You are an AMAZING teacher and communicator. Your speed and pace, the fact that you don't use catch phrases like, "I'm gonna give it a..." and "I'm gonna come in with...." is incredible. I don't get bored watching your videos or have to speed them up or skip parts. No umms, or uhhhs. Just fantastic! And don't even get me started on your creative genius.....
I think you just made my spring with the weed fabric. I’ve used it extensively with enclosing spaces, dressing figures, etc., but a few weeks ago at the Depot, while shopping paving stones with my wife, I walked past the fabric spools and…as per usual, began explaining how useful whatever is in front of me, can be for haunting. My wife, as usual…unimpressed, but in this particular moment she asked if I could melt the weed fabric the way I obsessively do with plastic drop cloth….texture, it. This is why my marriage is so good. Thank you for confirming what was immediately rolling around in my head that day. You are the best, Mr Hopps…the absolute best. The applications that I plan to apply this to…my goodness. I’m ashamed I haven’t thought of it before. Hope to meet you at MHC.
I think my favorite moment was at 15:03 Gotta say, I'm LOVING not only this content, but the production value and editing going into the videos now! There was nothing wrong with the previous "generation" of UA-cam Wednesdays - these just have a nicer polish on them that elevates the viewing experience for your audience. THANK YOU for taking the time to give us the goods
good lord we are trying lol, I have help and they are better at this than me lol. If a monster looks like it wants a hug, you give it a hug. thank you for your feedback!
Step bits are soooooo satisfying to use on plastic. Using the bucket handle as a hanging point was a smart idea. I, too, HATE chicken wire. Dang it, here something else I need to add to my haunt.
I'll be using that cable tie trick for many things in the future. Amazing. I love that almost every year you have a new updated reaper/wraith project. So many options.
This video moved up to my top favorite inspirational how to video. I can see all kinds of applications, from making plastic ground breaking ghosts and making a quick shoulder forms to go over my PVC frame ( under costume) on witches (I went from making three witches to a whole coven.). Once again thank you for all your amazing ideas.
I've been wanting to do a full sized reaper for a few years, but dreading the support structure needed for the monster mud method (along with the mess that ensues). The landscape fabric method is a groundbreaking idea, and also gets around the drying time and weight. Thank you for always providing such amazing content
Chicken wire pokey dokeys 🤣agreed, gets me every time. Absolutely delightful how to, loved the wood glue with fabric tip you gave in passing that will be a handy addition to my theatre makes thank you Allen. The reaper was just fabulous.
One of my favorite artists, Chad Savage with Sinister Vision- his work is stellar. Link here- shopsinister.com/products/frightfall2021-werewolf-short-sleeve-unisex-t-shirt?_pos=7&_sid=1f8224536&_ss=r
With all of these fun and inexpensive DIY Halloween crafts I've found on your channel, I'll be up to my eyeballs in projects for the next month! LOOKING FORWARD TO IT! (And after all the effort and how cool they will all look, I just may leave them on display on the front lawn till next spring! 🤣🤣🤣)
I've always admired people who see raw materials & make something unique with them. As an example...I can crochet following almost any pattern & make something beautiful, but, I can't write the pattern to make that item... Alan, you sir, can make that pattern.
FYI, I found out the hard way many landscape fabrics are not UV resistant and will disintegrate if left in the sun very long. If going outdoors, make sure to get uv rated.
I just picked up a set of those Quinn scissors from Harbor Freight recently as well and I'm blown away at the quality! They carry some very quality stuff these days
That was incredible and super inspiring!! I missed what you said was glue between the fabric layers? I know you used spray paint, but it was another kind of spray.
Creating a wraith atm. I cut 6 feet of chicken wire and rolled it over my 2 pool noodles with around a foot and a half left of CW. It either seems the pool noodles are too long, or I didn’t cut the CW long enough. However, I’m a big guy as well, and my chest to fingertip is 3 feet both sides, so I’m stumped…help!😬
Very cool, man. I'm really impressed with the texture that you got with the heat gun and landscape fabric. You mentioned possibly using wood glue and water for a soaking method, but said that other water could break it down. What if you used Tite Bond III? I believe that is waterproof? However, probably more expensive. TiteBond III isn't the cheapest. Regardless, really cool build. Again, LOVE the texture on this. And...love the zip tie trick. I too hate chicken wire and cringed when i saw you break it out. Cheers sir. 🤘💀
Allen, I am sending a friend Tampa Jay to see your videos. Him and his girlfriend Cris The Girl loves Halloween all year long.. I thought they would love your channel as much as I do. They do haunt videos on their channel................ .Love, Dusty
Hi, your video tutorials are wonderful! Can you recommend something, monster mud, paper mache, etc to use to cover/coat an outdoor prop made from a cardboard base? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks. Nome
I buy these- its about $3 a noodle- they are already black and are the best noodles out there- I spend a bit more per noodle but save on gas and frustration. foamnoodles.com/collections/foam-noodles/products/oodles-of-noodles-black-foam-pool-swim-noodles-12-count-packs
I've thought about using the extra pipe insulation foam tubes I have and they are already black and available year round at the big box home improvement stores.
Was this at your shop or at Six Flags Festa Texas or Discovery Kingdom? I only as because the giant banner for the S&S Free Spin roller coaster : Batman the ride was on the wall Sorry im a huge coaster nerd 😊
Is that an Ed Head armature? The only one I can find is $89 😢 Intimidated to work with plaster. Love this reaper, tho! Thanks for another great tutorial!
@@StiltbeastStudios Gotcha ok. I'm going to screw mine in since it's going to be outdoors. And the wind will definitely take it lol. But thank you . I love all your videos.
this stuff- www.amazon.com/Ook-04527001297-50141-Galvanized-Multicolor/dp/B001EX1C2W/ref=sr_1_8?crid=114UBD462MWII&keywords=ceiling%2Bhanger%2Bwire&qid=1697232516&sprefix=ceiling%2Bhanger%2Bwire%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-8&th=1
Awesome, thank you so much. Working on a moving mayor from Nightmare before Christmas using lazy suzans and need that wire for strength. Happy Halloween 🎃
It's called a *"step bit,"* because the bit is shaped like a cone with graduated wider diameters *in steps* to work as if you were using smaller to larger bit sizes without actually having to constantly remove and insert a larger bit into your drill as you drill a progressively larger hole. Nifty invention, huh? 👍
Your process seems pretty organic, but for someone like me (marginal talent, no skill, just screwing around for my front yard decorations),Have you talked in previous videos about budgeting and planning for projects? My husband would appreciate it. 😅
I need a real cyclops visor from x-men from tyler delaire make it yellow please and thank you from tylerdelaire with laser beams in them please and thank you from tylerdelaire
we carry them in the Dark Hour gift shop now, we will have them at the Texas haunters convention, Texas frightmare weekend those are all local here in TX
OK - I'm already SO impressed with the looped-wire-tie to unlooped-wire-tie retrieval trick. 😂 Where has that been all my life???
Im here for ya!
@@StiltbeastStudios 😂 yes, you are!
I love the rotted texture effect of the landscaping fabric and the heat gun.
yeah, its a weedblock fabric
I always learn from Mr. Hopps!!!! Thanks big guy!!!!!
Perhaps the only use for landscape fabric! Well done!
best use I can think of!
Wow, Allen! That’s one good looking figure!
The reaper, I mean.
Ive been working out.
@@StiltbeastStudios
😂
@@StiltbeastStudios
You know I was talking about your reaper right?
You are an AMAZING teacher and communicator. Your speed and pace, the fact that you don't use catch phrases like, "I'm gonna give it a..." and "I'm gonna come in with...." is incredible. I don't get bored watching your videos or have to speed them up or skip parts. No umms, or uhhhs. Just fantastic! And don't even get me started on your creative genius.....
Wow, thank you!
I have been trying to make your spooky tree for DAYS. THE ZIPTIE/THE DRILL HOLE STENCIL. GAME CHANGERS.
I try to put a worthy tip in every video!
@@StiltbeastStudios thank you!
I think you just made my spring with the weed fabric. I’ve used it extensively with enclosing spaces, dressing figures, etc., but a few weeks ago at the Depot, while shopping paving stones with my wife, I walked past the fabric spools and…as per usual, began explaining how useful whatever is in front of me, can be for haunting. My wife, as usual…unimpressed, but in this particular moment she asked if I could melt the weed fabric the way I obsessively do with plastic drop cloth….texture, it.
This is why my marriage is so good. Thank you for confirming what was immediately rolling around in my head that day. You are the best, Mr Hopps…the absolute best. The applications that I plan to apply this to…my goodness. I’m ashamed I haven’t thought of it before. Hope to meet you at MHC.
I will be there! I look forward to meeting ya!
Uhggg chicken wire,lol.oving them fender washers. He came out imposing and awesome!😊
😁
I think my favorite moment was at 15:03
Gotta say, I'm LOVING not only this content, but the production value and editing going into the videos now! There was nothing wrong with the previous "generation" of UA-cam Wednesdays - these just have a nicer polish on them that elevates the viewing experience for your audience. THANK YOU for taking the time to give us the goods
good lord we are trying lol, I have help and they are better at this than me lol. If a monster looks like it wants a hug, you give it a hug. thank you for your feedback!
@@StiltbeastStudios
May the Good Lord smile on you both. Bless ya! 😊
My favorite moment starts at 0:00
I've yet to find a moment I don't love
You're the boss! Look at you handling chicken wire without gloves. Thanks for the landscape fabric texturing idea.
Thanks for watching!
Step bits are soooooo satisfying to use on plastic. Using the bucket handle as a hanging point was a smart idea. I, too, HATE chicken wire. Dang it, here something else I need to add to my haunt.
go make stuff!
So impressed by the landscape fabric use. So easy and creative and doesn’t take much heat to really get an effect!
its a beautiful deteriation with the heat
I'll be using that cable tie trick for many things in the future. Amazing. I love that almost every year you have a new updated reaper/wraith project. So many options.
it works a treat and a reaper of some kind is such a favorite of mine.
Awesome reaper! It's fascinating to watch you work, my friend. You never cease to amaze me.
thanks Jackie!
That was a neat trick with the zip ties. Thank you. Your creation was as awesome as ever.
Glad you liked it!
This video moved up to my top favorite inspirational how to video.
I can see all kinds of applications, from making plastic ground breaking ghosts and making a quick shoulder forms to go over my PVC frame ( under costume) on witches (I went from making three witches to a whole coven.).
Once again thank you for all your amazing ideas.
there a lot of techniques in this video that are applicable in many ways, Im glad you see that! and thank you for commenting!
I've been wanting to do a full sized reaper for a few years, but dreading the support structure needed for the monster mud method (along with the mess that ensues). The landscape fabric method is a groundbreaking idea, and also gets around the drying time and weight. Thank you for always providing such amazing content
You can add concrete or gravel to the bottom bucket to weigh it down if its going outside. Im so glad you like the videos, thanks for commenting
I love the spray paint trick to find your holes in the bottom of that bucket!
Chicken wire pokey dokeys 🤣agreed, gets me every time. Absolutely delightful how to, loved the wood glue with fabric tip you gave in passing that will be a handy addition to my theatre makes thank you Allen. The reaper was just fabulous.
Glad you enjoyed it, Cheers!
Always love your videos! This is amazing! Thank you for this zip tie trick.
Thank you! Cheers!
J'adore !!! Tout ce que vous faîtes est absolument génial 🤩
thank you for your support! I appreciate you watching!
Oh my god. The zip tie trick is amazing!!
Stunning! The heat gun melting weed barrier stuff is awesome.
its a great texture to be sure!
How that came together is amazing. THis is true experience of understanding the layers. Fantastic.
@samuknow Thanks for taking the time to comment! Glad ya liked the video!
Literally my favorite Halloween tutorial ever!!! ❤
Happy you enjoyed it!
Ziptie trick is genius!! That'll come in so useful for 100's of other applications, too! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I have everything in my garage for this project!😂❤ I've always wanted a reaper! Thank you Papa !!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
go make stuff!
Wow! Incredible job Alan! It looks awesome!❤
Thank you! Cheers!
@@StiltbeastStudios also a big congratulations on becoming owner of Dark-Hour🕛💀I can’t wait to one day check it out, your a true inspiration Alan🤘🏻🎃🤘🏻
This fantastic! Thanks for sharing this.
Glad you enjoyed it!
That turned out so awesome!! Alan you are so talented and give me so many ideas!! Thanks for all the great vids!!!
Glad you like them! thanks for watching!
I really feel inspired to create by watching your videos! Thank you so much for making them. :)
I'm so glad!
Love the shirt! Is that from another Haunt? I'd love one if possible.
One of my favorite artists, Chad Savage with Sinister Vision- his work is stellar. Link here- shopsinister.com/products/frightfall2021-werewolf-short-sleeve-unisex-t-shirt?_pos=7&_sid=1f8224536&_ss=r
With all of these fun and inexpensive DIY Halloween crafts I've found on your channel, I'll be up to my eyeballs in projects for the next month!
LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!
(And after all the effort and how cool they will all look, I just may leave them on display on the front lawn till next spring! 🤣🤣🤣)
do it!
Wow that looks amazing. I can't wait to get a heat gun. So I can make stuff using one. Like half skeleton half spider
Get you one!
I'm in awe of your creations ! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and ideas
I've always admired people who see raw materials & make something unique with them. As an example...I can crochet following almost any pattern & make something beautiful, but, I can't write the pattern to make that item... Alan, you sir, can make that pattern.
you are very kind- I just like to make stuff!'
Awesome reaper Allen amazing work as always
Im glad ya liked it Linecook!
that's great !! i love the texture the yard cloth makes ...Ugh now i have another Idea LOL !! HFL!!
thats my job! giving people ideas!
Really needed some footage of him installed in the haunt. (Lighted and all)
He will be installed Saturday Morning, and the video was due before then lol- I was shoing how to make him- you figure out how to light him lol.
You’re the best! ❤️ love your content!
I love your comments!
FYI, I found out the hard way many landscape fabrics are not UV resistant and will disintegrate if left in the sun very long. If going outdoors, make sure to get uv rated.
the leak seal really helps with that!
I counted final bucket height of 5 buckets, correct? Thx! 7:17
correct!
I'm glad I found your channel, amazing work and great tips!!! ❤
thank you!
Thank you SO much for all your content - you’re an OG
He’s not quite done yet but I did make stuff
So many great tips! And it turned out good & creepy 🙂
Yay, thank you!
YES!! Best trick ever!! 🏆
it works for me!
I just picked up a set of those Quinn scissors from Harbor Freight recently as well and I'm blown away at the quality! They carry some very quality stuff these days
yeah, Im very happy with them.
Totally went to your museum on Saturday. About to upload a video!
very cool, wish I could have seen ya there!
That was incredible and super inspiring!! I missed what you said was glue between the fabric layers? I know you used spray paint, but it was another kind of spray.
www.walmart.com/ip/Flex-Seal-Automotive-Aerosol-Liquid-Rubber-Sealant-Coating-14-oz-Black/54980629
If you aren't subscribed and following Alan, then you are wrong
just less informed lol.
@@StiltbeastStudioshow do i find out more about the monster camps?
Just subscribed
Creating a wraith atm. I cut 6 feet of chicken wire and rolled it over my 2 pool noodles with around a foot and a half left of CW. It either seems the pool noodles are too long, or I didn’t cut the CW long enough. However, I’m a big guy as well, and my chest to fingertip is 3 feet both sides, so I’m stumped…help!😬
I dont know, want to send me a few pics? stiltbeast@gmail.com
you should look into a Panduit GTS cable tie gun. Makes tension and cutting the tails super easy.
Thanks, I'll look into it!
I got a fever, and the only prescription is more youtube Wednesday. And cowbell.
more are coming!
Very cool, man. I'm really impressed with the texture that you got with the heat gun and landscape fabric. You mentioned possibly using wood glue and water for a soaking method, but said that other water could break it down. What if you used Tite Bond III? I believe that is waterproof? However, probably more expensive. TiteBond III isn't the cheapest. Regardless, really cool build. Again, LOVE the texture on this. And...love the zip tie trick. I too hate chicken wire and cringed when i saw you break it out. Cheers sir. 🤘💀
using the titebond should keep it water proof. I was really going for fast since this was a one day build!
That is so very sweet. I might try that this year
Go make stuff!
What is the name of the landscape fabric material you used in this video?
Allen, I am sending a friend Tampa Jay to see your videos. Him and his girlfriend Cris The Girl loves Halloween all year long..
I thought they would love your channel as much as I do.
They do haunt videos on their channel................
.Love, Dusty
very cool, thanks for the recommendation1
Who would have thunk it that death could look so sweet!!☺️☺️👍👍
reapers are so fun to make
@@StiltbeastStudios it's plumb neato!! Man, please be careful with those cut wire ends. That was scary in it's self😶😶😬😬
As always amazing ❤❤👍
Thank you so much 😀
Hi, your video tutorials are wonderful! Can you recommend something, monster mud, paper mache, etc to use to cover/coat an outdoor prop made from a cardboard base? Any info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Nome
I would use several coats of polyurethane. Spray it on to make sure it is sealed.
Thank you for the quick reply!!
Hi! new here...really enjoyed the video. Question: where did you get the head/shoulder mold/mannequin?
I use a sculpting bust, but you can get one from amazon.
www.monstermakers.com/EDH20
i wanna see him make ringwraiths (i think thats what they're called) from the LOTR series!
yeah....very cool- we could do that.....you may have given me an idea...
Looks so easy and great!
these are fun to make
Awesome tutorial as always. How well will this hold up to the weather outside? I am not as concerned about moisture as I am about wind.
You'd have to really weigh down the bottom bucket but as long as you weight it down well, I can't see that being a huge issue.
Where would you get shinny clown fabric. can you make some.
I think PVC material would be your best bet, but Im not really a clown guy myself.
That was so fkn bad ass !! And made it out of little to nothing!!
I use high quality garbage lol.
WOW!!!! DAMN AWESOME SUPERCOOL!!!!!! ⭐️ 👍 ⭐️
Great video. Easy too make
Wow cool Reaper it looks more like the Reaper's Ghost I like
I made it to be a wraith actually but reaper is an easier word for people to grasp.
@@StiltbeastStudios Made it to be Wraith but yes Reaper is an easier word I hear you on that still it's a pretty cool one
how do i get info on the monster camps availiable...i would love to make something horribly terrifying with you Alan
We will post the 2024 dates on our website, Facebook and Instagram next month. Lots of camps coming up next year! stiltbeaststudios.com.
This is Phenomenal! Thank you!
Glad you like it!
Big fan, here. Where do you get your pool noodles without spending a ton? Specifically the black ones?
I buy these- its about $3 a noodle- they are already black and are the best noodles out there- I spend a bit more per noodle but save on gas and frustration.
foamnoodles.com/collections/foam-noodles/products/oodles-of-noodles-black-foam-pool-swim-noodles-12-count-packs
I've thought about using the extra pipe insulation foam tubes I have and they are already black and available year round at the big box home improvement stores.
I’m sorry how did you support the headpiece on? And what did you quickly spray over top of it at the end?
I screwed it to the 2x4 in the bucket top it actually fit on easily because the shoulders I built it on were bigger than the bucket shoulders
Was this at your shop or at Six Flags Festa Texas or Discovery Kingdom? I only as because the giant banner for the S&S Free Spin roller coaster : Batman the ride was on the wall Sorry im a huge coaster nerd 😊
So what if you have buckets and I do but no lids how do I adjust?
get lids, ask a resturant, they throw out lids and buckets all the time, check a construction site dumpster. lots of ways to get them for free
Love this guy!
Is that an Ed Head armature? The only one I can find is $89 😢 Intimidated to work with plaster. Love this reaper, tho! Thanks for another great tutorial!
coukld have been, I have like 15 full head armatures from various places- a mannequin head and shoulders would do- oor you can make your own
Can I ask what color was used for the "dusting" near the end?
seaside and hunt club green.
Love the video. But I have a question how did you attach the head?
I just set it on there and used the other layers of landscapeing fabric to lock it in.
@@StiltbeastStudios Gotcha ok. I'm going to screw mine in since it's going to be outdoors. And the wind will definitely take it lol. But thank you . I love all your videos.
Great work. What gauge wire was used on the head portion?
I used a type of wire called ceiling hangar wire from home depot- its my favorite for this type of work.
this stuff-
www.amazon.com/Ook-04527001297-50141-Galvanized-Multicolor/dp/B001EX1C2W/ref=sr_1_8?crid=114UBD462MWII&keywords=ceiling%2Bhanger%2Bwire&qid=1697232516&sprefix=ceiling%2Bhanger%2Bwire%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-8&th=1
Awesome, thank you so much. Working on a moving mayor from Nightmare before Christmas using lazy suzans and need that wire for strength. Happy Halloween 🎃
Totally Cool
your comment is cool!
What can i seal my latex masks i paint with? . I only spray with airbrushes .
Liquitex matte varnish is pretty great, but I have found a tire shine that I really like called pro forma, its a gloss finish though
@@StiltbeastStudios thanks for the reply i'll check them out.
Can you tell me what the drill bit you used on the buckets is called? Cheers.
It's called a *"step bit,"* because the bit is shaped like a cone with graduated wider diameters *in steps* to work as if you were using smaller to larger bit sizes without actually having to constantly remove and insert a larger bit into your drill as you drill a progressively larger hole.
Nifty invention, huh? 👍
@@rattlecat5968 Many Thanks. Haven’t heard of that before. Better get me one.
beat me to it.
@@StiltbeastStudios That's ok, Sir- You're busy creating more content for us all to feast upon! 👍😁
How do you keep him in place so he doesn't fall over
Add weight to the bottom bucket. Fill it with gravel!
Have to remember the Zip-Tie trick!
What’s the white material used for the upper body “bags”?
its just clear plastic garbage bags- about 4 mil, pretty thick.
@@StiltbeastStudios i appreciate it sir
What was the thickness of the plastic used to shape the shoulders and cowl?
I think the garbage bag I used a 4mil, but it does not really matter
Your process seems pretty organic, but for someone like me (marginal talent, no skill, just screwing around for my front yard decorations),Have you talked in previous videos about budgeting and planning for projects? My husband would appreciate it. 😅
No I have not but they is a great idea for a video- may have to do that!
You have great ideas.
Thank you! This was a fun build.
Got a question.
Will spray foam stick to fabric?
yes, unless the fabric is wet
a mechanical bond where it gets into the weave is best
The landscape fabric is a fantastic idea!
it looks so cool!
Is that an Ed head you were using?
No, that was a cfx bust called average Joe I think
I need a real cyclops visor from x-men from tyler delaire make it yellow please and thank you from tylerdelaire with laser beams in them please and thank you from tylerdelaire
I think you should be arch angel. That is a way cool X-men character.
Can't find the sound!
what do you mean?
Love it…where can I get a Mannequin Head like that one?…
its called a sculpting armature!
This is just awesome
thanks for commenting!
so inspiring!! Im making stuff!!!
you can do it! go make stuff!
OMG. Zip tie trick!
Do you sell your stiltbeaststudio shirts local or online only?
we carry them in the Dark Hour gift shop now, we will have them at the Texas haunters convention, Texas frightmare weekend those are all local here in TX
Fantastic!
Thank you! Cheers!