

A picture's worth 1000 words....but what I'm picturing is leaving me speechless. LOL This is going to be the best contest yet!!!

[Just Whisper]

And sure enough............I woke up last night singing MICKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!! ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!...LMAO

[Sickie Ickie]

I have to admit that if we did the multi-purpose prop, we may get more folks joining in from our sister forum, and that would be something to look forward to. The multi could be Halloween, Valentine's Day, heck, just about anything.

Of course we could combine the two ideas and say that the prop must contain at least 3 recycled items from a list of say 10 things?

[Just Whisper]

Don't make it too complicated. Multi-purpose is going to be hard enough. I say just stick with one idea.

[putrid]

And I was still looking forward to dental floss and a chain of toy skeletons. It's multi purpose. Saves the environment and makes me happy. LOL Recycling AND a multi purpose prop. Just Whisper, your a genius!!!

[theedwin]

Yah, I was picturing in my mind the dental floss and skeletons as well..... I have my moments! :D

Unfortunately I don't have any dead squirrels.

[Sickie Ickie]

Well, I have some more awesome news! Once again, www.Christmas-LEDs.com came through will flying colors for us! The prizes are absolutely awesome! I'm so grateful they decided to sponsor this once again! These are not the cheap quality lights sold in home improvement stores or wally world, folks. These are some of the best quality lights made!


First place: LED 150 Snowflake Icicle Light Strings (http://www.christmas-leds.com/productinfo_v3.aspx?productid=L-HG-SNFK) with blue or white snowflakes (winner picks!) 17.5' From First To Last Drop. 4" spacing between drops alternating between large and small snowflakes. The large snowflakes are made of a frosted plastic and are 3 1/2" in diameter, the smaller snowflakes are 1 1/4" in diameter. White Wire. Indoor/Outdoor


Second place: LED 100 Snowflake Icicle Light Strings (http://www.christmas-leds.com/productinfo_v3.aspx?productid=L-HG-SNFK) with white snowflakes. 12' From First To Last Drop. 4" spacing between drops alternating between large and small snowflakes. The large snowflakes are made of a frosted plastic and are 3 1/2" in diameter, the smaller snowflakes are 1 1/4" in diameter. White Wire. Indoor/Outdoor


Third place: LED 100 Snowflake Icicle Light Strings (http://www.christmas-leds.com/productinfo_v3.aspx?productid=L-HG-SNFK) with white snowflakes. 12' From First To Last Drop. 4" spacing between drops alternating between large and small snowflakes. The large snowflakes are made of a frosted plastic and are 3 1/2" in diameter, the smaller snowflakes are 1 1/4" in diameter. White Wire. Indoor/Outdoor

[EnlightenedGrinch]

That's great news, Sickie! Val always comes through with some excellent prizes.
Now we've got something worth fighting for. :)

[putrid]

Totally cool Val! I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone does. As soon as we figure out what everyone will be doing..and when they'll be doing it. LOL

[theedwin]

That's great! Thanks Val!

[Just Whisper]

Thank you Val. You are a great supporter.

[Just Whisper]

What happened to this? Are we still doing it? What are we doing? When are we doing it?

[putrid]

Just Whisper, this is what we have so far.
Start date sometime in March with a May cut off date giving 8 weeks to build.

Multi purpose prop.

And some KILLER prizes!

I'd like to make a suggestion on the multi purpose prop idea. How about any multi purpose? Not everyone here does Halloween. For instance, you make a TV stand out of scrap wood. That's one purpose. A fake fire place mantle attaches to this for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Slap in a CD and instant fireplace for the holidays. Make curtains for your living room for all year. Turn them inside out and they're Christmas curtains. The tree I'm making will be in two to three sections. I could make an attachment for it and have an extension for a duster or paint roller. A set of small wood cut outs in a row could actually be the back of a wall shelf. Painted on one side to be a Christmas prop. Painted on the shelf side to look good hanging in a room for the rest of the year. That kind of thing.

[Just Whisper]

I like that idea Putrid. It really broadens it enough so more people will feel included and also not end up with a useless prop. But at least ONE purpose of it will have to be a christmas prop, right?

[putrid]

Yep that's the idea. The other purpose could be anything the builder wants it to be. I think it'd be cool to judge the prop on the usability of it's second purpose as well. Let's face it. No one in they're right mind would unpack a Christmas tree just to use it's center pole as a duster. LOL

[theedwin]

I like that idea as well Putrid. I say we just go with it!

[Sickie Ickie]

I must say I really like that idea, too. It still has a multi-use, so if someone wants to use it as another holiday props they could, or if they want to be a McGuyver and make a laser cutter from Santa they still could.

Should we have the start be March 1 to keep it simple?

[Just Whisper]

I am good with that date. But I am good with whatever ya'll pick. Just say go, and I will. Don't forget to say if we have a spending limit. And PLEASE go more than $20 this year. LOL.

[Sickie Ickie]

The reason we stuck with $20 was that besides adding a challenge in itself to stay under the limit, some people didn't have much to spend for the challenge.

BUT, let's go with a poll...

[Sickie Ickie]

Poll here: http://christmasfanclub.com/showthread.php?t=3460

[Just Whisper]

In the past the $20 limit was fine, because as you said, that was part of the challenge. But this one will be a bit more of a challenge. And you don't HAVE to spend more if you don't have more. I have seen some pretty amazing props built from almost nothing and cost practically nothing. But some people may not have access to throw away stuff, or free stuff.

[Sickie Ickie]

Good points, JW.

[Just Whisper]

blushes and bats eyelashes..."why thanks sickie. And what did you think of my ideas?" LOL

[EnlightenedGrinch]

LMAO ! Must be cold in here...........

[Sickie Ickie]

Oh...I don't know...I'm getting pretty warm. LOL

[EnlightenedGrinch]

That just means your Depends is full..........

[Sickie Ickie]

Maybe...it all depends...

[EnlightenedGrinch]

So, we're going with the multi-purpose prop?

I'm guessing we need to show pics of the finished prop on how it looks for both uses?

[putrid]

I think that'd be fare EnlightenedGrinch. That way folks can see both uses for the prop.

[Goofy]

would there be bonus points for if the unit can be used for more then two events (seasons holidays)???

[Sickie Ickie]

Not in the rules of the contest, Goofy...of course you can always rack up admiration from people following your progress. :D

[bethene]

have not a clue in the world what to even begin to do for this,, I don't do "props" for Christmas, or what I guess I consider props,and then to make one that has more than one use?? man, I don't have a idea for one use! I need to put my thinking cap on,,,, and it is SO hard to get on these days!

[putrid]

Goofy, total multi use items would be cool! You got me thinking of it as well. And I came up with a GREAT idea that could be used for three holidays!!!

Holiday toilet paper dispenser!

Make a tube shaped body out of chicken wire in two parts. Then make paper mache snowman and jack o lantern heads to fit. Both with a top hat on a hinge.

To use stuff the tube shaped body with usable wads of toilet paper. Your guests can disassemble and use as needed. Under the top hat on a hinge have a box of handy wipes. The body is used to store toilet paper roles. For Christmas you'd use the snowman head. For halloween the Jack o lantern. For April Fools day replace the handy wipes with a squirt gun.

Feel free to use any of my ideas!

[Just Whisper]

LMAO Putrid. That is just so funny.

Bethene, don't feel bad. I have not even started thinking on this yet. I can't seem to get my mind off Halloween and back on Christmas. It is an automatic function I cannot control. As soon as Christmas is over and packed away my mind rolls forward to working on Halloween props. So now I have to really work hard to think of something I can make work for this contest.

I have a question, which I assume sickie will answer when he posts the official site with rules, costs, deadlines, etc... When most of us talk about "Props" we are implying a rather largish object, frequently used outdoors. But for this contest wouldn't we be leaning toward any Christmas decoration that has at least two holiday purposes? And I can't remember if we clarified if the second purpose actually has to be a holiday function or just useable for other than Christmas. So, for example, could the "prop" be a wreath or centerpiece, just as likely as one may design a fully animated outdoor prop? As long as it is a Christmas decoration it should qualify, correct?

[Sickie Ickie]

"As long as it is a Christmas decoration it should qualify, correct?"

Correct. And no, it does not have to be another holiday for the multi-use, but that's fine too if someone wants to do that. Multi-use just means another function as well.

[bethene]

I totally get the Halloween thing, JW. that is where my brain is too,, even if I haven't started working on anything..
I am totally clueless with the multi-use thing,,, seems very hard,,,

[Just Whisper]

Yep, I laid in bed last night and all morning trying to think of anything, no matter how small or big, that I could make work. I think I may be sitting this one out. I don't mind spending 3 weeks working on a project. But I don't want to spend 3 weeks thinking up a project. If something falls in my lap I will pick it up and run with it.

2 days later.......Hmmmmm, I may have just stumbled on to something. I will start thinking this through and get back to you.

[bethene]

I am sorta of the sit this one out thing too ,, I don't like the multi use thing at all,, just my 2 cents..

[putrid]

Here I cancel my sponsorship because I know I'll have time this year and I'll be the only one? It's no fun if I know I'm going to win.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I've got an idea for something. But if I end up doing it, it will be another large prop that I don't have any storage space for. :(

[Just Whisper]

Me too Grinch. I absolutely could not think of anything for which I would have 2 uses. So I finally came up with something and was a little excited until I remembered we had a $$$$ limit. So....I will see what I can do...but I am not hopeful. I also am not real crazy about the multi-use concept. It really puts a serious limitation on my imagination, which was already not of the greatest quality. LOL.

[Sickie Ickie]

If we don't have a minimum of 3 entries, the contest will be void and no prizes will be awarded.

C'mon folks- you have 2 months to come up with something. Some ideas to bounce off of:

- mannequin that can be dressed for occasions

- a sign that can be painted on each sign and flipped when needed

- a widdle reindeer made from a screw driver that still can be used.

There's plenty of ideas, thinking outside the box is what we as deckers and haunters should good at :)

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Oh I'll definitely make something. I'll probably go with the prop I had in mind.
The prizes themselves are enough motivation for me!

[Just Whisper]

Damnit sickie, I was going to make a widdle reindeer from a screwdriver that still can be used. Now I have to think of something else because everyone will think I just copied your idea. Well, I'm screwed. :)

[putrid]

A toilet paper Christmas tree!! However it might be a little awkward for your guests to use. I imagine you'd get tired of hearing, "do I back up to it or can I take a branch with me."

[bethene]

I actually had a couple of ideas, but nothing big or great,,not sure if I will make one or not,,, one idea I have, I am looking for a pattern,, but so far no luck,

[Sickie Ickie]

Damnit sickie, I was going to make a widdle reindeer from a screwdriver that still can be used. Now I have to think of something else because everyone will think I just copied your idea. Well, I'm screwed. :)

A two way pun! LOL

[theedwin]

That was hilarious JW!

I am thinking.... but still no ideas.

[Just Whisper]

haha Putrid, love the toilet paper tree.

Beth, try what I did. Work backwards. I figured out FIRST what I needed for my Halloween haunt this year. Then I thought about how I could take ANY of those concepts and turn them into something for Christmas. It is easier for me to make something Halloween work for Christmas than the other way around. It might be a full prop for your haunted campground that you can display on your front porch at Christmas or a smaller item you could use for added decor (ambiance), or maybe some scenery. I know it doesn't have to be for Halloween but that is where mine will get my money's worth of use. This is definitely one of the harder challenges we have had, but I really want to try to make something. I actually have 3 ideas, so it is just a question of which to try to get finished for the contest. I want to eventually make them all anyway. They are not particularly amazing, and not very imaginative, but they will serve as a multipurpose prop.

[putrid]

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with Just Whisper. Then beating you in the contest....LOL

I think the hardest part is over thinking the idea of a dual use object. First, as talked about earlier in this thread, it doesn't have to be for two holidays. Second it's uses can be anything. One idea I had was to make a paper mache two part snowman to fit over a popcorn tin. I'd use the tin to hold dog food so I wouldn't have to keep the bag in sight wile I blocked the attic stairwell. I would think making a dual use item would be easy for folks with pets. Pet beds, toys, something to do with where you put their food dishes. As Sickie Ickie pointed out parts of it could be used as something else. The screwdriver reindeer. Simplify it. Think,
"It's a Christmas decoration AND a.......
or,
"All together it's this. After Christmas this part is used for...."

Here's a freebee, An idea anyone can use. Get a narrow wire rack meant to go on a door or wall. A hand full of wire brush trees, craft paint, snow paint, Cheap Christmas nick nacks that would look good in a snowy scene. Cardboard and a piece of plywood the same length as the wire rack. Make a Christmas scene that's both painted on one side of the plywood and covers the wire rack. Make sure the part that goes over the wire rack can slip back off. A 3D Christmas wall hanging. Then take it apart and turn the wood around. Put the wire rack on the unpainted back side. Modify the rack so it holds tools. (this would have to be done before you slip the Christmas scene of it to make it a true dual use item ) Use this in the garage to hold things like brooms or hammers. Anything you can think of. Now if your really creative make it so it'll hold those tools in the garage AND be a Christmas scene meant to be hung in the house without any modifications.

[bethene]

JW,, I will try to do it that way,, Halloween is on the brain anyway,, but something for both, man, I don;t know , yes, this is the hardest contest of any of the forums that do contests!

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I'm glad this contest has a higher dollar limit than the past contests. That's what limited me the most before.

I'm still debating on building my original idea or coming up with something else.

[Just Whisper]

I think it is ironic that our theme is a multi-use prop, and the $20 prop contest theme on Hauntforum is "Christmas Corruption". I wonder if I can figure out a way to use the same prop for both contests. LOL.

[putrid]

I"m glad it's a higher limit as well EnlightenedGrinch. Although I don't think my entry will come anywhere near that.

I think I've figured out an easier way to attach branches AND make the trunk in more than one six foot piece. Now to see if it's stable....

[Just Whisper]

I also concur Dave. This would have been really tough with a $20 limit. Well, I guess it just would have meant much smaller decorations. So I would be like..."Hey everyone! I am sorry my Christmas display is only 4 inches tall this year. You are going to have to come into my yard to actually see it. Watch out!!! Don't step on that 1/2 inch tall elf."LOL.

A question for sickie. I have a piece of art canvas that I acquired from church many years ago. At the time we had to paint murals on them for Vacation Bible School. Now I want to paint over the mural and use it again. For pricing, would that fall under the 30% rule?

Putrid..."Looking forward to seeing what you come up with Just Whisper. Then beating you in the contest....LOL " NEVER!!!!! I am sending secret elf spies to your house to watch you and make sure my prop is bigger, better, brighter, more bold and beautiful. And if I can't do that then their mission is to hijack your prop and whisk it away to the north pole and secretly donate it to Santa. :)

[bethene]

I think I may have come up with a idea,,, have to think it thru though

[Just Whisper]

Yay Bethene! I know you can do it. If my messed up brain can think a thought, and think it through, and think it's done, then I think you can think a thing or two.

[putrid]

I have a question on how to price something. Looking at Ebay they've sold 3 of them for around $10 each. One at $5 but that was a 'Buy it now'. Then they have two of them listed between $40 to $50 but no one is paying that much. I bought mine somewhere between $2 to $5. What price should I call it?

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I'd say the price is whatever you paid for the item. That's how much it cost you.
If I went to Lowe's and bought a piece of lumber on sale for $5.00, regularly $6.00, I would count it as $5.00 spent toward the prop.

[Sickie Ickie]

I'd say the price is whatever you paid for the item. That's how much it cost you.
If I went to Lowe's and bought a piece of lumber on sale for $5.00, regularly $6.00, I would count it as $5.00 spent toward the prop.

Ditto. Took the words right out of my mouth. (Hope you like slobber. LOL)

JW, If they were throwing that canvas out, then it falls under under the 30% rule.

"If you received something at no cost / free = it should be considered 30% of retail cost
thrift store price= what you paid
paint, glue, glitter and usables= prorated

costs should be of the items themselves...not tax or shipping."

The reason for that was so people wouldn't "find" something and use it unfairly.

[Just Whisper]

Yep, I totally understand that sickie. "Look, I found this really cool completely decorated 8 foot tree in the trash and it had a motor attached to it for some reason". LOL Although, for those of us who are really good at scrounging it is hard, because no matter how free I got something, I still can't use it because of the 30% rule. But there is just no way around it. Someone, somewhere, would take advantage of that if the rule wasn't there.

That canvas wasn't something they were throwing out. My son and I had to paint a mural on it, and after VBS we got to take it home with us. So I am recycling something I already used once. But I see no other way to figure it other than the 30% rule. Thanks for the clarification.

[putrid]

Thanks for the answer. Wanted to be clear on it. I'm doing my best not to modify the antique. But it's important to the retro industrial look I'm going for.

Just Whisper, if the 30% rule puts a higher price on the canvas try local thrift and resale shops. I've seen some really bad pantings on canvas. I bought one at an auction who's canvas measures 2 ft by 4 ft in a really big frame. Really REALLY bad painting. I think I got it between $5 to $10. Got another one that's a good 3x3.5 ft. Nothing but globs of paint holding dead weeds and leaves to the canvas. Looks like someone threw up in a ditch. If they have those 'Staring Artist Sales' you can get really bad sofa size paintings really cheap as well. Hey, I'm as big a fan of Bob Ross and anyone. But he's the only one who made that technique look good. Most of his painting anyway.

[Just Whisper]

This canvas is 6 feet X 8 feet...I haven't actually priced it yet, but I am sure it is not that much. And I am only using a portion of it. But I have had items in the past that I got free and it actually made my prop cost higher than the items I got at the thrift store or yard sale.

[bethene]

am not sure whether I should go boring and easy but would actually probably use it for Christmas and Halloween, or harder to make and cooler but something I would mostly use for Halloween,, but could, if I so wished to, use for Christmas,,,,,,

[Just Whisper]

This canvas is 6 feet X 8 feet...I haven't actually priced it yet, but I am sure it is not that much. And I am only using a portion of it. But I have had items in the past that I got free and it actually made my prop cost higher than the items I got at the thrift store or yard sale.

Just checked at Home depot and the whole canvas is only $11. If I only use a third of it, and prorate to 30% that is almost nothing. Like $1.00 :)

[Sickie Ickie]

Great new, JW. :)

B, I think the question to ask yourself, is: Am I going to use this? Ultimately that's what the props are for.

[bethene]

well, I would use both items,, at least for one of the multi - purposes,, I just am debating on how much time I have,,,
( working on a prop for haunt forum too)

[EnlightenedGrinch]

I finally decided what I'm going to make for the contest. I started on it yesterday, but I don't have a pic yet to start my thread.
Maybe by tomorrow I will.

[Just Whisper]

That's great Grinch. I am hoping to start on mine today. We will see if I get time.

[bethene]

still not sure , sigh,,,

[Just Whisper]

I had to mow the yard instead of working on prop. :(

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Yea, I did the same thing last night, too.

[putrid]

Minor set back on my idea. Seems a 3/4 inch dow is actually 5/8. It needs to be exact in order to work. Going back to the lumber yard tomorrow.

[Just Whisper]

Sickie, I may have already covered this, but I seem confused. I have wood I bought and used for Halloween last year. I paid full price for it. I have now disassembled that which I originally used it for. If I use the wood again, do I count the full price of the lumber or discount it since I am re-using it? Not sure, and I want to make sure I don't go over budget, but also don't want to cheat. Thanks for your assistance and sorry if this is getting redundant.

Putrid, Sorry for your set-back. It seems the most minor of details is what usually de-rails my projects. And I hate it when I am almost finished with a project or just trying to get it going and I have to stop and go to the store for a .99c screw or some other insignificant bit of hardware. But I am excited to see what you are making.

Grinch's project is looking really good.

[Sickie Ickie]

JW, the way the rules are currently structured if you pd full price, the item is full price, even if stealing from yourself on another prop. If not sure how much the wood costs, just make an educated guess as it can be prorated according to how much you used. Fair? :)

[Just Whisper]

Yep, sounds good. I can check at the store for the original price. No Problem. Thanks sickie.

[Just Whisper]

Hey Sickie, when you set up the poll how will people access our project? Will you just have a link to our thread and people will have to read through our entire building process, or should we go back and make our first or last post contain finished photos and info?