Fauxtex

Thanks to a Facebook reader of the Lost in Schlocko Facebook page, I have recently discovered Fauxtex.  In my research of Fauxtex, I have found this great video tutorial that I would like to share:

Build Your Own Shrunken Head - The Legal Way

Here is a neat tutorial on how to build a shrunken head from the blog Dark Artifacts.

Click here to see the full tutorial.

(H/T Prop Agenda)

Creepy Shelly

Here is a very ghoulishly neat how-to on building a static zombie or corpse prop for your next yard haunt or even movie:

http://www.halloweenforum.com/tutorials-step-step/103369-creepy-shelly-tutorial.html

Art Creature

Here is a cool mini documentary on indie make-up and special effects artist Jeremy Selenfriend:


ART CREATURE: Jeremy Selenfriend from LUNARCY PICTURES on Vimeo.

Summer Slaycation Update #11

 

Here is some current news as to what I have been up to for those wondering:  http://kidschlocko.blogspot.com/2011/09/summer-slaycation-11-women-rastlin-and.html

I also did manage to finally field test my dollar store budget peel-and-stick blood, as you can see from the pic above, and the results were decent enough if shot right.

Make a Heart in a Jar using Jell-O

Oh, Jell-O, is there nothing you can't do?  Here is a nifty prop about making a heart in a jar prop using Jell-O has a suspension liquid.  A cheap and effective technique.  However, I would look into using clear silicone or even a gallon of Elmer's or other clear craft school glue in it's place to make the prop last a bit longer.

Full how-to here.

Weekend Links: 7-30-11

Here are a few things you may have missed from the Lost in Schlock Facebook page or here:

Learn how to make silicone monster gloves on the cheap

Peel-and-stick blood splatters on a dollar store budget

Learn how to dye PVC pipe (via The Frugal Filmmaker)

Sadly, Backyard FX has ended.

Learn how to make a creepy "Wall of Death"

Peel-and-Stick Blood Splatters on a Dollar Store Budget

The wife showing off the peel-and-stick blood prop

For those who have been following my other blog, you may know that I have been experimenting with a way of creating a peel-and-stick static blood splatter prop.  The same kind that would be utilized on the show DEXTER.  The reason being is that sometimes you may find yourself on a film set or a haunted house attraction location in which no fake blood is allowed because of fears of stains, etc.  That is why this prop is ideal for such a case.

The current challenge of finding a really good blood splatter prop is the cost.  For those who, like me, who work with almost zero budgeted films finding a cost effective way of making or buying this prop is nearly impossible-til now.

After several batches and many failed attempts I have found a possible solution and it involves Elmer's Clear School Glue.  A item which is incredibly cheap at the moment due to all of the current back to school sales at places like Walmart and Target.

 Now let me share what I have learned so you too can make your own.

Supplies you will need:

• Elmer's Clear Washable Clear Glue
• Food Coloring of the primary colors, red, green, blue, yellow.
• Grafix Clear Sheeting, or a roll of any acetate sheeting such as the kind used for projectors.  In most art supply stores you can find a roll of it in the drafting/architecture aisle next to the myriad of rulers.
• Masking tape
• A sheet of foamcore board or a large sheet of cardboard
• A disposable clear plastic cup
• A disposable plastic spoon
• Patience.  Lots of patience.

Instructions:

1.  The first thing you will need is to roll out a large piece of acetate sheeting on a the foamcore board on a very flat surface and tape it down with the masking tape.

2. Pour the entire bottle of glue into the cup.  Then add a few drops of red, about six to seven drops.  You can add more if need be.  After the red add around one to two drops of green and one drop of blue.  You may have to experiment with the mixture to get it to the right kind of red you desire.

3.  On the acetate sheet, pour the mixture to make a large pool.  You can at this point tilt the board so it creates a realistic blood puddle.  The puddle will be a good size one.  However, if you need a large puddle you can double or triple the formula.  If doing such a thing it would be best to find a larger bottle of the glue online.

4.  To create drips, I made smaller puddles and tilted it and let it drip downward.  I also used the spoon to add lines of drips to craft it to the way I wanted.

5.  Wait around 24 hours for the mixture to fully dry.

6.  Here comes the tricky part.  The thicker the puddle the easier it will be to peel it off.  Yet, the thinner the puddle or splatter is the more challenging it is to peel it off, but it can be done.

7.  After the prop is used it can be reapplied back to its acetate sheet.  At this point I have no idea as to how many times it can be used.  But be sure to store in a cool and clean place in between usage.

Mistakes I have made and will correct next time:

The blood came out a decent red.  However, I might use a drop of black acrylic paint to darken the blood to add a bit more realism.  It was too see through for my taste.

Also because of the nature of the glue there were too many bubbles.  Using a toothpick to pop the bubbles helped a bit but I would like to find a better way of ridding them from the prop.

Peel and Stick Blood Splatters

On occassion when making a film, especially a horror flick, or even a live-action roleplaying game, the need to have a few blood splatters or pools of the red stuff may be needed. 

However, a challenge might be presented with the location or set being used when the red stuff absolutely must not touch the walls or floor in fear of ruining them.  So what does one do in such a situation?

The answer is to find a company that makes peel and stick blood pools and splatters and thanks to Eric Hart from Props Agenda I found the perfect place that make your own custom made blood splatters, pools, and even hand prints and more. 

The site can be found here and they do need at least two weeks notice for any custom made work and you will need to email or call the company for price quotes.  But one look at what amazing pieces can be made you will not want to go anywhere else. 

I highly recommend this company for anyone needing such a prop, and in my business I always could use them.
Go here for more details.

How to Make a Realistic Eyeball

Here is a very cool tutorial on how to make a realistic eyeball prop.  The perfect thing for any Dr. Frankenstein out there in need of any extra eyes.

Full tutorial here

How to Make a Fake Beating Heart on a Dime

Just in time for Valentine's Day is this old school tutorial from Indy Mogul's Backyard FX on how to make a fake heart:

Steve Johnson VFX Archives on Youtube

I recently discovered that visual effects and monster maker extraordanaire Steve Johnson has a Youtube channel.  On the channel he has been posting never before seeen (even on DVD or Blu-Ray) vids and pics of some of his past accumulated 30 years of work in the movie VFX industry.  This includes goodies such as behind-the-scenes looks at the Slimer puppet from GHOSTBUSTERS and the Pencil Gag from FRIGHT NIGHT.

Go here to watch his amazing vids.

A couple of my fave Steve Johnson vids:

Cheap and Easy Prop Hands

Here is a nifty how-to on making your own cheap and easy prop hands.  The perfect thing for any yard haunt or even your next no-budget Hands of Orlac "inspired" movie.

Full details here.

Corpsing

One of the many skills that a low budget horror propmaker or home haunter should have in their toolbox is the art of corpsing.  The technique of corpsing is a old weathering trick used by special effects artists and prop makers since the early sixties. 

It is essentially covering latex and paint unto a fake skull or a skeleton to give it the appearance of shriveled dried or rotting skin.  If done right it can be very creepy to look at and add a bit of realism to the prop. 

Go here to see some more corpsing technique how-to's.

How-to Rewind: DIY Cheap-ass Brain

I originally mentioned this cool how-to back in 2007 and it still remains a neat how-to for anyone needing a brain for their next Frankenstein or zombie flick.

You say you are making your next mad scientist flick and in need of some brains? Well, my friends. Here is a great tutorial from a spiffy blog that shows you how to make one for cheap. If you prefer here is the video tutorial to get you started:

How to Make a Dead Lamb

Eric Hart's Prop site always has a neat weekly collection of links and tutorials, and his how-to on building a fake dead lamb, which has sections that can be edible, is tops in my book.

 It's the perfect thing for any horror film or haunted house attraction.  Hell, I can even see this being modified for a zombie or cannibal movie.

Go here for full instructions.

(Warning:  Some of the pics seen in the tutorial may be upsetting to animal lovers and even be considered NSFW just for its sheer gore factor)

Links-O-Rama 7-30-10

Here are a few links that you may have missed out by not joining the Lost in Schlock Facebook page:

Bob Burns remembers creature fx/puppeteer/monster suit maker Paul Blaisdell

Inspiration: A Re-Animated Limb Prop

Learn how to build simple mache fake rocks 

Tons more of great tutorials and inspirational vids can be found over at the Lost in Schlock Facebook page. Join today!

How to Make Blood Sponges

Over at Eric Hart's prop blog is this cool how-to article on making blood sponges for those moments when you need your actor to squeeze something and desire to see blood spurt and dribble from their hands.  It's a gruesome effect that can be used in all sorts of horror films and even a home haunt for a special scare.  Go here and see how it can be done.

Learn How to Make a Brain

Haunters Digest has posted a set of cool video tutorials from Stillbeast Studios on how to sculpt and mold a brain.  It's the perfect prop to have for any mad scientist movie or for anyone wanting a brain in jar for their coffee table.  Go here to get the full how-to.

The Friday Rewind: June 18th, 2010

Here are some cool stuff you may have missed:

• 
  
  How to Make Soft Fake Glass Debris
• 
  
  Cosplay: A Gears of War Arnor How-To
• 
  
  Learn How to Make Fake Tattoos with Henna Ink
• 
  
  Welcome to The World of Henna
• 
  
  How To Make Your Own Samurai Armor
• 
  
  Learn How to Build a Vacuum Former using Toaster Oven Parts
• 
  
  Build a Mutant/Alien Fetus in a Jar
• 
  
  When Pirated Make Lemonade