The New Additions to our Stranger Things Yard 2022

Posted on November 8, 2022 by thewritegirlforthejob

Hopper and Eleven are in the elevator, trying to close gate.

Now that Halloween is over, and props are back down, I have a little time to share my latest additions to my Stranger Things yard haunt. Last year, I created The Mindflayer, with over 200 feet of legs, Nancy’s arm coming out of the tree from the Upside Down World, a Gate, Will Byer’s Castle, Eleven, and an Alphabet Wall that actually spells secret messages.

This year, I added several more props, and created a different scene from Season 2, episode: The Gate. Continue reading →

Fast and Easy Stranger Things Demodog Heads to Make

Posted on October 15, 2022 by thewritegirlforthejob

Adding to our second year of our Stranger Things yard, we added a more visible gate, where demodog heads are scattered upon it. I even built a life-size, animatronic demodog that turns his head, when sensors are triggered. No, this is not that tutorial. It was not easy, nor fast. But the demodog heads on the gate? Easy Peasy. Follow these quick directions, and you’ll have a Stranger Things vibe in no time.

Continue reading →

Making The Tree Portal From The Upside Down

Posted on September 22, 2022 by thewritegirlforthejob

Since I decided to build an Upside Down World for my 2021 Stranger Things Halloween display, making a huge Mind Flayer was a must. It was the first thing accomplished. Then, making all kinds of vines.

Next, it was The Tree Portal. The scene when Johnathan pulled Nancy back out of the tree, from The Upside Down World, must have struck a cord. Because I was determined to recreate it.

I knew whatever I used, had to hold up to the elements, allowed for a light to shine from inside out, and show Nancy’s hand through the goo and vines, reaching for Johnathan. This is how I accomplished it: Continue reading →

Making Vines for Your Stranger Things Yard

Posted on October 27, 2021 by thewritegirlforthejob

One of four types of vines, created for The Upside Down World. Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved, Debbie Morrow.

After creating a Mind Flayer for my roof (tutorials Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3), I knew the creature needed something more: Vines. The Upside Down World was filled with vines that hung everywhere, and vines that attacked. They were a part of the hive mind, associated with the monsters of Stranger Things.

After scouring the web for prices on vines, it was clear: My budget couldn’t afford the 100 or more feet needed. Continue reading →

Part 2 of The Mind Flayer Prop Tutorial

Posted on October 14, 2021 by thewritegirlforthejob

Part 1 of the Mind Flayer Prop build, covered how to build the torso. Now we’ll move on to the head, and if not too lengthy, the legs.

Supplies Needed for Building Head

A Large Cardboard Box (Like from a 45″ or larger, flat screen TV)
Extra Cardboard for pointed end of head, and protecting work table
Pool Noodles (at least 2)
Wire
Toothpicks
Red/Black Acrylic Paint
2 Hot Glue Guns
Glue sticks: Clear, red, and black
Plastic Dip or Flex Seal Rubber Spray
Plastic bottles or waterproof packaging, and Styrofoam, to add shape to head, and act as filler
A Can of Expanding Spray Foam (preferably the type for gaps over 1″)
Disposable Gloves
Clear Packing or Clear Duct tape
Black 6 ml Sheeting (* FOLLOW LINK IN PART 1 FOR WARNING)
Heat Gun with Hi/Lo options
Scissors
6 ft. or longer table to work on
2 Plastic coated garden stakes ( approx. 3 feet each, optional, but recommended)
Drill

If you haven’t gone over Part 1 with the body frame, please do so, before moving on. A few tips there can save you some unnecessary steps later.

Directions: