Mutterings of a Mad Woman

Extra! Extra! Read All About it!

Submitted by Ghoul Friday
on October 30, 2008 - 4:40pm


I don't normally post cutesy things on my blog, and I NEVER post random pictures found online (at least not without a backstory), but I had to make an exception with this image. It's called "Weiners on Safari" and you can find the original on the Globe and Mail website, along with more Halloween pet pictures.

I think the zebra looks like a Mexican wrestler costume.

On a related note (newspapers, not pets or wrestlers), yours truly has been interviewed by Patrick White who writes for the Life section of the Globe and Mail (a very large newspaper here in Canada). After stumbling upon my site, he contacted me to have a chat for his upcoming Halloween article on Canadian Haunters - understanding people who go beyond the basics at this time of year.

Nightmare on Queen St - The Sequel

Submitted by Ghoul Friday
on October 30, 2008 - 3:15pm


Looking for something to do in the city? Might I suggest
Nightmare on Queen St.

Playdead Cult and Darkside have once again created "two levels of terror" in a haunt running until Nov 1st.

For the low price of $10, you can experience thrills, chills and live music at The Playdead Mansion - 1233 Queen St W, Toronto (west of Dufferin. Be sure to use the back entrance located off Gwynne Ave).

Haunt hours are between 8-11pm tonight and Saturday (may extend to accommodate existing line-ups); 7pm-11pm Halloween Night.

After a peek at the trailer (posted below), I don't think it's for the timid.

Floating Candles

Submitted by Ghoul Friday
on October 28, 2008 - 2:46pm


This year in the party room I used an idea from another haunter and created floating candles to go along with the other decorations hanging from the ceiling.

It's a quick, inexpensive project using battery operated candlesticks, fishing line, hot glue and tacks. Anyone can make this prop. Check out the how-to in my monster workshop.

Petrified Pizza

Submitted by Ghoul Friday
on October 28, 2008 - 12:59pm


Here are some pizza ideas I used at this year's party. It only takes a few extra minutes to make your meals match the decor.

For one pizza, I had a tomato sauce, onions, mozzarella cheese, sliced turkey pepperettes and red peppers. I used the red peppers to spell out 'HELP' across the pizza...a cry from an employee in the kitchen.

The next was a giant sea monkey pizza (shrimp) with fresh basil, some mozzarella, and an artichoke and asiago cheese spread as the sauce.

Head Shot - The Game

Submitted by Ghoul Friday
on October 24, 2008 - 9:25am


"Shoot'em in the head and they'll stay dead". That is the basic premise for the game I created this week.

This game uses balancing skill. You have one 'bullet' to kill the zombie. As most of us know, a zombie only dies if you shoot him in the head. The object of the game is to manoeuvre the bullet (a tiny ball or marble) by tilting the picture box of the zombie back and forth, rolling the ball into the head shot hole without accidentally 'shooting' the zombie in other body parts or missing him completely (making the ball fall through other holes). It's super easy to make and you could change the image of the zombie to match your theme.

If you're interested in seeing how it's done, take a look in my Horrific How-To Monster Workshop, and peek in on other Step-By-Step Prop Projects while you are there!

I have 33 hours left to create before my party starts. Wish me luck!

Finger Food Anyone?

Submitted by Ghoul Friday
on October 22, 2008 - 8:40am


Use this idea to serve your guests some authentic finger foods this Halloween.

Check your local dollar store - they often sell popcorn containers in their party section. If you can't find them there, head to the local party supply store.

Fill your containers with snacks and a few extra bits. Be sure to use food colouring for the blood effect, and you might want to give the body parts a rinse before placing them in the containers.

Ghost Buster Gambling

Submitted by Ghoul Friday
on October 21, 2008 - 6:41pm


This is a simple game idea you could adapt for your own party. The object of the game is to predict where the ghost will appear next in the haunted house.

For my party, people will be earning tickets as they win different games. They will have a chance to bet some of their winnings (either against the house or each other). Get it right, they double their bet. Get it wrong, they hand over their tickets.

The Countdown Continues

Submitted by Ghoul Friday
on October 21, 2008 - 5:36pm


I have four days to finish getting ready for my party this year (hence the sporadic blog posts lately). Every free moment is being dedicated to decorating.

I just finished carving this craft pumpkin or Funkin. I've never bought one before because a large one will run you close to $20 at the craft store. I found this one in a second hand store for $1.50.

Carving was a little tougher than I thought it would be. If you try to carve one, be sure to use a sharp knife and please be careful. They are great because you can reuse them, they won't go mouldy, and you can put them anywhere.

Ok. That's all the time I have. I must get back to decorating. Speaking of which, if you're interested in seeing how the house is coming along, take a peek at Halloween 2008 in the Art Ghoullery. I'll be updating the album as I get each room finished. Right now, you'll find images of the kitchen.

Zombies and the Bazaar of the Bizarre

Submitted by Ghoul Friday
on October 18, 2008 - 10:18am

ad
Before you attend the Toronto Zombie Walk on Sunday, take a stroll over to 6 Noble St (Dufferin and Queen) for the Bazaar of the Bizarre.

The Royal Sarcophagus Society has gathered all the local artistic ghouls and gals to participate in a sinister shopping experience.

Our first Halloween & Holiday Marketplace! Over 40 artists, clothing designers, craft-folk, publishers and other independent makers of all things exotic and macabre will assemble for this eccentric emporium of curious crafts.

Playing with Fire

Submitted by Ghoul Friday
on October 17, 2008 - 3:10pm


Today I've been playing with the stove I snatched off the street. I need to finish the gift shop area, the party room and the kitchen this weekend so the rest of the week can be focused on the game room.

I thought I would share a quick glimpse of the oven with you. To create the illusion of fire, I have a simple LED rope light in the bottom of the oven. I put a metal cooling rack on top of that (even though the lights are LEDs, I still would rather not have the other material touching it), and piled wood and bones on top of that. Stay tuned for more!

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