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

Building a Halloween Coffin - PART 2
8:46
DIY PropsIntermediate$20–$60

Building a Halloween Coffin - PART 2

Part 2 of VanOaksProps' Halloween coffin build focuses on transforming flat insulation foam into convincingly aged wooden planks using carving, texturing, and painting techniques. The creator walks through a toolkit of abrasive and heat-based tools to score, distress, and shape the foam surface before finishing it with paint to sell the weathered-wood illusion. The completed prop is destined to appear in an upcoming film by the Hollywood Graveyard channel, giving the build a professional real-world application.

VanOaksProps· 22,959 views
Building a Halloween Coffin - PART 1
8:13
DIY PropsIntermediate

Building a Halloween Coffin - PART 1

VanOaksProps begins a multi-part series constructing a Halloween coffin modeled after the iconic prop from the 1922 film Nosferatu, built as part of a Hollywood Graveyard production. The build focuses on plywood framing combined with EPS foam detail work to achieve a period-accurate silhouette. A key design goal is a flat-pack, knock-down construction that allows the finished prop to be disassembled for compact storage. Part 1 covers the foundational build steps, materials selection, and initial shaping.

VanOaksProps· 34,001 views
The ULTIMATE Halloween PVC Candle DIY
8:24
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$50 depending on quantity and materials on hand

The ULTIMATE Halloween PVC Candle DIY

VanOaks Props revisits the classic PVC Halloween candle build with upgraded materials, streamlined techniques, and easier electronics for a better end result. The project uses Schedule 30 PVC pipe as the candle body, white hot glue to mimic dripping wax, and flicker LEDs wired through Wago connectors for a realistic flame effect. A wax paint finish and foam base complete the look. This updated approach prioritizes speed and accessibility without sacrificing visual impact.

VanOaksProps· 31,752 views
Doc Brown's Binoculars from Back to the Future 2 - AnkerMake M5C
9:14
Costume TutorialsBeginner

Doc Brown's Binoculars from Back to the Future 2 - AnkerMake M5C

This sponsored build video follows the creator in reproducing Doc Brown's futuristic binoculars from Back to the Future 2 as a cosplay prop using the AnkerMake M5C 3D printer. The project leans on a purchasable Etsy model file and the printer's streamlined one-click workflow to keep the build accessible to beginners. The video doubles as a hands-on introduction to the AnkerMake M5C, highlighting its ease of setup and high-speed printing capabilities. The finished prop is a screen-accurate-looking replica suitable for BTTF cosplay.

VanOaksProps· 11,545 views
LIVE: from Nerd Summer Camp 2023!
54:08
Other

LIVE: from Nerd Summer Camp 2023!

VanOaks Props hosts a live stream event called Nerd Summer Camp 2023, bringing together a group of Star Wars and sci-fi prop-making creators for a collaborative broadcast. The event features several prominent prop-making channels, celebrating fan craftsmanship and community. A giveaway for a Dune Sea Outpost Scomplink prop is tied to the live stream, rewarding viewer engagement.

VanOaksProps· 2,615 views
Making the Goonies Copper Bones Prop Replica
6:35
DIY PropsBeginnerunder $20

Making the Goonies Copper Bones Prop Replica

VanOaksProps walks through the process of prepping and painting a 3D-printed replica of the iconic Copper Bones skeleton key from The Goonies. The build is framed as a relaxed afternoon project, focusing primarily on surface finishing and a layered acrylic painting technique to achieve an aged, metallic patina look. A free STL model is referenced for those who want to print their own base piece. Credit is given to another creator whose technique inspired the painting approach.

VanOaksProps· 10,733 views
DIY Foam Axe Prop!
8:23
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$70

DIY Foam Axe Prop!

VanOaksProps walks through the full build process for a foam replica of Jack Torrance's iconic axe from The Shining, designed to be lightweight and safe for Halloween haunts and convention use. The blade and handle are both constructed from EVA foam floor mats, shaped with a heat gun and Dremel, then finished with a multi-step painting process that mimics real steel and wood grain. Sponsored Surebonder Cosplay Stik hot glue is used throughout the assembly. The result is a screen-inspired prop that is durable, convention-compliant, and visually convincing.

VanOaksProps· 21,478 views
The Best Way To Make Fake Cornstalks!
8:05
DIY PropsBeginner$10–$30 per stalk depending on materials on hand

The Best Way To Make Fake Cornstalks!

VanOaks Props presents a budget-friendly method for building realistic-looking fake cornstalks using common craft and hardware supplies. The build centers on a PVC pipe spine wrapped with masking tape and jute rope to build up texture and form, finished with layered acrylic and spray paints. The video is inspired by and credits the Beyond1031 Ultimate Fake Cornstalk Tutorial as its source material. The result is a lightweight, reusable prop well suited for yard haunts, haunt scenery, or seasonal outdoor decorating.

VanOaksProps· 56,296 views
DIY Holy Grail Prop from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
7:33
DIY PropsIntermediate

DIY Holy Grail Prop from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

VanOaksProps walks through the full process of creating a replica Holy Grail prop from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, following a community request. The build covers research and reference gathering, 3D modeling and printing on a Bambu Lab X1-Carbon, and a multi-stage painting process using acrylics, airbrush, and gold leaf to achieve a convincing aged stone-and-metal finish. The result is a screen-accurate-looking display piece that translates well to Halloween or pop-culture prop collections.

VanOaksProps· 18,184 views
Building a Prop Scythe with Foam, PVC, and Hot Glue!
10:24
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$50

Building a Prop Scythe with Foam, PVC, and Hot Glue!

VanOaksProps walks through building a Grim Reaper scythe using readily available materials — EVA foam floor mats, PVC pipe, and hot glue — making this an accessible project for beginners and cosplayers alike. The blade is shaped from foam with a heat gun, mounted to a PVC handle, and finished with a Plasti-Dip base coat followed by layered acrylic paints for a realistic, weathered look. The build is designed to be completable in a few hours with minimal tools. Surebonder sponsored the video by providing their Cosplay Stik hot glue and glue gun.

VanOaksProps· 30,560 views
Building a Weatherproof Rocking Prop Mechanism!
8:04
DIY AnimatronicsIntermediate$20–$50

Building a Weatherproof Rocking Prop Mechanism!

VanOaksProps walks through building a compact, weatherproof rocking prop mechanism designed to survive outdoor conditions like rain and snow. The core of the build is a synchronous motor housed inside an electrical gang box, which protects the electronics from the elements. A flat aluminum bracket and a hinge translate the motor's rotation into a back-and-forth rocking motion suitable for chairs, figures, or other lightweight to medium-weight props.

VanOaksProps· 14,179 views
Easy & Realistic Fake Stone Walls from Foam 2!
8:04
DIY PropsBeginner$20–$60

Easy & Realistic Fake Stone Walls from Foam 2!

VanOaksProps walks through a beginner-friendly process for creating convincing fake stone walls using inexpensive XPS or EPS foam. The build relies on hot wire cutting and rasp texturing to achieve a natural stone shape, followed by a tile mortar coating that adds durability and surface detail. A layered acrylic painting sequence — moving from a base beige through burnt umber shadows to green moss accents — brings the finished panels to life. The result is a lightweight, low-cost wall section suitable for haunts, sets, or yard displays.

VanOaksProps· 130,025 views
LIVESTREAM: 3 Year YouTube Anniversary & Haunted Mansion Post-Mortem
58:35
Home Haunts

LIVESTREAM: 3 Year YouTube Anniversary & Haunted Mansion Post-Mortem

VanOaksProps celebrates three years on YouTube with a live-stream that doubles as a post-mortem breakdown of their Haunted Mansion-themed home haunt season. The creator reflects on what worked, what didn't, and shares behind-the-scenes insights into the build process. It's a candid, community-focused conversation rather than a step-by-step tutorial, making it a great watch for fans of the channel and home haunters looking for honest seasonal reflection.

VanOaksProps· 1,621 views
Making a Star Wars Inspired Cooler for Charity
7:12
DIY PropsIntermediate

Making a Star Wars Inspired Cooler for Charity

VanOaksProps transforms a plain ice chest into a Star Wars-themed prop for a charity auction, giving it the look of Beskar-inspired hardware from the Star Wars universe. The build relies on airbrushing with Alumaluster chrome paint alongside a multi-color weathering approach to sell the worn, galactic aesthetic. Structural details are added using epoxy and craft materials before the final paint layers are applied. The finished cooler is destined for the Imperial Surface Bucket Bash charity event.

VanOaksProps· 7,219 views
I 3D Printed a LIFE SIZE Haunted Mansion Door for Neil Patrick Harris - PART 4
9:04
DIY PropsAdvanced

I 3D Printed a LIFE SIZE Haunted Mansion Door for Neil Patrick Harris - PART 4

In Part 4 of this ambitious series, VanOaksProps completes a life-size 3D printed Haunted Mansion door frame built as a companion piece to a genuine Disneyland park-used door owned by Neil Patrick Harris. Described as the creator's largest and most complex build to date, the project showcases the capabilities of large-format FDM printing for screen-accurate prop recreation. The build is sponsored by Elegoo and Polymaker, and a downloadable 3D model is available via the creator's Etsy shop.

VanOaksProps· 112,084 views
How-to: Turn a Photo into a 3D Model
6:14
DIY PropsBeginner

How-to: Turn a Photo into a 3D Model

VanOaks Props walks beginners through the fundamentals of 3D modeling, specifically how to use a photograph as a reference or source to create a 3D model. The tutorial is oriented as a conceptual overview, helping newcomers understand how 3D models are constructed before diving into more complex techniques. While Halloween prop-making is the broader context of the channel, the skills taught here are applicable to any prop or costume project.

VanOaksProps· 62,088 views
Fake Hardware From Hot Glue
5:54
DIY PropsBeginnerlow-budget

Fake Hardware From Hot Glue

VanOaksProps demonstrates a budget-friendly method for casting convincing fake hardware pieces using a silicone mold and high-temp Cosplay Stik hot glue sticks from Surebonder. The technique allows haunters and cosplayers to replicate multiple hardware styles quickly without spending heavily on store-bought decorative pieces. Colored glue sticks — including black and silver — make it easy to produce finished-looking results straight out of the mold with minimal post-processing.

VanOaksProps· 16,136 views
EASY Smoldering Log Effect using a Foam Pool Noodle!
4:23
DIY PropsBeginner$5–$15

EASY Smoldering Log Effect using a Foam Pool Noodle!

This short tutorial from VanOaksProps demonstrates how to build a convincing smoldering log effect using an inexpensive foam pool noodle as the base. The noodle is textured and painted with black and grey acrylics to mimic charred, dying embers, then lit from within using a white LED strip. Most materials can be sourced affordably at a dollar store, making this an accessible build for any skill level.

VanOaksProps· 83,133 views
March Livestream - Q&A, Haunted Mansion Project, and more!
59:14
DIY Props

March Livestream - Q&A, Haunted Mansion Project, and more!

This nearly hour-long livestream from VanOaksProps blends a community Q&A session with progress updates on an ongoing Haunted Mansion-themed prop project. The creator discusses build techniques and takes questions from supporters in real time. References to a 3D printer, laser cutter, and CNC router suggest these are recurring tools in the workflow shown throughout the stream.

VanOaksProps· 2,058 views
Custom Star Wars Lightsaber Display with Lights!
6:14
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

Custom Star Wars Lightsaber Display with Lights!

VanOaksProps builds a custom vertical display stand for a Damiensaber lightsaber, incorporating LED strip lighting to give it a dramatic illuminated effect. The build draws on laser-cut components, PVC pipe, and aluminum tape finished with spray paint. The video was produced in partnership with Damiensaber, who provided the prop at no cost. While Star Wars-themed rather than strictly Halloween, the prop-display techniques translate directly to haunted-house and themed-room set dressing.

VanOaksProps· 5,139 views
I 3D Printed a LIFE SIZE Haunted Mansion Door for Neil Patrick Harris - PART 3
3:23
DIY PropsIntermediate

I 3D Printed a LIFE SIZE Haunted Mansion Door for Neil Patrick Harris - PART 3

Part 3 of VanOaksProps' ambitious life-size Haunted Mansion door build explores the use of Polymaker's CosPLA filament, a specially formulated PLA designed to be easier to sand and finish than standard PLA. The creator shares hands-on impressions of the sponsored filament, highlighting its printability, durability, and sanding characteristics — qualities that are critical for achieving smooth, display-ready surfaces on a large-scale prop. This short update focuses specifically on material choice and surface prep rather than the full build process.

VanOaksProps· 8,783 views
I 3D Printed a LIFE SIZE Haunted Mansion Door for Neil Patrick Harris - PART 2
5:40
DIY PropsIntermediate

I 3D Printed a LIFE SIZE Haunted Mansion Door for Neil Patrick Harris - PART 2

VanOaks Props continues a high-profile commission build — a life-size 3D-printed Haunted Mansion door destined for Neil Patrick Harris — by tackling the challenging task of bonding large-format printed parts together. The episode focuses on comparing and applying multiple adhesive types, including fast-set epoxy, plastic welder, Weld-on 16, and CA glue, to achieve strong, seamless joins. A candid build mistake is also documented, making this a realistic look at the problem-solving required in large-scale prop fabrication.

VanOaksProps· 13,915 views
I 3D Printed a LIFE SIZE Haunted Mansion Door for Neil Patrick Harris - PART 1
6:43
DIY PropsIntermediate

I 3D Printed a LIFE SIZE Haunted Mansion Door for Neil Patrick Harris - PART 1

VanOaksProps tackles Part 1 of an ambitious life-size 3D-printed Haunted Mansion door build, commissioned for Neil Patrick Harris. This episode focuses specifically on faux metallic painting techniques designed to achieve a refined, subtly aged finish rather than the heavily weathered look typically featured on the channel. The creator walks through a layered acrylic and spray-paint process using bronze, gold, patina, and black tones to convincingly mimic aged metal. It's a practical deep-dive into a more nuanced approach to prop finishing.

VanOaksProps· 16,757 views
50,000 Subscriber Live Stream
1:03:53
Other

50,000 Subscriber Live Stream

VanOaksProps marks reaching 50,000 subscribers with a celebratory live stream, fielding audience questions and chatting openly about the experience of running a DIY prop-making YouTube channel. The session is conversational rather than tutorial-focused, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creator's journey. Fans of the channel will find it an engaging milestone event rather than a how-to build video.

VanOaksProps· 1,605 views