Halloween Universe

The Screening Room

The Halloween Video Library

A curated, searchable archive of the dark craft — DIY props and animatronics, home-haunt walkthroughs, makeup, lighting, fog, and effects. Every film embedded from its creator, organized so you can actually find what you need.

Channel: VanOaksPropsClear ✕

244 videos

LIVESTREAM From My New Workshop - Shop Tour, Moving, New Haunt Ideas, and more!
57:42
Home Haunts

LIVESTREAM From My New Workshop - Shop Tour, Moving, New Haunt Ideas, and more!

VanOaksProps hosts a livestream tour of their new workshop following a cross-country move, giving viewers a look at the updated prop-making space. The creator also shares early ideas and plans for their future haunt build. It's a casual, community-focused session blending a studio reveal with creative brainstorming.

VanOaksProps· 2,463 views
This Halloween Bust Follows You With Its Eyes! (DIY Monument Prop)
19:11
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

This Halloween Bust Follows You With Its Eyes! (DIY Monument Prop)

VanOaksProps walks through the construction of a cemetery monument prop featuring a bust with a classic 'following eyes' optical illusion — the face appears to track viewers as they move past it. The build relies primarily on XPS foam, a cardboard tube column, and a bust sourced from a third-party supplier, finished with textured coatings and earth-tone paints to mimic aged stone. Weathering techniques including dry brushing and wash layers give the piece convincing graveyard patina. The result is a striking, customizable centerpiece suited for yard haunts, home haunts, and cemetery scenes.

VanOaksProps· 18,845 views
I Visited a Real Cemetery to Build Better Halloween Tombstones
9:49
DIY PropsIntermediatebudget-friendly

I Visited a Real Cemetery to Build Better Halloween Tombstones

VanOaksProps takes a research field trip to Charlotte's historic Elmwood & Pinewood Cemetery to study real tombstones, monuments, and statues as direct inspiration for Halloween yard haunt builds. The creator analyzes architectural details, weathering patterns, moss and lichen growth, and stone textures, then explains how each element could be recreated using accessible, budget-friendly prop-making methods. The video serves as both a design inspiration tour and a practical breakdown of techniques including XPS foam carving, Monster Mud, and fabric draping. It's an unusually grounded approach to Halloween prop design, rooted in real-world observation rather than guesswork.

VanOaksProps· 6,484 views
DIY Halloween Cemetery: New Orleans-style Crypt Build
27:34
DIY PropsIntermediate

DIY Halloween Cemetery: New Orleans-style Crypt Build

VanOaksProps walks through a full large-scale crypt build inspired by the iconic above-ground tombs of New Orleans cemeteries. The project covers design through final weathered finish using accessible materials centered on XPS insulation foam. Techniques include routing decorative details, foam carving, spackling for texture, and paint weathering to achieve an authentic aged-stone look. The finished prop is designed to be lightweight and durable enough for repeated seasonal outdoor use.

VanOaksProps· 38,587 views
I Made a Functional Gonk Droid Projector
18:40
DIY PropsIntermediate

I Made a Functional Gonk Droid Projector

VanOaksProps presents a full-length, single-video build of a functional full-size Gonk Droid prop that doubles as a working projector. The build combines everyday materials like storage bins and plumbing parts with 3D printed components, then brings the droid to life through careful painting and weathering techniques. Originally released as a two-part series in 2022, this marathon edition walks through every stage — design, fabrication, electronics integration, and finishing — in one continuous watch.

VanOaksProps· 15,321 views
Theming a Star Wars Room
41:35
Set DesignIntermediate

Theming a Star Wars Room

VanOaksProps presents a marathon compilation of five prop builds inspired by the signage, lighting, and environmental details of Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland. Each segment breaks down a different build step-by-step, covering fabrication, painting, and weathering techniques to achieve an authentic Star Wars 'lived-in' look. The video draws on a mix of accessible materials — including EVA foam and 3D printing — to help home builders recreate the feel of an in-universe environment. Though not Halloween-specific, the set-design and prop-making skills translate directly to sci-fi haunt and themed-room builds.

VanOaksProps· 7,690 views
Prop Culture Builds Marathon
41:58
DIY PropsIntermediate

Prop Culture Builds Marathon

This marathon compilation from VanOaksProps walks through the construction of six iconic movie props, including the Goonies Copper Bones, the Indiana Jones Holy Grail, Ghostbusters Ecto Goggles, Jack Torrance's axe from The Shining, Doc Brown's binoculars from Back to the Future Part II, and HAL9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Each build showcases practical fabrication techniques including 3D printing, painting, weathering, and finishing aimed at achieving screen-accurate results. The format is a compiled deep-dive suited for makers at multiple skill levels looking to tackle cinematic replicas from scratch.

VanOaksProps· 9,209 views
LIVESTREAM - Q&A, Packing Up My Shop, And MORE!
1:01:05
Other

LIVESTREAM - Q&A, Packing Up My Shop, And MORE!

This is a livestream session from VanOaksProps featuring a Q&A with the audience alongside coverage of packing up the creator's workshop. The casual format gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the prop-making operation and the creator's process. Topics likely span DIY Halloween props, 3D printing, custom tombstones, and Star Wars prop builds based on the channel's focus areas.

VanOaksProps· 2,254 views
I Recreated the 2-1B Droid from The Empire Strikes Back
12:46
DIY PropsIntermediate

I Recreated the 2-1B Droid from The Empire Strikes Back

VanOaksProps walks through a detailed scratch-build recreation of the 2-1B medical droid head from The Empire Strikes Back, combining a scaled 3D-printed model with a real vintage microphone shell as its foundation. The build integrates custom greeblies, metal strip details, and coaxial connector hardware to achieve a convincing screen-inspired look. Finishing techniques include acetone vapor smoothing, layered metallic spray paints, acrylic weathering washes, and a simple LED circuit for glowing eyes. The result is a showpiece prop that balances accuracy with creative problem-solving.

VanOaksProps· 20,033 views
This Simple Paint Trick Creates INSANELY Realistic Metal
6:34
DIY PropsBeginnerlow (affordable acrylic supplies)

This Simple Paint Trick Creates INSANELY Realistic Metal

VanOaksProps demonstrates a straightforward faux metal painting technique using MDF, modeling paste, and layered acrylic paints to replicate the look of weathered cast iron. Inspired by the industrial sci-fi aesthetic of Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland, the build recreates a themed sewer cover prop. The workflow covers surface texturing, base coating, and applying dark washes to build realistic depth and age. The result is a convincing metallic finish achievable with budget-friendly materials.

VanOaksProps· 6,612 views
Turning a $10 Screwdriver Set into a Star Wars Movie Prop
12:30
DIY PropsIntermediate$10–$50 depending on resin and materials on hand

Turning a $10 Screwdriver Set into a Star Wars Movie Prop

VanOaksProps walks through a screen-accurate recreation of Rey's scavenged Star Destroyer capacitor bearing from The Force Awakens, starting from a common screwdriver cap and custom 3D-modeled parts. The build covers digital redesign of the prop's distinctive fin and collet details, followed by resin printing and assembly. A thorough painting and weathering sequence—using primer, matte black, Rub n Buff, acrylic washes, and Fuller's Earth—delivers a convincingly gritty, battle-worn metallic finish. A free 3D model file is provided for viewers to replicate the build themselves.

VanOaksProps· 5,113 views
How to Make a Star Wars Comlink Replica | The Last Jedi
9:26
DIY PropsIntermediate

How to Make a Star Wars Comlink Replica | The Last Jedi

VanOaksProps walks through a complete screen-accurate build of the Resistance Comlink seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, referencing the official visual dictionary to nail the design. The process covers resin 3D printing a small, highly detailed part and tackling the unique challenges that come with it. Multi-step painting techniques are demonstrated to achieve convincing metallic surfaces, a faux leather grip, and realistic battle weathering using an airbrush and sponge work.

VanOaksProps· 4,078 views
DIY Electro Shock Prop from Star Wars
11:02
DIY PropsAdvanced

DIY Electro Shock Prop from Star Wars

VanOaksProps walks through a detailed screen-accurate recreation of the electro-shock prod from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, starting from a free 3D model and taking it to convention-ready finish. The build covers resin printing, chrome painting with Alclad, and a multi-step weathering process including liquid latex paint chipping, airbrush heat discoloration, and Rub N Buff accents. The result is a battle-worn, layered finish that closely mimics the prop's on-screen appearance. The creator also touches on display packaging options for a vintage collectible presentation.

VanOaksProps· 3,908 views
The Deep-Cut Star Wars Prop Nobody's Making
9:26
DIY PropsIntermediate

The Deep-Cut Star Wars Prop Nobody's Making

VanOaksProps tackles one of Boba Fett's rarest accessories — the sonic beam weapon documented in Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary but never clearly seen on screen. Working from a single reference image, the creator digitally models, resin prints, and fully finishes the prop with metallic paints, masking techniques, and screen-accurate weathering. The video also explores the prop's surprisingly rich backstory, tracing its appearance across licensed statues and official reference publications. The result is a display-worthy replica built almost entirely from scratch with minimal source material.

VanOaksProps· 5,060 views
How to Build a Jedi Comlink (Qui-Gon Jinn & Obi-Wan Kenobi)
13:54
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80 depending on parts sourced

How to Build a Jedi Comlink (Qui-Gon Jinn & Obi-Wan Kenobi)

VanOaksProps walks through a detailed, screen-accurate build of the Jedi Comlink seen in the hands of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi across two Star Wars prequel films. The foundation is a vintage Gillette Sensor Excel razor — the same found object used by the original prop department — enhanced with custom 3D-printed parts, laser-cut acrylic, and hard-to-find specialty hardware like Coughtrie screws and aerospace pins. The tutorial concludes with a full weathering sequence using primer, spray paint, and oil washes to achieve a convincingly worn, screen-matched finish. It's a masterclass in blending digital fabrication with traditional kit-bashing for obsessive prop accuracy.

VanOaksProps· 11,310 views
I Made Vintage Star Wars Toys That Never Existed
10:16
DIY PropsIntermediate

I Made Vintage Star Wars Toys That Never Existed

VanOaksProps transforms hand-built Star Wars replica props into display-ready Kenner-style action figure packages, faithfully recreating the look of 1970s–80s toy aisle packaging. The project combines prop making, graphic design, and custom toy packaging using chipboard card backs, Photoshop templates, and vacuum-formed blisters. The result is a set of nostalgic display pieces showcasing obscure Star Wars accessories that never actually received the vintage Kenner treatment. It's a passion-driven crossover between screen-accurate prop building and retro collectible culture.

VanOaksProps· 6,756 views
How To Make the Bespin Comlink Prop - Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back
10:03
DIY PropsIntermediate

How To Make the Bespin Comlink Prop - Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back

VanOaksProps digs into the obscure origins of Lando Calrissian's Bespin comlink from The Empire Strikes Back, tracing it to a real 1945 vintage electrical switch before recreating it as a highly screen-accurate SLA resin 3D print. The build draws on reference imagery and Replica Prop Forum research to nail the prop's distinctive shape and fine surface details. The tutorial walks through the full workflow: print cleanup, sandable primer, screen-matched paint colors, metallic finishes, vinyl detail work, and final assembly.

VanOaksProps· 4,204 views
How to Build Leia’s Comlink from Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back
10:06
DIY PropsIntermediatebudget-friendly (specific total not stated)

How to Build Leia’s Comlink from Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back

VanOaksProps breaks down how to build a screen-accurate replica of Princess Leia's rarely documented comlink from The Empire Strikes Back, using vintage reference images including a 1980 Topps trading card to reverse-engineer the original. The build combines sourced real-world hardware parts, custom 3D-modeled and resin-printed components, and a modified modern tape measure to recreate the prop's key elements. The tutorial wraps up with primer, grey spray paint, and silver mica finishing for an authentic screen-matched look.

VanOaksProps· 6,146 views
DIY Star Wars Control Panel with Lights!
13:11
DIY PropsAdvanced

DIY Star Wars Control Panel with Lights!

VanOaksProps walks through a detailed replica build of the iconic red Death Star door control panel from Star Wars: A New Hope. The project spans the full production pipeline — from scaling reference parts and large-format 3D printing to seam removal, priming, and advanced painting. Weathering techniques give greeblies a convincing galvanized-metal look, while vinyl decals, reflective accents, and functional LED indicator lights push the result toward screen-accurate quality. The finished piece is positioned as a display-worthy, theme-park-caliber prop suitable for haunt set dressing or serious Star Wars collections.

VanOaksProps· 4,838 views
Building the Hoth Scanner Prop | Star Wars Prop Replica
11:27
DIY PropsAdvanced

Building the Hoth Scanner Prop | Star Wars Prop Replica

This detailed build video walks through the full process of recreating Han Solo's Hoth Scanner prop from The Empire Strikes Back, combining FDM printing, resin printing, and real metal hardware for a screen-inspired replica. The creator covers prop research, surface preparation, and achieving convincing chrome and metallic finishes using accessible paints and buffing compounds. Assembly tips address structural durability, making the finished piece suitable for display or cosplay use.

VanOaksProps· 7,849 views
6 Epic Star Wars Helmet Builds in One Marathon (DIY Props Compilation)
59:44
DIY PropsIntermediate

6 Epic Star Wars Helmet Builds in One Marathon (DIY Props Compilation)

VanOaks Props compiles six of his favorite Star Wars helmet and droid prop builds into a single hour-long marathon video. Projects span a wide range of characters — from bounty hunters and protocol droids to desert warriors — each constructed using 3D printing, paint, and hands-on prop-making techniques inspired by the original films. The video highlights weathering, lighting effects, and creative problem-solving throughout each build. Links to the individual source videos and associated files are provided in the description.

VanOaksProps· 18,040 views
December Livestream! Halloween post-mortem, upcoming move, and more!
58:47
Other

December Livestream! Halloween post-mortem, upcoming move, and more!

This December livestream from VanOaksProps is a casual year-end community session covering a post-mortem look at the Halloween season, reflections on props and projects, and news about an upcoming move. The creator engages directly with their audience in a conversational format rather than delivering a step-by-step tutorial. It serves as a behind-the-scenes window into the channel's creative process and future direction.

VanOaksProps· 1,220 views
Customizing the Home Depot Stormtrooper!
11:25
DIY PropsIntermediate

Customizing the Home Depot Stormtrooper!

VanOaksProps walks through a detailed customization of the Home Depot Holiday Stormtrooper animatronic, transforming it into a screen-inspired display piece. The build covers armor weathering with airbrushing, chipping, and paint techniques, then adds authenticity through sourced military surplus accessories inspired by Lucasfilm concept art. A motion-activated MP3 player is wired in to deliver custom audio, elevating the piece from a retail decoration to a gallery-worthy prop. The creator also provides downloadable sound files to help viewers replicate the audio upgrade.

VanOaksProps· 15,801 views
Turning a Home Depot Skeleton into a Star Wars Jawa Animatronic!
15:27
DIY AnimatronicsIntermediateunder $100

Turning a Home Depot Skeleton into a Star Wars Jawa Animatronic!

This step-by-step tutorial walks through converting a stock Home Depot dancing skeleton into a fully themed Star Wars Jawa animatronic for under $100. The build covers rewiring LEDs for glowing yellow eyes, installing a motion-triggered audio player, and crafting screen-inspired EVA foam bandoliers and weathered robes. Aging and texturing techniques using paint, grout, and spray paint give the costume an authentic, worn Tatooine look. The result is a display-ready character prop that blends Halloween animatronics with Star Wars fandom.

VanOaksProps· 26,839 views