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

PROP LAB: $20 Lightning Effect Box
6:11
DIY PropsIntermediate~$20

PROP LAB: $20 Lightning Effect Box

VanOaksProps presents a budget-focused build for a DIY lightning effect box aimed at haunters who can't justify the cost of commercial lightning machines. The build centers on a soldered LED light organ kit that reacts to an audio signal, driving a bright white LED floodlight to mimic realistic lightning flashes. The video walks through the concept, components, and a proof-of-concept test of the finished unit. At roughly $20 in parts, it offers a compelling low-cost alternative to premium lightning simulators.

VanOaksProps· 83,661 views
Improve Your Haunt Lighting with Gobos!
5:23
Lighting TutorialsBeginnerlow (budget-friendly)

Improve Your Haunt Lighting with Gobos!

This VanOaksProps tutorial introduces DIY gobos as an accessible way to dramatically upgrade haunt lighting for yard displays and haunted houses. Using plumbing pipe, free 3D-printable model files, and affordable LED bulbs, viewers can create focused, patterned light effects inspired by theatrical lighting techniques. The approach emphasizes keeping costs low while achieving a professional, atmospheric look. No single lighting solution is presented as perfect, but gobos are offered as a powerful and underutilized tool in the home haunter's toolkit.

VanOaksProps· 51,617 views
PROP LAB - Creating a Fog Projection Screen? NEW SERIES!
8:53
Projection EffectsIntermediate

PROP LAB - Creating a Fog Projection Screen? NEW SERIES!

VanOaksProps launches a new experimental series called Prop Lab, where the creator openly documents the learning process behind ambitious Halloween builds — including mistakes and limitations. This debut episode focuses on building a DIY fog projection screen capable of displaying a ghostly digital effect from Spectral Illusions. The build combines a small pico projector with a reptile fogger and computer fans to generate and shape a fog curtain thin enough to serve as a projection surface. The video emphasizes honest problem-solving over polished results, making it as much a learning resource as a how-to.

VanOaksProps· 133,098 views
Disneyland/Disneyworld Tower of Terror Elevator Dial Replica | Hollywood Tower Hotel
9:16
DIY PropsIntermediate

Disneyland/Disneyworld Tower of Terror Elevator Dial Replica | Hollywood Tower Hotel

VanOaksProps recreates the iconic service elevator floor-indicator dial from the Tower of Terror attraction as a detailed display replica. The build combines laser-cut MDF and acrylic pieces with a multi-step faux copper patina painting process to achieve the aged, antique look of the original Hollywood Tower Hotel prop. Airbrushing, dry brushing, and Rub n Buff are layered together to convincingly mimic oxidized copper. The finished piece is a faithful collectible tribute to the beloved attraction, particularly for California fans where the original ride no longer exists.

VanOaksProps· 11,932 views
SERIES: Haunted Mansion Home Office - Stretching Room Bookcase
8:49
DIY PropsIntermediatelow (base bookcase sourced free; additional materials vary)

SERIES: Haunted Mansion Home Office - Stretching Room Bookcase

VanOaksProps continues their Haunted Mansion home office series by transforming a free IKEA Billy bookcase into a Stretching Room-inspired display piece for Haunted Mansion prop collection. Rather than building from scratch, the creator leverages IKEA hacking techniques combined with custom joinery, themed wallpaper, wood grain painting, and atmospheric lighting to achieve a cohesive themed aesthetic. The build balances budget-conscious sourcing — using a community Buy Nothing group for the base piece — with deliberate decorative detail. The result is a functional bookcase that doubles as an immersive Haunted Mansion display environment.

VanOaksProps· 17,992 views
Making a Haunted Mansion Tombstone
10:12
DIY PropsIntermediate

Making a Haunted Mansion Tombstone

VanOaksProps walks viewers through building a foam replica of the iconic Master Gracey tombstone from Disneyland and Disney World's Haunted Mansion attraction. The build covers shaping and carving foam, creating a custom stencil with a vinyl cutter for the epitaph lettering, and finishing with a convincing faux-granite paint effect using airbrush and sea sponge techniques. The result is a screen-accurate-style prop suitable for yard haunts or indoor displays. Sponsored foam paints from Plaid are featured throughout the finishing stages.

VanOaksProps· 37,629 views
Improving the Haunted Shovel Prop - REMIX!
4:30
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

Improving the Haunted Shovel Prop - REMIX!

VanOaksProps revisits a haunted shovel prop originally built five years ago, reworking it to finally match the creator's original vision. The build centers on a wiper motor drive system combined with a heim joint linkage to produce realistic, animated shovel movement. The video is a concise five-minute walkthrough of the upgraded mechanical design and component choices. Credit is given to Eerie Acres Cemetery on YouTube as the original inspiration for the prop concept.

VanOaksProps· 16,608 views
The BEST Way to Smooth 3d Prints
6:19
DIY PropsIntermediate$10–$30

The BEST Way to Smooth 3d Prints

VanOaksProps presents their signature method for smoothing PLA 3D prints before painting, combining spot putty with acetone to minimize sanding time. The technique draws on basic chemistry to fill print layer lines more efficiently than conventional sanding alone. The workflow is designed to get props paint-ready faster, freeing up time for more creative work. This is presented as the creator's original take on a widely discussed topic.

VanOaksProps· 169,856 views
Make ANYTHING look like metal!
6:25
DIY PropsBeginner$10–$30

Make ANYTHING look like metal!

VanOaksProps demonstrates a quick two-step faux metal technique that transforms everyday materials — cardboard, plastic, wood, or virtually anything else — into convincing metal-looking props. The process relies on shellac and graphite powder, applied and buffed to create a realistic metallic sheen. At just six minutes, the tutorial is concise and immediately actionable for prop builders at any skill level. Credit is given to Vaughan Baker for originating the technique.

VanOaksProps· 73,129 views
Easiest Halloween Cobwebs EVER!
2:02
DIY PropsBeginnerunder $15

Easiest Halloween Cobwebs EVER!

VanOaksProps demonstrates a fast, beginner-friendly method for creating movie-quality cobwebs without a compressor or glue-gun web shooter. Using only a heavy spray adhesive, decorators can achieve convincing spider webs in minutes. The technique is accessible and low-cost, though the permanence of the adhesive means placement planning is essential.

VanOaksProps· 53,576 views
IKEA HACKING: Star Wars Themed Bookcase | EXTREME Ikea Kallax Flip
7:35
DIY PropsIntermediate

IKEA HACKING: Star Wars Themed Bookcase | EXTREME Ikea Kallax Flip

VanOaksProps transforms a plain IKEA Kallax shelving unit into a Star Wars-themed display case worthy of a serious collector. The build combines 3D-printed greebles (detailed surface components), acrylic panels, and integrated LED lighting to give the piece a high-end, sci-fi aesthetic. Spray primer and grey enamel paint unify the finish, while custom wiring ties the lighting together neatly. The creator shares free 3D greeble files on Thingiverse so viewers can replicate the look.

VanOaksProps· 15,410 views
SERIES: Haunted Mansion Home Office - Blast-Up Ghost
9:33
DIY PropsIntermediate$20–$50

SERIES: Haunted Mansion Home Office - Blast-Up Ghost

VanOaksProps builds a replica blast-up ghost prop inspired by the classic Disneyland Haunted Mansion attraction, adding it to an ongoing Haunted Mansion-themed home office collection. The build relies on accessible craft materials, acrylic paints, and airbrushing to achieve the signature look of the iconic ride prop. It sits between larger room builds as a satisfying, focused side project. The finished piece is intended as a display collectible that deepens the immersive theming of the space.

VanOaksProps· 14,319 views
SERIES: Haunted Mansion Home Office Part 3 - Windows
9:34
DIY PropsIntermediate

SERIES: Haunted Mansion Home Office Part 3 - Windows

Part 3 of VanOaksProps' ongoing series converting a small home office into a Disneyland Haunted Mansion-inspired space focuses on building a decorative window cornice modeled after the iconic ride. The creator collaborates with fellow channel Hollywood Haunter to bring the look to life using woodworking, staining, and painting techniques. The result is a faithful replica architectural detail that anchors the room's theme-park aesthetic.

VanOaksProps· 17,558 views
Following Bust Halloween Prop - Part 2
9:59
DIY PropsIntermediate

Following Bust Halloween Prop - Part 2

Part 2 of VanOaksProps' following bust monument series focuses on the finishing stages: applying paint, faux marble effects, and a Drylok texture base coat before adding craft paint layers via airbrush. LED strip lighting and decorative faux ivy are incorporated to complete the eerie cemetery monument look. The build is sponsored by ChickenProps, whose staring statue mechanisms power the 'following' eye effect. This episode bridges the gap between raw prop construction and a polished, display-ready Halloween centerpiece.

VanOaksProps· 47,064 views
Making a Bust That Follows You - Halloween Prop Tutorial
10:22
DIY PropsIntermediate$20–$60

Making a Bust That Follows You - Halloween Prop Tutorial

VanOaksProps walks through the first part of a two-part series on building a cemetery bust monument that uses an optical illusion to appear to follow viewers as they move. The build relies on accessible materials — XPS foam in two thicknesses, a cardboard tube armature, pipe insulation, and common adhesives — shaped with hot wire and routing tools. Sponsored by ChickenProps, the tutorial bridges the gap between a basic graveyard prop and a showstopping interactive centerpiece. The finished piece is designed to evoke the iconic "following bust" effect popularized by haunted mansion attractions.

VanOaksProps· 57,843 views
Weathering Haunt Walls - No Spray Bottles!
6:25
Set DesignIntermediate

Weathering Haunt Walls - No Spray Bottles!

VanOaks Props demonstrates two distinct weathering techniques for haunt walls without relying solely on spray bottles. The tutorial covers both airbrushing and sponge painting approaches, showing how each method produces a different aged or distressed surface style. Both methods use earth-tone and muted paint colors to create convincing decay and grime effects on haunted attraction flats.

VanOaksProps· 10,942 views
Star Wars Droid Caller Prop and Retro Packaging
12:50
DIY PropsIntermediate

Star Wars Droid Caller Prop and Retro Packaging

VanOaksProps walks through building a Han Solo Droid Caller prop replica and presenting it in custom retro-style action figure packaging that evokes vintage Kenner Star Wars card backs. The project blends prop painting techniques — including airbrushing, metallic finishes, and weathering washes — with graphic design and physical packaging assembly to produce a display-ready collectible. A vacuum former is used to create a blister shell, and a printed card back completes the nostalgic presentation. The result doubles as both a screen-accurate prop replica and a whimsical fan collectible display piece.

VanOaksProps· 8,328 views
SERIES: Haunted Mansion Home Office Part 2 - Replica Chandelier
8:28
DIY PropsIntermediate

SERIES: Haunted Mansion Home Office Part 2 - Replica Chandelier

VanOaksProps continues their Haunted Mansion home office series by building a functional replica chandelier inspired by the iconic changing portrait hallway of the Disney attraction. The build uses authentic unfinished brass lamp components sourced from Grand Brass, assembled on a threaded rod armature to closely match the ride's fixture. A SimFlame flame-effect bulb adds atmospheric authenticity to the finished piece. The creator credits Peter Wood for guidance on accurately replicating the chandelier's design.

VanOaksProps· 15,968 views
Paint & Weather Your Droids - Star Wars IG88/ Mandalorian IG11
11:20
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

Paint & Weather Your Droids - Star Wars IG88/ Mandalorian IG11

VanOaksProps walks through the full painting and weathering process for two 3D-printed IG-88 droid heads inspired by Star Wars and The Mandalorian. The workflow starts with a gloss black base coat followed by a chrome lacquer layer to achieve that signature metallic droid look. Acrylic paints in rust, orange, and brown tones are then layered on to simulate wear, grime, and battle damage, making the props look authentically aged. The build uses a 3D model sourced from Thingiverse and relies on tools and materials that are largely accessible to hobbyist prop makers.

VanOaksProps· 17,996 views
Improving LED Candle Halloween Props
4:35
DIY PropsBeginnerlow (basic electronics components)

Improving LED Candle Halloween Props

VanOaksProps breaks down their refined approach to building and improving LED candle props for a home haunt, covering construction, wiring, and a key technique for making any LED candle look more realistic. The video focuses on using a flicker controller paired with Eagle Eye LEDs and RCA connections to distribute a convincing candlelight effect across multiple props. At under five minutes, it delivers practical, repeatable information in a tight format. The result is an inexpensive upgrade that can meaningfully elevate the atmosphere of any haunt or Halloween display.

VanOaksProps· 26,855 views
Top 10: Must-Have Supplies For Haunters
5:11
DIY PropsBeginner

Top 10: Must-Have Supplies For Haunters

VanOaksProps runs down a personal top-10 list of essential supplies suited to both first-time and seasoned haunters. The selections span cutting and shaping tools, painting and finishing aids, and general workshop staples that show up repeatedly in prop-building projects. Each pick reflects the creator's hands-on experience rather than a generic consensus list. The compact five-minute format makes it a quick, practical reference for stocking a haunt workshop.

VanOaksProps· 13,119 views
Antique a Mirror in 5 Minutes! No Chemicals
6:22
DIY PropsBeginnerunder $10

Antique a Mirror in 5 Minutes! No Chemicals

VanOaksProps demonstrates a fast, beginner-friendly method for aging a mirror to create an antique or mercury-glass look using minimal materials likely already on hand. The technique avoids sanding, scraping, and harsh chemicals, making it accessible and low-risk. At roughly six minutes, this is one of the quickest set-dressing upgrades a haunter can add to a room or corridor. The finished effect lends an atmosphere of neglect and age that works equally well in home haunts and professional attractions.

VanOaksProps· 44,205 views
SERIES: Haunted Mansion Home Office Part 1 - Faux Wood Ceiling Medallion
6:08
DIY PropsIntermediate

SERIES: Haunted Mansion Home Office Part 1 - Faux Wood Ceiling Medallion

VanOaksProps kicks off a multi-part series transforming a small home office into a Disney Haunted Mansion-inspired space. This first episode focuses on creating a faux wood ceiling medallion to complement a chandelier installation. The creator uses acrylic putty, primer, and layered paint and stain techniques to convincingly mimic aged wood grain on a non-wood surface. It's a budget-conscious decorating approach that delivers a high-impact, themed result.

VanOaksProps· 16,088 views
Haunted Mansion Changing Portrait - How It Works
3:35
Arduino & ControllersIntermediate

Haunted Mansion Changing Portrait - How It Works

VanOaksProps breaks down how the iconic Haunted Mansion changing portrait illusion works and shows how to replicate it at home. The effect relies on a perforated vinyl scrim technique — credited to Kirk Higgins and CalHaunts — combined with Arduino-controlled LED switching that alternately illuminates two layered images. An Arduino Nano drives the lighting transitions while a DFMini MP3 module adds synchronized sound, and the creator provides a downloadable sketch, images, and audio files to get builders started quickly.

VanOaksProps· 47,492 views