How to Create A Dragon Scale Covered Book

Here is a cool tutorial on how to cover a book with dragon scales to give the prop a more fantastical look.  Full how-to here.

How To Make Faux Tin Type Photos

This morning I found this really brilliant tutorial, via Propnomicon, on how to recreate a tin type photo using a printer and a bit of tin foil. Full details can be found here.

BUILD A SPELL BOOK STATIC PROP

Here is a awesome tutorial on creating a paper mache spellbook albeit a static prop version of one, but quite a great looking one.  (via Haunt Forums)

The site also has another Spell Book prop which can be used instead of being static.  Also be sure to see the many other brilliant tutorials the site offers.

DIY FAKE NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS

Over at Cephlaphod Productions is this fantastic tutorial on creating your own aged newspaper clippings. A very useful skill to know for most films involving ancient mysteries. Check it out. (h/t to Propnomicon)

LETTERHEADY

Letterheady is a fantastic blog centered around scans of original letterheads from both famous companies and people and even a few infamous figures thrown into the mix.

What makes this site so special for prop guys is that the letterheads found on the site are a virtual goldmine for anyone needing a replica of a letterhead or looking for inspiration for their own project. This is even a great resourceful site for those who play Live-Action Cthulhu.

Check it out here.

PROP MONEY

Theatrical propmaker extraordanaire Eric Hart has a great article on prop money including the legalaties surrounding it. It's fantastic information to know for anyone making such a prop for their next movie, live action RPG, or stage play. Seriously, read it before even thinking of making prop money to keep you and your film legal. Go here for more.

FOR THOSE SEEKING CLOSURE ON THEIR BOOK PROPS

Here is one more cool thing I discovered from Make's Blog and courtesy of Propnomicon is a blog which covers the topic of how to build the metal hardware parts such as a clasp for antinque books. It is aptly called Closure. A great skill to have when making a book of spells or any ancient tome for your next film or live action game.

More can be found here.

MANY THANKS TO DAN FROM MONSTER-MAKER

I just wanted to give many thanks to Dan from Monster Man who was generous enough to donate to my monster making fund (which can be seen on the sidebar to the right). So be sure to visit his amazing site which contains a vast array of fantastic and brilliantly crafted monsters all from using paper mache and vids. You can even check out his studio in VR!

Now I'm off to gather ghoulish supplies (going to Hobby Lobby) so I can make some new monsters to share on this site. Thanks, Dan!

BUILD A FUTURISTIC CARDBOARD GUN

For something built from cardboard this prop build is rather damn impressive. Full details over here.

INSPIRATION: FICTIONAL MAPS

I stumbled upon this cool link which has pics of some well known fictional places including the map from THE GOONIES and a map of ZELDA'S Hyrule. Check it out. (h/t to Ephemerist)

BUILD YOUR OWN APOTHECARY JARS ON A SMALL BUDGET

Propmaker Dave Lowe has a fantastic tutorial on how to take empty everyday jars (like spaghetti sauce jars) and plastic drinking glasses and turn them in old fashion apothecary jars. Check it out.

LINKS TO SHARE: GO MAKE SOMETHING

Propnomicon mentioned a tutorial from the site called Go Make Something which is a nifty site to behold.

Not only is the book aging tutorial great, but there are tons of brilliant tutorials including several or more on aging paper and even one on replicating photo tin types. Well worth the time to check it out. Go here for more.

CREATE YOUR OWN FAKE WAX SEAL

Here is a nifty way to create a wax seal on a paper related prop without having to use real wax and what not. Full tutorial here.

BUILD YOUR OWN NECRONOMICON - THE DIRT CHEAP WAY

If you are needing a Necronomicon but have absolutely zero dinero in your wallet then this tutorial is for you: Indy Mogul teaches you how to make your own the cheapest way possible. Go here for more.

See also:
Replicas: The Ninth Gate and More
Seven Days of Tomes and Grimoires
Aging Paper

REPLICAS: THE NINTH GATE AND MORE

I'm not sure if Propnomicon has mentioned this site before but for those looking to build a replica of the book, THE NINE GATES TO THE KINGDOM OF SHADOWS, from the film THE NINTH GATE, then is is the place to go to.

The creator of the site Michael Haspil has graciously posted downloadble content that will enable you to replicate your own version of the book. He even includes a few tutorials on how to do the binding and to weathering and aging the pages.

For those wanting something outside of the film should check out this link which had downloadable content for creating your own NECRONOMICON or any tome you choose.

Go here for more.

SEVEN DAYS OF TOMES AND GRIMOIRES

This week over at Propnomicon is a seven day series of how-to tips and tutorials on how to make your very own spellbook, Necronomicon, or any grimoire you choose. Go here for full details.

See also: Build your own Necronomicon

PHOTO AGING - THE HANDMADE WAY

Here is a nifty and much needed tutorial on how to age photographs the handmade way as opposed to digital manipulation. Once again, I cannot stress how important it is to weather props, it just makes them more realistic to the eye. Check it out.

AGING PAPER

This is by far one of the better tutorials I have seen on aging paper. This is a must need to know skill for anyone interested in making old books, scrolls, or letters for your next film, stage play, or what have you. Check it out. (via Propnomicon)