Video Tag
Every video tagged “prop making” in the library — a focused slice of the Halloween archive.
233 videos
The creator takes a commercially available Cinemark Alien Romulus themed popcorn bucket and elevates it into a convincing movie-quality prop using body filler, airbrushing, and metallic finishing techniques. The process covers surface preparation, sculpting or filling with Bondo, sanding smooth, and layering paint effects including dry brushing and Rub n Buff. The result transforms a novelty collectible into something that could pass as a set piece from the Alien franchise itself.
This work-in-progress video follows the construction of a Fallout NCR Ranger chest armor piece built primarily from HD foam, paired with a 3D-printed helmet. The creator highlights how HD foam keeps the finished piece lightweight and comfortable to wear. Free templates and a full build video are planned for release on the channel once the project is complete.
In this episode of the Monster Lab instructional series, industry veteran Ed Edmunds of Distortions Unlimited walks viewers through the essential tools and supplies needed to set up a home monster-making studio. The focus is on equipping beginners and enthusiasts with the foundational knowledge to start sculpting, molding, and painting Halloween masks and props the professional way. Drawing on Distortions Unlimited's deep manufacturing background, Ed shares practical guidance on material selection and studio organization. At 73 minutes, it's a thorough orientation for anyone serious about entering the craft.
VanOaksProps walks viewers through the art of designing compelling, realistic tombstone epitaphs for DIY Halloween cemetery displays. The tutorial covers choosing carve-friendly fonts, balancing text layout, and incorporating decorative symbols to give each stone a story-driven, authentic feel. Free font resources are shared to help haunters get started quickly. The result is a polished, atmospheric graveyard prop that stands out in any home haunt or yard display.
A prop maker digitally sculpts the creepy bunny mask worn by The Girl from the horror game Reanimal using the Nomad app, then 3D prints it as a personal cosplay gift for his daughter. The video is a short work-in-progress peek at the mask before painting and weathering are completed. The creator plans to release a free STL file once the build is finished. Elegoo UV Putty is used as part of the surface finishing process.
VanOaksProps walks viewers through a step-by-step build of the iconic door knockers from Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Corridor of Doors, using inexpensive craft store and online finds. The build combines plastic ornaments, wooden beads, and a dowel as a base, with resin casting and Dremel work adding detail. A layered paint and finishing process — including automotive primer, spray paint, and Rub n Buff — sells the aged, ornate look of the original prop. A free downloadable PDF template is provided to help replicate accurate shapes.
The creator models and 3D prints a replica of Brother Matthias' helmet from the video game Crimson Desert, sculpted in Nomad and printed on a Bambu Lab H2S. The finished print is treated with chrome paint from Alsa and a rust weathering product from Dirty Down to achieve a battle-worn metal look. Wet sanding is used as part of the surface finishing process to remove scratches before painting.
StiltbeastStudios delivers a 21-minute tutorial on crafting a Beetlejuice-inspired sandworm holiday wreath that blends gothic horror with Christmas décor. The build results in a striking goth decoration that works equally well in a Halloween display or as a subversive holiday centerpiece. Allen Hopps walks viewers through the prop-making process with the hands-on style the channel is known for.
This short-form video offers a glimpse of SKS Props setting up their booth at Planet Comicon Kansas City 2026. The content showcases foam armor pieces and handcrafted props on display in a convention setting. As a brief behind-the-scenes clip, it highlights the creator's prop-making work and convention presence rather than providing step-by-step instruction.
Inspired by the Fallout TV series, the creator designs, 3D prints, and finishes a set of biometric sensor props to complete a Vault Dweller cosplay. The video walks through the full workflow from digital modeling to print cleanup, priming, and chrome finishing. A custom downloadable 3D model is available through the creator's Etsy store for viewers who want to replicate the build.
Allen Hopps of Stiltbeast Studios demonstrates how to create fake ice, gore, and ectoplasm-style snot using simple, low-cost materials. The core technique relies on a classic school glue and borax polymer reaction, with Smooth-On tint used to achieve a range of color effects. The results are versatile enough for haunted house props, costumes, or actor makeup applications. This is an accessible project requiring minimal tools or experience.
This tutorial from SKS Props walks viewers through building Okarun's iconic mask from the anime and manga Dandadan, the eerie face covering that appears when Turbo Granny possesses his body. The mask is constructed primarily from lightweight EVA foam using free PDF templates the creator provides on his website. Shaping, detailing, and painting steps are covered, with Liquitex acrylics used for the final finish. The result is a screen-accurate, wearable cosplay piece suitable for conventions.
This video from Monster Tutorials unboxes and reviews the Industrial Hot Knife Kit from Hot Wire Foam Factory, a tool designed for carving and sculpting foam props. The host walks viewers through the kit's contents and demonstrates how to use it, effectively doubling as an instructional guide alongside the review. It's a solid reference for haunters and prop builders considering adding a dedicated hot knife to their workshop. The presenter notes they personally use the products they recommend, lending a practical, hands-on perspective to the evaluation.
Allen Hopps of Stiltbeast Studios demonstrates a quick and accessible method for fabricating foam horns suitable for costumes or haunt props. A simple two-piece Tyvek shell is formed by welding the halves together with a soldering iron, then filled with expanding A/B foam using a plastic cup as an internal shaping form. The finished horns require an outer skin — latex, epoxy, or liquid nails are all suggested — to add durability and surface strength.
SKS Props participates in a popular social media trend of sharing seven standout photos to earn new followers, showcasing a diverse portfolio of video game and fantasy cosplay builds. The featured costumes span franchises including Warcraft, Warhammer, Dragon Age, Gears of War, Dead Space, and Elden Ring. The short serves primarily as a portfolio showcase rather than a step-by-step tutorial, highlighting the creator's range across complex armor, props, and full character costumes.
VanOaks Props showcases using the Inventables X-Carve CNC machine to carve custom Halloween tombstones from foam, describing it as a dream workflow for bringing detailed tombstone designs to life with precision. The video highlights how CNC automation elevates the quality and repeatability of handcrafted Halloween props. Custom tombstone props created with this method are also available for purchase through the creator's Etsy shop.
VanOaksProps transforms an everyday smart thermostat into a screen-accurate HAL 9000 replica from Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. The build centers on a laser-cut grill panel — a free downloadable file the creator shares — combined with brushed aluminum vinyl and metallic spray paint to achieve the iconic look. The result is a functional thermostat that doubles as a striking sci-fi display piece. An Adafruit project is credited as the original inspiration for the replica design.
VanOaksProps explores using the Creality CR-Scan Otter 3D scanner to digitize pieces from a personal Haunted Mansion prop collection. The video demonstrates how the scanner captures physical objects for potential reproduction or archival purposes. This is a sponsored/product-furnished review framed around a Halloween prop-making workflow.
This behind-the-scenes tour follows the Distortions Unlimited crew as they finish a batch of mutant baby props dubbed 'Mutinee' for Monster Day 2023. Alongside painting the latex creatures, the team is shown trimming, welding, completing electric chair props, and shipping out mutant animatronics. It offers a glimpse into how a long-running American prop studio brings its monsters to life.
This short-form video showcases a saber-toothed tiger skull helmet and matching shoulder armor built primarily from HD foam and foam clay. The creator highlights the project's modular, customizable nature — the base build can be adapted into a wide variety of character or cosplay concepts. Extra detailing was added beyond the original plan, resulting in a more elaborate finished piece than initially intended.
VanOaksProps builds screen-inspired light fixtures modeled after the Smuggler's Run ride at Galaxy's Edge, combining 3D-printed parts, acrylic tubing, and craft foam detailing to achieve a convincing in-universe look. The fixtures are brought to life with Linkind RGBTW smart bulbs, which allow programmable color scenes and automation to replicate the immersive atmosphere of the ride. The build is sponsored by Linkind and doubles as a charitable tie-in with the Jimmy Darts Kindness is Candy initiative.
Distortions Unlimited offers a behind-the-scenes look at their professional Halloween prop production process, using a run of Pumpkin Witch props as the example. The video walks through each stage of fabrication from initial design and sculpture through molding, pouring, painting, and final finishing. It provides rare insight into how a commercial prop manufacturer brings a character from concept to shelf-ready product.
Monster Tutorials launches a community challenge daring viewers to build Halloween props using only dollar store finds. The vlog format takes viewers along for the shopping and creative process on a tight budget. Participants are encouraged to share their own creations via Instagram and Facebook using a dedicated hashtag, making it an interactive, community-driven event.
In this episode of the Monster Lab tutorial series, veteran sculptor Tom Cassidy of Distortions Unlimited shares practical tips for tackling large-scale clay sculptures, covering armature construction, anatomical considerations, and tool selection. A high-speed sculpting demo gives viewers a real-world look at his workflow in action. The episode is part of an ongoing series aimed at helping DIY enthusiasts build professional-quality Halloween props and masks. Distortions Unlimited is a well-known professional prop and costume house, lending the instruction credibility and depth.
