ILLUMINATIONS
To create an image of a bat on the wall of a dark room, cut out an inch-long bat from a square of black paper, center it over a flashlight and tape to secure it in place. Hold together two identical magnifying lenses in front of the light and experiment until you get the right focus on the wall. Cut a piece of a cardboard tube to fit the correct distance between the flashlight and the lenses, tape the apparatus together and set on a table.SPECIAL EFFECTS LIGHTING
To illuminate a prop, such as a skeleton or a pumpkin, with colored light, place a clip-on or swing-arm lamp so that it shines on the object at an effective angle. Tape a cellophane gel about 2 inches from the bulb. (Gels, pieces of colorful, heat-resistant plastic, are available at many photographic, film or theater supply stores for about $6.) For even simpler lighting, use colored lightbulbs, available at hardware and electric supply stores for $3 to $5.HORRIBLE HANDS
Stuff a pair of rubber gloves with tissue paper or soft cotton batting. Decorate them with whatever strikes your fancy: spray paint, gauze wrap, fake fingernails. rings, a watch, rubber insects, or red "blood" paint.FOG AND SMOKE
Electric fog or smoke machines, which spew a safe artificial mist, are available for rent at theater supply stores or local theater production groups. The cost probably will be between $50 and $70 for the machines (rentals are usually by the week) and includes the dry ice or fluid used to create the fog.SINISTER SIGNS
Creepy signs hung on doors around your house add to the haunted decor and make exploring the house even more fun for party goers.WHAT'S THAT NOISE?
No haunted house is complete without sound effects. You can consult your local librarian to find a recording of creepy organ music or Halloween sounds, or you can tape homemade sound effects (clanking chains, screams, howls, scary laughter, nails scraping a blackboard and heavy footsteps). Hide your tape player in a closet, leaving the door slightly ajar.THE HEAD TRICK
To set up this classic gag, first cut a round hole (slightly larger than head size) out of a large piece of cardboard. Place two tables of similar size side by side, about 12 inches apart, and lay the cardboard across the gap. Cover the tables and cardboard with a paper tablecloth. Cut a hole in the cloth to match the hole in the cardboard, and have a parent or friend hide underneath the table so that her head pokes out of the hole. To make a mock serving tray, cut a platter-size doughnut shape out of cardboard, making the hole just the size of her neck. Cut the doughnut in half, cover each half with aluminum foil, and rejoin around the jokester's neck. Decorate the tray with vegetable garnishes and set the meal around the platter. Place a silver warming cover over the head and--voilà!--dinner is served.If you prefer the full body effect--set up a monster operation where partygoers can tweak, prod, and pull at the monster's ghoulish insides (spaghetti intestines, water chestnut gallstones and Jell-o guts).
For more haunting house and lawn decorations, return to our Halloween Fright Site.
