Crazy 4 Halloween!: buy halloween props

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Prop - Graveyard Entrance - Posts

Haunted houses, castles, graveyards and cemeteries are generally fenced with gated entries and have pillars or posts on either side. Is it to keep things in or to keep things out? They are sometimes grand, ornate and large in scale while other times they are busted up, rickety old things.

Why do I need to create an entry? Creating an entryway gives your Trick or Treaters an initial destination point, a place to start your home haunt. Kids are running around the street like they're on sugar so finding the start is important. Therefore, show them where it is and how to get there. Our home haunt has signs, directional arrows and a gate with fencing and taped areas, kids still ask how to get in.

I had my hubby make both of these requesting two tall, rectangular posts then I painted them. Measurements, sorry I have no clue but it's over 5' tall. There is a boxed frame made of 2x2's inside which is what he nailed the outside plywood too. Just wing it with whatever you have on hand.

Supplies needed...

- Approximately 1 1/2 sheets of 1/2" plywood, there is no good side on the stuff we used.
- (2) 2"x4"

- circular saw, 2" nails, 60 grit sandpaper, black and white paint and a paintbrush.

Build it or get your hubby or partner to build it (no kids allowed at this stage!!). For the outside walls of post you need 8 pieces cut the same size and for the trim at the top, 8 more pieces cut the same with mitered corners. Build that inside frame first, for sturdiness or it may not last. Go over the finished product with sandpaper then wipe the surface clean. Paint your pillars to resemble either brick, stone, wood, skulls, bones whatever you think will achieve the desired effect. Add a rat to the top, pumpkins, lanterns or a live Scare Actor being a Gargoyle and your entrance is ready!