Halloween Haunting 101: Home Haunt Cinema-spiration

It’s a rather dreary Sunday here at Vespertine House. As your curator, I can say without a doubt that we are loving this weather here. 🙂

It’s perfect for films and writing… and writing about films!

We’re officially at the 100-days-til-Halloween mark on the calendar and what better way to kick things off than with some Home Haunt themed cinema!

Last weekend I watched several documentaries about Home Haunters. Not only is this my favorite new documentary genre, but it’s also the most informative for those of us looking to break into the Haunting game. 🙂

Maybe not that serious, but still… let’s get to it!

 

The American Scream, 2012

This film follows three deeply devoted Halloween enthused families in Massachusetts. Each family goes the distance by turning their homes into neighborhood haunts for one night a year.

What I loved most about this film was how devoted each haunter was. They work tirelessly all year to see their idea of the perfect haunt come to fruition for just one night. Not to mention you see the best bare-bones DIY prop-building. If you’re a home haunter you’ll completely admire the use of duct tape and PVC here.

Out of all the films I’ve seen so far on the subject this is by far my favorite. The people in this film display the greatest passion for Halloween and truly hope to bring some magic to the people in their community. Not for personal gain, but solely because they want to. I’m instantly reminded of how great Halloween was for me when I was a kid, a large influence in that being my Dad and his DIY attitude towards making it as spooky as possible while on a budget. No matter how much he worked, he’d make the time to make Halloween memorable and magical for me and my sister.

Shoutout to you, Dad. Thanks for keeping it creepy. ❤

Definitely check this one out- I believe she’s still available on Netflix!

 

Haunters, 2014

This film documents a Michigan family who operate their “Phobia” haunt every year. The owners of the haunt being year-round Halloween/Costume Shop owners who are devoted to building up the best for-profit haunt in their area. You see everything from conception to building to the launch. Plenty of melodrama ensues.

I enjoyed this one sheerly because it was great to see someone take the initiative to start their own indie haunt. We see plenty of these pop up in our own towns every year, but actually seeing what goes into that is a lot of fun. It was good to see so many people come together to help create an intricate full-on Halloween production.

Definitely available to watch on Amazon Prime- get at it!

 

Monsters Wanted, 2013

This film documents the creation of a large scale Halloween “Scream Park” in Kentucky. The Haunt is run by Rich Teachout and his small team who take the backlot of a paintball park to the next level with intricate builds and production. Lots of drama ensues.

This one documents a lot of the business side of the up-and-comers industry in haunts. This isn’t necessarily a large-scale, big time attraction, but it’s certainly one that’s well on its way. I can’t say this was at the top of my list as the best, mainly because there was a lot of unnecessary drama that was documented. It overall took away from the end product. I honestly felt that the team in this film spread themselves too thin by trying to create a giant theme park with minimal help and funds. There was a lot of great effort and plenty of amazing concepts but it really fell short overall.

It’s most definitely on Amazon Prime- Give it a shot and tell me what you thought!

 

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All in all, i’m hoping to see more of these home haunt docs crop up. I absolutely love seeing what’s happening on the indie circuit. A common thread that these films shared was the passion for haunting and Halloween. Everyone creating these haunts are immensely dedicated to creating something amazing. I can totally appreciate that.

Have you seen these films? If so, which was your favorite?? 

Until next time!

-Sarah

Get Excited: 100 Days to Halloween Giveaway!

It’s that day again!

One of many best moments of the year where we cross the threshold from a 3-digit countdown to a 2-digit countdown!

Get excited.

So, to mark the occasion, I’m spending the day watching a few Halloween favorites. Right now, I’m 40 minutes into Halloweentown and I’m already panicking over my lack of definitive plans for Halloween.

I’m very much considering seeing a psychic to give me the scoop as I’m terrible at decisions and this is the most important day of the year we’re talking about.

As we begin the official countdown, let’s discuss your favorite Halloween activities!

What are you most looking forward to as we get closer to the haunting holiday? What’s your favorite candy? What’re you dressing up as?? So many questions so little time! 

Share your answers in the comments below! I’ll randomly select one person to receive a Halloween themed mystery prize. Could be treats… could be tricks… 🙂  Sadly this is this is open to U.S. residents only– I’m so sorry! But don’t let that deter you from sharing your excitement with us. 🙂

Until next time!

-Sarah

 

 

That’s a Wrap: Farewell, George Romero

I spent my Sunday watching home haunt documentaries, that I fully intended to write-up on Vespertine House this evening. At some point in the last one I watched, I found myself rolling my eyes at yet another zombie-themed haunt. 

I then had a moment of reflection on the modern-day zombie renaissance we’ve had the last few years. It seems that everywhere you look there are zombies. 

We see them shambling out of the Halloween and Horror niches and into everyday life. They’ve invaded our television sets, music, fashion, games– even quirky bumper stickers have a booming zombie-loving demographic. Ultimately I shook my head and murmured “people and their fucking zombies”.

Of all days to have such a thought, it had to be the day that the father of the modern-day zombie passed away.

From what started as Barbara’s screams in an old cemetery in 1968, and ended with another Trixie virus outbreak in 2010, George Romero proved again and again that he could orchestrate zombie fear amongst the masses with the utmost finesse. 

Romero adapted the zombie creature and its origins to fit a more modern-day audience. His concept was far removed from the original Voodoo zombie seen in classic Horror films like “I Walked With a Zombie”. His formula has stood the test of time as it’s applied in the majority of the zombie Horror we see today. 

   
I’m happy to say that I learned a lot about good cinema from watching his films. I also learned that it’s good to not be serious about everything all the time and that you can absolutely serve up your Horror with a side of fun. 

It’s with a sad keystroke that I say goodbye to yet another film legend. But I’m happy to know that he will never be forgotten.

        
So, the next time a zombie shuffles across a silver screen or a protagonist nervously discovers that a strange virus is bringing the dead back to life, smile and think of George. His greatest gift is the incredible Horror legacy that he’s left us with.

💜

-Sarah

Nefarious News: Grandin Road’s Halloween Haven 2017 Release

I’m certain everyone here has assumed I’m dead. I’m happy to report I am not… If I am, I’m blissfully unaware and can vouch  that the afterlife is identical to waking life!

I sure have missed Vespertine House and talking to all of my “House Mates” here! I’m pushing myself to get back to casual writing as I’m hoping to incorporate more creative writing into my schedule as well.

Lots of verbiage on my plate.

And I like it. 🙂

In more important news! Today was a truly amazing day as Grandin Road released their 2017 Halloween Haven collection! I got the email and spent the whole day filling my cart and lurking every single item in their range of new decor.

This year the theme is a cross between “The Faces of Halloween” and “Cirque”. There were a lot of stunning circus/carnival themed items. Many are a lovely little nod to the classic sideshow acts of days of yore. Or you know.. the stuff you see at the super shady carnival that rolls through town on a whim. Either way! Bring on the entertainment, baby!

Grandin Road is known for beautiful home decor and offers stylish and unique options for decorating your favorite rooms in the house. They’re a little bit on the pricey side but, girl, they have a store card and, and, and that… that… makes it okay… right?

Moving on! The following are some of my favorite items that are absolute MUST-HAVES for your haunted home this season!

Victorian Busts

So, last year I made my first purchase with Grandin Road and bought the set of masquerade masks complete with pedestals for year-round enjoyment. I wasn’t expecting much really as I figured they would be run-of-the-mill items that would just be a good addition to my ahem, interesting home decor.

Girl.

I was wrong.

These masks were jaw-dropping. They not only sit around two feet high, but the quality is high enough that I feel like I might get in trouble with some parental figure every time I touch them!

I want to say that the Victorian Busts are probably this year’s version of the masks in the sense that they’re best purchased as a pair even though you buy them separately.

This suffices to say that I think these are so adorable and just creepy enough to keep me interested without feeling uncomfortable when making inadvertent eye contact in passing.

Margaret and Willem are made of sculpted resin and feature intricate details including the fanciest of ribbons ever to be fathomed by man and soft woolen hair.

Talk about blueblood…

Each bust is $79 which may pop your wallet a little, but snatching up something like this would be a 365 investment (aka decor you can display all year round)!

The Skellierina

I have a love for music boxes, add a little goth and you’ve got my new favorite thing.

Admittedly, when I saw this particular item I let out an audible “Ooooh…” and proceeded to gawk before adding it to my cart.

This Skellierina (get it?!) music box is a subtle nod to this year’s Cirque theme that stays true to the classiness of Grandin Road’s finer Halloween Haven decor. Skellierina rotates atop her black pedestal as green lights emanate from beneath her. According to the description, she plays music and is activated with the poke of a button. Which song she plays and how long she plays for is a mystery that only her new owners can solve!

She’ll set you back just a few bucks at $29. Again, this is another item you can keep around the entire year. What better way to commemorate Halloween all 12 months than with a little “tribute to thee” perched upon your mantle?

“Palm Reader” Neon Sign

As someone who’s into everything obscure and strange, it goes without saying that this particular item would be a staple for my haunt this year.

The “Palm Reader” Neon Sign gives off that mysterious back-alley-psychic vibe.

You know… Like the gypsy shop that our hapless protagonist stumbles into from the rain one dark night only to have his fate change forever!

…Or at least until the second movie comes out.

This little beauty screams “come hither” to all your neighbors and will guarantee you the most mystical house on the block.

Pick this up for $79 and call it a day with your decorating this year. Although… you might want to put a few more decor items out just so you don’t get any desperados knocking on your door after hours asking for advice.

Unless you’re into that sort of thing…

If so, I just helped you found your new Psychic Consulting business and on a budget too!

You’re welcome.

Animated Haunted Movie Projector

Every year I watch for the game-changing items debuting this season. I have to say that I was so impressed by this little guy…

The Animated Movie Projector is one of the more unique items I’ve seen in recent years. This animated projector’s reels roll as it projects an eerie vintage scene of a skeleton dancing to The Entertainer.

Girl.

I can get behind this.

I have yet to see this one in action which makes me a tiny bit hesitant to purchase on release day. I reached out to Grandin Road on Facebook about seeing a product video of this only to find that they currently don’t have that available. I’m hopeful it’ll be added shortly, but if not, I can’t feel too terrible about this prop as it costs a mild $39.

For a truly unique item that brings in a little vintage, whimsy, and horror, definitely pick this up!

 

Six Arm Lady Shadow Box

This is the final item on my list and maybe my favorite.

This goes back to the whole vintage cirque thing Grandin Road is running with this year. And this displays it in a perfectly macabre way!

The Six Arm Lady Shadow Box displays a beautiful dancing shadow of a Medusaesque figure gently swaying her six arms up and down. This animatronic is downright hypnotic! Grandin Road thankfully added a product video of this item that I love more and more every time I watch it.

If you’re not sold with the projector as a unique Halloween prop, then this one might be the final nail in the coffin for you instead.

This old girl is a bit pricey, and is the most costly item on this list at $149. Fortunately, we can reference the whole store credit card thing again and justify it entirely because… Halloween. 🙂

Every item here counts as everyday decor… at least for yours truly.

Probably why I have no visitors.

Don’t be fooled- this is not the entirety of Grandin Road’s Halloween collection, there are numerous items that I loved and left out. I wanted to share my must-haves and grab your attention enough for you to at least browse their collection. If anything, you’ll be struck with inspiration to create your own little Halloween haven. 🙂

So, spill your guts- what did you think of these items? Which were your faves and which were the knaves? I want to know. I miss you. 🙂

-Sarah

Sweet Spooks: A Refresher in Burns

I haven’t been ignoring you’ve, I’ve just been swept in a whirlwind of asinine things. 😑

You know how it goes. 

Anyways! I hope you guys have been well! I’m doing alright, typical days follow over here- job hunting, naps, working, more naps…

My butt hurts, and I need a nap. 

😀All is right in the world! 

I haven’t had any inspiration to do any makeups since last fall and it’s been killing me. 😔

Fortunately, the wheels began turning once more, and I decided to refresh my makeup phalanges with a basic burn on Sarah Jr.! 

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This was fun and I was able to use some of the Devinah Cosmetics for the entire paint! They’re really brilliantly pigmented and worked so well for this! 😍 

I need to work on physiology and the human anatomy aspect of my makeups because I can never get a dental piece to sit naturally. 😩😔

A work in progress I reckon! 

I plan on doing another makeup very soon especially for Valentine’s Day! 😏

So what have you guys been up to? What are you planning for V Day? I still love You.💜

💜🎃💜

-Sarah

Halloween Haunting 101: Outdoor Displays

We decorated the outside of our house this past weekend and man oh man was it brutal! 

Florida heat and sunshine is just unrelenting! 😓

I blistered my foot and scorched my skin so bad 😔 I also had a touch of heat stroke halfway through the day. Such madness! 

In the end, after two days, we finished and I think the final product is well worth it all! ☺️

  
There were a few major issues, for one, Gemmy really needs to consider some sort of long term warranty for inflatables. Our large animated organ inflatable is losing air because the heat down here has worn down the fabric. 😔 makes me sad because it’s beautiful and now it’s only inflating the organ and platforms, but our dancers are just falling limp after a short while. 💔

On the upside, my Dad insisted on rigging it up to at least stand under our porch. ☺️💜

  
Overall, our biggest wow factor are the stand up props and gravestones I made! 🎉😀🎃💜 lighting has also added major awesome points to our display! I spent the money and bought a Fire and Ice LED Spotlight in Toxic Green from Spirit Halloween, and I have to say it may be one of my favorite new things this year!  Great swirling green light with flecks of orange, wide range, and stays cool to the touch! Gorgeous little thing! 💜💜🎃

  
So, itchy sunburn and chaos aside, I really love our display this year! And our neighbors lost it when we decorated! They love it! Their daughter sits in the front yard in the evening waiting for us to turn on our lights! 💜💜💜 So sweet! 🎃☺️

VIDEO: Walk through my yard with me! 

So, what do you think? Did you decorate yet? I’d love to see! ☺️💜

💜🎃💜

-Sarah

Sweet Spooks: ‘The Purge’ SFX Tutorial Success

I have been wanting to delve into my makeup all week, but was just a bit too busy.

But last night! Last night was another story!☺️😏

I got home, crashed, woke up, made two pumpkin cookie cakes for my parents and my sister, and a big batch of sugar cookies that I decorated for a friend I’ll be seeing tomorrow. ☺️ 

I do so love baking.💜🎃💜

  
So! After that, I sat and watched Halloweentown with Frankenstein.🐶💜 he loves that movie! ☺️

I decided that the night was young and I could manage to try a makeup before bed!😀🎉

Now, I went with an all makeup, zero practical effects, paint because I really truly want to improve my makeup and body paint skills. Right now I have zero in that department lol!😂 but, I’m making an effort to try from now on. 😌

Makeup blogger and overall awesome girl, MadeYewLook, has some of the most amazing body paint tutorials ever! 💜 She’s my body paint fave, the way Glam and Gore is my SFX fave.💜☺️

I decided to try her Purge mask makeup tutorial because it didn’t seem that difficult…

Holy shit bombs was I wrong, but the payoff was great😏🔪…

  

 
For an extremely intricate makeup that involved a lot of light-play, I think I did okay! I was shocked it came out remotely alright lol😂 

I seriously had to go through the process twice because everything just looked so muddled the first time. 😔 I tried to follow her steps to a tee, but they just weren’t applicable for what I was working with. 😒

I ended up kinda using my own freestyle method on the eyes to get the same effect she had in the end, and also used a darker rose colored lipstick with a light brown blush dusted on top to make the lips pop. ☺️

  
In the end, it looked fucking crazy lol but in a good way! 😆🎉🔪🎃I could definitely improve, and having a proper array of body paints and colors would most definitely help. ☺️👍🏻

I’ll need to have like a Go Fund Me or something to pay for that business. 😂☺️💜

All in all, pretty neat, yeah? 😀 Share your thoughts because I love you and love it when we talk! 💜

Til then… Let me purge? 🔪😀🔪

  

  
 
💜🎃💜

–Sarah