Merry Christmas to all!

Merry Christmas to my fellow bloggers! May you have a safe and joyous time with your loved ones.

In the Bayou

Just finished making this bayou style devil net. I used sticks with moss and lichen to give it a prominent green color. Adding spanish moss and animal bones makes this devil net have a much stronger voodoo vibe than typically seen in any devil nets throughout the True Detective series.

Mothman cometh

Going to make a voodoo doll/effigy based on the Mothman. Not sure what materials I want to make it from or how I'm actually going to make it. Maybe I'll watch the Mothman Prophecies again and get some inspiration...

Image source

Devil Nets, Traps, and Snares

Thought I would share some of the devil nets I've made. This style of lattice works and stick tee-pees was made popular in the HBO series True Detective, which I became instantly addicted to. In the series they are said to trap the devil or other evil spirits. I make these using various natural materials including tree roots, sticks, and vines. 

Lo Pan cosplay

Big Trouble in Little China. This movie never gets old for me. By far one of Carpenter's best films that has some interesting characters, especially David Lo Pan. I've thought about making Lo Pan's costume for the longest time, but cost and other obstacles keep me from pursuing it further. But which version of Lo Pan would I make? As Jack Burton says, "Little old basket case on wheels or the ten foot tall roadblock." It's a tough decision either way but both would have their challenges. 

The tall version of Lo Pan in his ceremonial garb has several obstacles. The most difficult task would be recreating the silk robe. Finding the right material might be next to impossible.  His pale face and facial hair would be achieved with makeup, although I don't have much experience in the makeup department. I could see making the hat myself. Getting some short stilts to reach his tall stature would be pretty easy also.

The wheelchair-bound Lo Pan has its challenges also. The hardest is achieving the old man look. The easiest but most expensive solution would be to have a custom silicone mask made. The withered hands could be done cheaply with latex and makeup or the more expensive route made with silicone. His clothing is a general looking suit and tie which would be simple to assemble. Old man Lo Pan is married to his wheelchair so I'd have to track one of those down. Sitting down makes you look smaller anyway but I wonder if my 6 foot tall frame would still look to big even in a wheel chair.

I think cosplaying either character would be a fun challenge. If I ever get serious about this character I will have some major decisions to make. I can imitate Lo Pan's voice very well so that is one thing I don't have to worry about ;) "INDEED!"

Scarecrow by Fire

I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! My scarecrow costume for this Halloween consisted of a new mask from Grim Stitch Factory and recycled parts of an older scarecrow costume. I was eager to show it off and roam the streets with my kids. Trick or treating was very cold and windy but our boys got their pumpkin buckets full of treats. We had a huge bonfire the next day and got some great night time shots of my costume by the fire. I thought this years costume was going to be nameless until I was reflecting on our photo shoot and the name "Grinister" came to mind. It seems to fit the character so I think I'll keep it.
Photos by Ames.

Collection Sale

Sadly the time has come where I must part with my collection. I've been collecting for the past 18 years and save for a few pieces, it needs to go. Most of them are made of latex and a few are made of burlap. Many of them have been out of production and some are quite rare. Most of these masks are display copies, meaning they have never had the eye holes or mouth holes cut out. I have never worn any of these masks, I merely keep them for display. They have been cared for well, dusted, kept in a temperature controlled room, and do not see sunlight.

Over the next few months I will be selling them on ebay and several mask forums. If you would like to follow me on ebay my username is cornreaper. If you see any masks you are interested in or have questions, feel free to contact me at arcane@behindtherowsstudio.com.

Who made all these masks? Here's a list of the artists: Darkside Studio, Death Studios, Nightowl Productions, Twisted Toybox, Devil's Workshop, Scarecrow 1138, Alter Ego Dezines, Cemetery Gate Productions, Fearscape Studios, DWN Productions, The Brothers Rich FX, The Creature Cabin, Nightstalker Productions, IDX Studios, Hauntatorium Studios, Jon Fuller, Midnight Studios FX, Horror Factory, Bump in the Night Productions, Graverobber Studios.
Here are pics of my collection.

Nightbreed Reunion

Another horror convention is in the books, but this one was more than I was expecting. I was at Days of the Dead in Indianapolis for a special Nightbreed Reunion. This was the first major event that I could sport my new Dr. Decker costume and I was excited as ever. The cast was incredibly nice just as I had hoped. It was fun to hear them recall their time working on the movie.

This is a killer shot of the Nightbreed cast and myself as Dr. Decker; one of those "right place at the right time" moments.

More pics from the show.

Trespassers Beware!

Just finished this piece up and have to say I'm quite proud of this one. The skulls are life-sized and are in different stages of decay. I built the spear from scratch...it's made of wood and iron barbs and pierces through both skulls. The spear is firmly attached to the wood base, which is distressed to compliment the crude look of the entire piece.

                                           

Published!

An article I wrote about my Dr. Decker costume is featured in this month's issue of Horrorhound! Plus look who made it on the cover! All smiles here. I'm very thankful for the opportunity. This should be hitting the shelves any day now.

To Bring About The End

This is "Apocalypse", a voodoo doll from our Harbinger of Death series. I'll admit, part of me wants to keep this guy for my own collection, but alas he is up on our Etsy store.

Behind The Rows Studio