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.

28 videos

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
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
Fallout Cosplay Combat Armor #fallout #falloutcosplay #videogamecosplay
0:14
Costume TutorialsIntermediate

Fallout Cosplay Combat Armor #fallout #falloutcosplay #videogamecosplay

This tutorial walks through building Fallout-inspired combat chest armor from EVA foam, covering cutting, sanding, and embossing techniques to replicate the look of leather and metal. The creator was motivated by both the beloved game series and the Amazon live-action adaptation. Free PDF templates for the chest piece are available via the creator's website, making the build accessible to a wide range of crafters.

SKS Props· 15,503 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
How to Build a Ghostbusters Proton Pack with 3D Printing (Step-by-Step)
10:44
DIY PropsIntermediate

How to Build a Ghostbusters Proton Pack with 3D Printing (Step-by-Step)

This step-by-step tutorial walks viewers through building a full-size Ghostbusters proton pack using the free, open-source Q-Pack files designed by Marc Carabelli and Quentin Machiels. The creator covers the entire physical build process — from sourcing and prepping print files to assembly, filling, sanding, painting for screen-accurate results, and scratch-building the motherboard. A free resource guide and parts list are available via the creator's website. Electronics, lighting, sound, and weathering are promised in a follow-up video.

Creative Geekery· 11,810 views
Haunted Mansion Prop from CHEAP Craft Store Finds!
13:09
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$60

Haunted Mansion Prop from CHEAP Craft Store Finds!

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.

VanOaksProps· 11,949 views
Making a Star Wars Detention Block Holocam
8:54
DIY PropsIntermediate

Making a Star Wars Detention Block Holocam

VanOaksProps walks through a full build of the iconic 57C Holocam — the detention block surveillance camera from Star Wars: A New Hope — using 3D-printed parts sourced from a third-party model file. The tutorial covers the complete workflow from raw prints to finished replica, including cleanup, priming, multi-step spray painting, masking, and final varnish. Attention to screen-accurate color and detail is central to the build. The result is a display-ready collector prop suitable for fans and prop builders alike.

VanOaksProps· 7,042 views
Craft Your Own Okarun Mask #cosplay #dandadancosplay #dandadancosplay #okaruncosplay
0:15
Costume TutorialsIntermediate

Craft Your Own Okarun Mask #cosplay #dandadancosplay #dandadancosplay #okaruncosplay

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.

SKS Props· 10,679 views
Making a C-3PO Bust for New York Comic Con #nycc
9:05
DIY PropsIntermediate

Making a C-3PO Bust for New York Comic Con #nycc

VanOaksProps walks through the construction of a display-quality C-3PO bust built from 3D-printed parts sourced from free Thingiverse models. The build covers surface prep with filler primer and multi-stage sanding, a multi-layer metallic paint finish, and the integration of acrylic light-panel material and LEDs for glowing eye inserts. Beacon Adhesives products are used throughout for assembly, with the finished piece destined for display at New York Comic Con.

VanOaksProps· 9,619 views
Transforming An Alien Romulus Popcorn Bucket Into A Movie Prop!
9:58
DIY PropsIntermediate

Transforming An Alien Romulus Popcorn Bucket Into A Movie Prop!

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.

Creative Geekery· 13,015 views
DIY ULTRA Realistic Halloween Tombstones!
10:50
DIY PropsIntermediate$20–$60

DIY ULTRA Realistic Halloween Tombstones!

VanOaks Props walks through a complete process for building ultra-realistic foam tombstones that convincingly mimic aged stone. The tutorial covers shaping, carving fine details, texturing with caulk, and a multi-step painting workflow using acrylic washes and a masonry sealer to achieve an authentic weathered-granite look. Techniques like flame treatment and dry brushing add depth and surface realism that elevate these props well beyond typical foam graveyard pieces.

VanOaksProps· 85,031 views
DIY Haunted Mansion-Inspired Bust
8:04
DIY PropsIntermediate

DIY Haunted Mansion-Inspired Bust

VanOaksProps kicks off a multi-part build series with a Haunted Mansion-inspired animated bust, focusing in Part 1 on crafting the decorative pedestal. Inspired by a hack from the Prop Agenda channel, the creator shapes and details foam using a variety of cutting, routing, and sanding tools. The finished pedestal draws heavily from the iconic Singing Busts seen in Disney's Haunted Mansion graveyard sequence. This first episode lays the structural and aesthetic groundwork before the animated bust itself is tackled in later parts.

VanOaksProps· 16,352 views
Top 5 Tools for Makers 2023 - Improve Your Workflow!
5:03
Product Reviews

Top 5 Tools for Makers 2023 - Improve Your Workflow!

VanOaksProps shares a personal top-5 list of tools that meaningfully improved their prop-making workflow in 2023. The roundup spans precision measurement, finishing, painting, electronics, and 3D printing. Each pick is framed around real-world maker use, making the list practical rather than purely aspirational. Affiliate links are provided for all featured items.

VanOaksProps· 7,493 views
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
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
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
EASY Halloween Store Tombstone Makeover!
10:41
DIY PropsBeginnerlow (store-bought tombstone plus basic painting supplies)

EASY Halloween Store Tombstone Makeover!

Wicked Makers hosts Jaimie and Jay walk through a quick and budget-friendly upgrade of store-bought foam tombstones into realistic, personalized Halloween gravestones. The process involves removing unwanted surface details, adding custom lettering via carving or adhesive 3D letters, and finishing with a Drylok base coat followed by layered acrylic paint for a weathered stone look. The result is a highly customizable yard prop that far outperforms its plain out-of-the-box appearance. Printable tombstone epitaph templates are available through their Patreon for added convenience.

Wicked Makers· 314,557 views
PROP LAB: Building Star Wars Cargo Crates
8:19
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

PROP LAB: Building Star Wars Cargo Crates

VanOaksProps builds a pair of Star Wars-themed cargo crates to complement a dedicated prop display case, inspired by a visit to Star Wars Celebration Anaheim. The crates are shaped using an Inventables X-Carve CNC router, then finished with layered spray paints, wax paint, and weathering techniques to achieve a battle-worn, screen-accurate look. Liquid latex and steel wool add tactile texture before the final paint stages, giving the props convincing depth and age.

VanOaksProps· 12,510 views
Hidden Projector Tombstone feat. the AAXA HP1
11:16
Projection EffectsIntermediate

Hidden Projector Tombstone feat. the AAXA HP1

VanOaksProps walks through building a realistic foam tombstone that doubles as a concealed housing for a compact projector, keeping the unit hidden from view and shielded from the elements. The build covers foam carving and shaping, router detailing, and a multi-step paint process to achieve a convincing aged-stone look. The finished prop integrates seamlessly into a graveyard display while secretly delivering Halloween projection effects. It's a clever solution for haunters who want polished projection visuals without exposing expensive equipment.

VanOaksProps· 91,619 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
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 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
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