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

The Final Manifestation of VanOaks Cemetery
5:00
Yard Haunts

The Final Manifestation of VanOaks Cemetery

VanOaks Cemetery takes its final bow after 15 years as a beloved yard haunt, with creator VanOaksProps capturing one last look at the display before retiring this version of the haunt. The video is less a tutorial and more a heartfelt tribute — a reflection on how a small yard display grew into a deeply personal and community-supported Halloween tradition. The creator frames the ending as inspiration rather than closure, and confirms a new haunt is already in the works and will be documented on the channel.

VanOaksProps· 10,012 views
I Created The Final Halloween Tombstone Decoration
13:16
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$70

I Created The Final Halloween Tombstone Decoration

VanOaksProps walks through the complete construction of a final Halloween tombstone, combining insulation foam and MDF to achieve a convincing stone-and-weathered-metal look. The build covers shaping and carving foam details, creating a custom faux metal plaque, and applying a multi-step paint finish that includes a masonry sealer base, hammered copper spray, patina effects, and aging washes. The result is a professional-quality graveyard prop suitable for yard haunts or haunted house displays. A thorough materials list with affiliate links accompanies the tutorial for easy replication.

VanOaksProps· 15,497 views
QUICK Halloween Upgrade with Paint!
8:58
DIY PropsBeginner$10–$30

QUICK Halloween Upgrade with Paint!

This beginner-friendly tutorial from VanOaksProps walks through transforming plain foam columns into weathered, moss-covered cemetery props using simple paint techniques. The creator demonstrates surface preparation, layered paint washes, and sponge blending to achieve a convincing aged-stone appearance. Artificial ferns are attached at the end to sell the overgrown, haunted graveyard aesthetic. The entire process is accessible with inexpensive craft supplies.

VanOaksProps· 8,007 views
5 DIY Pirate Themed Props for Halloween
35:31
DIY PropsBeginnerlow-cost / budget-friendly (specific prices not provided)

5 DIY Pirate Themed Props for Halloween

VanOaksProps presents a compilation of five pirate-themed DIY Halloween props, each originally covered in its own dedicated video and condensed here into a single 36-minute step-by-step guide. The five builds — a rum bottle, a haunt lantern, handcuff shackles, a treasure chest, and a junk-sourced oil lamp — are designed to be affordable and accessible for home haunters and party decorators alike. Each segment is timestamped, and links to the individual source videos (with full material lists) are provided in the description. Together the props create a cohesive high-seas atmosphere suitable for yard haunts, home haunts, or Halloween parties.

VanOaksProps· 27,471 views
How to Repair Old Halloween Pumpkins 🎃
8:37
DIY PropsBeginner$10–$25

How to Repair Old Halloween Pumpkins 🎃

This beginner-friendly tutorial from VanOaksProps walks through restoring faded and cracked foam Halloween pumpkins using everyday craft supplies. The process covers surface prep, sealing cracks with Mod Podge, and repainting with layered acrylic colors using a sea sponge technique. A matte spray sealer is applied at the end to improve durability and weather resistance. The result is a refreshed, display-ready prop at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

VanOaksProps· 10,926 views
I’m Making my Final Tombstone
9:40
DIY PropsBeginner

I’m Making my Final Tombstone

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.

VanOaksProps· 12,778 views
Spooky DIY: Floating Candelabra Halloween Prop Tutorial
10:12
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

Spooky DIY: Floating Candelabra Halloween Prop Tutorial

VanOaksProps walks through the complete build of a motorized floating candelabra Halloween prop using a wiper motor, PVC, aluminum tubing, and a thrifted candelabra. The motor drive creates a convincing hovering illusion, while a PWM speed controller lets builders fine-tune the motion. LED flicker bulbs finish the effect with realistic candlelight. The project is well-suited for cemetery scenes, home haunts, or professional displays.

VanOaksProps· 37,363 views
Game-Changing LED Flame Bulb for DIY Halloween Candles!
9:31
DIY PropsIntermediate$15–$40

Game-Changing LED Flame Bulb for DIY Halloween Candles!

VanOaksProps walks through a full build for realistic flickering candle props using compact low-voltage LED flame bulbs wired through a buck converter. The tutorial covers soldering the electrics, forming candle bodies from PVC pipe, and adding convincing wax-drip textures with hot glue and paint. The result is a brighter, more lifelike candle effect compared to standard flicker LEDs. The finished props suit home haunts, yard haunts, or any atmospheric Halloween display.

VanOaksProps· 50,854 views
Creepy Lantern Prop from FOAM! - FREE Pattern
9:25
DIY PropsBeginner$10–$25

Creepy Lantern Prop from FOAM! - FREE Pattern

VanOaksProps walks through a step-by-step foam build for a medieval-style lantern suited to Halloween displays, cosplay, or LARP. The tutorial covers core EVA foam techniques including shaping, beveling, and contact cement assembly, then finishes with an aged metal texture using acrylic modeling paste. A free downloadable pattern is provided so viewers can follow along at home. The finished prop works equally well as a haunt accent piece or a wearable costume accessory.

VanOaksProps· 15,818 views
Let's Talk Halloween - LIVESTREAM
1:04:41
DIY Props

Let's Talk Halloween - LIVESTREAM

VanOaksProps hosts a casual Halloween-themed livestream, connecting with the community around DIY prop building and Halloween decorating. The session blends Halloween content with Star Wars prop discussion, reflecting the creator's broader crafting interests. As a live format, the conversation is likely driven by viewer questions and real-time interaction rather than a structured tutorial.

VanOaksProps· 3,264 views
5 Halloween Foam Projects You Need to Try
39:42
DIY PropsBeginnerlow (budget-friendly, per source description)

5 Halloween Foam Projects You Need to Try

VanOaksProps presents a compilation of five foam-based Halloween prop builds, covering a range of themes from a pirate treasure chest to a medieval torch. The projects use insulation foam, expanding foam, and EVA foam to achieve realistic, lightweight, and visually striking results. Each segment serves as a highlight reel, with links to full standalone tutorials for complete materials and painting details. The collection is pitched as accessible to both beginners and experienced prop makers on a budget.

VanOaksProps· 166,144 views
Creepy Realistic Vines – 3-Step Halloween Prop Tutorial
9:59
DIY PropsBeginnerlow / budget-friendly

Creepy Realistic Vines – 3-Step Halloween Prop Tutorial

VanOaksProps walks through a three-step process for crafting convincingly organic-looking Halloween vines using only a handful of inexpensive materials. The build combines jute rope as a structural base, silicone caulk to add sculpted texture, and coconut mulch for a rough, natural surface finish. Acrylic paints in earthy and mossy tones tie everything together with a realistic, overgrown appearance. The result is a lightweight, versatile decoration suited for gates, fences, and haunt set pieces.

VanOaksProps· 16,438 views
How to Make a Vintage Sign
9:05
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$50

How to Make a Vintage Sign

VanOaksProps walks through building a weathered vintage-style 'For Sale' sign out of MDF as a narrative prop for a cemetery yard haunt. The build covers sealing, stenciling with a vinyl cutter, hand-painting lettering, and applying distressing and aging techniques to achieve a convincingly decrepit look. The sign doubles as a tongue-in-cheek story element marking the haunt's final season at its current home. The paint tricks demonstrated are transferable to a wide range of Halloween prop projects.

VanOaksProps· 7,935 views
Build the Ultimate Halloween Cemetery: My 10 Favorite Detail Projects
52:56
Yard HauntsBeginner

Build the Ultimate Halloween Cemetery: My 10 Favorite Detail Projects

VanOaksProps compiles ten of his favorite detail-oriented prop projects specifically chosen to elevate a DIY Halloween cemetery display. The compilation spans a wide range of builds — from PVC fencing and weathered tombstones to faux cast-iron locks, distressed signage, and atmospheric cobwebs — with each segment linking back to a full standalone tutorial. The focus throughout is on affordable, achievable techniques that add realism and cinematic atmosphere to a yard graveyard scene.

VanOaksProps· 72,585 views
Star Wars Themed Room Lighting – Inspired by Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge
9:26
Lighting TutorialsAdvanced

Star Wars Themed Room Lighting – Inspired by Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge

VanOaksProps walks through the complete build of a screen-accurate Galaxy's Edge-style wall light fixture, drawing inspiration from the Droid Depot and cast-member doors at Disneyland's Star Wars land. The project covers every stage from 3D-printing ABS parts and sanding them smooth, through priming, painting, and oil-paint weathering, to wiring a 24-LED NeoPixel ring driven by an ESP32 microcontroller with a free animated Arduino sketch. The result is a fully functional, prop-quality sci-fi light suitable for a themed room or display. A complimentary 3D model file and Arduino sketch are provided for viewers to replicate the build.

VanOaksProps· 9,645 views
Death Star Droid Build
10:30
DIY PropsAdvanced

Death Star Droid Build

VanOaksProps walks through a full-scale RA-7 Death Star Droid head build using the Bambu Lab H2D 3D printer, covering the entire workflow from print optimization to a screen-accurate finished prop. The video dives deep into surface finishing, including multi-stage sanding, priming, and a layered painting process using both a spray gun and airbrush. Advanced weathering techniques — including a hairspray chipping method and umber washes — give the final piece a convincing worn-metal appearance. The build serves as an end-to-end masterclass for prop makers and cosplayers working with large-format 3D-printed pieces.

VanOaksProps· 6,598 views
Haunted Mansion DIY Projects Marathon
47:08
DIY PropsIntermediate

Haunted Mansion DIY Projects Marathon

This marathon compilation from VanOaksProps brings together seven Disney Haunted Mansion-inspired DIY projects in a single 47-minute video, ranging from a gate sign repaint and hand-painted queue statue to a working blast-up ghost and a full-size 3D printed door built for Neil Patrick Harris. The video also breaks down how the iconic changing portrait illusion works, making it both a practical build guide and an educational deep-dive into classic dark-ride effects. Projects span a range of complexity, offering something useful for casual decorators and serious prop builders alike. The Haunted Mansion Home Office series segments add context for creators looking to theme an entire room.

VanOaksProps· 105,736 views
Building a Star Wars Hologram!
12:57
DIY PropsAdvanced

Building a Star Wars Hologram!

VanOaksProps walks through a full build of an Andor Season 2-inspired Star Wars holoprojector prop, combining vintage part sourcing and modification with 3D printing, laser cutting, and practical electronics. The build integrates an ESP32 microcontroller, Neopixel lighting, and a hologram fan to achieve an in-universe screen-accurate effect. Weathering is accomplished through airbrushing, oil paint washes, liquid latex, and Rub n Buff, giving the finished piece an authentic, battle-worn look. Downloadable files are available for creators who want to replicate the project.

VanOaksProps· 51,041 views
I made a HoloProjector Inspired by Andor Season 2!
0:26
DIY PropsIntermediate

I made a HoloProjector Inspired by Andor Season 2!

VanOaksProps builds a DIY HoloProjector inspired by the aesthetic of Andor Season 2, combining 3D printing, laser cutting, and weathering techniques to create a screen-accurate sci-fi prop replica. The video appears to be a showcase or teaser, with the full step-by-step tutorial linked separately. The build incorporates electronics to achieve an authentic holographic display effect. It sits at the intersection of cosplay prop-making and Halloween/haunt set dressing for sci-fi themed spaces.

VanOaksProps· 11,237 views
5 Years Making Videos (livestream)
59:55
Other

5 Years Making Videos (livestream)

VanOaksProps celebrates five years as a full-time content creator with a one-hour anniversary livestream. The session appears to be a community-focused event rather than a step-by-step tutorial, likely covering reflections on the creator journey and audience Q&A. It offers a rare look at the business and personal side of running a dedicated Halloween and prop-making channel.

VanOaksProps· 1,739 views
Home Depot DIY Lightsaber
10:18
DIY PropsIntermediate$20–$50

Home Depot DIY Lightsaber

VanOaksProps demonstrates how to build a screen-accurate, Original Trilogy-inspired lightsaber entirely from common PVC plumbing components and basic hardware. The build walks through assembly of various PVC fittings to form the hilt body, followed by a multi-stage paint process — chrome base, matte black, and oil-paint weathering — to achieve a realistic metal appearance. Free grip template files are available to download, making the project accessible to beginners with intermediate crafting ambition. The result is a movie-quality prop built at a fraction of the cost of commercial replicas.

VanOaksProps· 59,195 views
Easy & Realistic Fake Brick Walls From Foam!
11:00
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$60 depending on project scale

Easy & Realistic Fake Brick Walls From Foam!

This tutorial by VanOaksProps walks through the full process of creating convincing fake brick walls from XPS foam, covering every stage from measuring and cutting to texturing and painting. The creator demonstrates how to use a hot wire table and surform rasp to shape individual bricks, then applies heat to mimic aged surface texture. A multi-step paint process using several earth-tone acrylics over a masonry sealer base coat produces a hyper-realistic, lightweight brick panel suitable for haunts, sets, or home displays.

VanOaksProps· 59,420 views
I made custom Star Wars Lights with Linkind Smart Bulbs
8:58
DIY PropsIntermediate

I made custom Star Wars Lights with Linkind Smart Bulbs

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.

VanOaksProps· 10,217 views
Metal Paint Effects with Supplies You Already Have!
10:51
DIY PropsBeginner$10–$40

Metal Paint Effects with Supplies You Already Have!

VanOaksProps demonstrates three accessible weathering techniques that transform plain plastic or 3D-printed pieces into convincingly aged, battle-worn metal props. The methods — liquid latex chipping, salt weathering, and a hairspray masking technique for sun-bleached finishes — rely on common household or low-cost supplies rather than specialized equipment. Each approach is shown with layered paint steps that build realistic depth and character. The tutorial is equally applicable to sci-fi builds, armor, and general scenic prop work.

VanOaksProps· 9,045 views