Kyle – Page 3 – An Unorthodox Halloween

Kyle…

Kyle’s costume has been the source of much consternation on my part.

The original plan was to have him in something of a home made ‘stalkabout’ styled costume. A moving Chimera, more or less. We had a frame all built, custom back pack, and were ready to start the puppeteering.

However, some things change, and I’m going to once again need his help with the standard operation of the yard. He can’t do that when he’s tied into a giant monstrosity.

He was, understandably, disappointed. It was shaping up to be a hell of a costume.

With Alec wanting to do Harry Potter, and Talia flipping between a “Rodeo Princess” and Sleeping Beauty, however, I do have some time to come up with something special instead of the plan B mask from last year. He’s just gotta trust me…

Now, this is NOT the standard means of accomplishing this by any stretch, but it is a cheap one.

From 2011 buildup

That’s just some ‘rigid wrap’. Fairly simple and quick.

From 2011 buildup

A gigantic mess later…

From 2011 buildup

With the weather being lousy for the next few days, and the contest project on hold as a result, we can begin work on the nicest mask Kyle’s ever worn…

Gotta convince my wife to cast my head now.

45….

Only 45 days left.

Many fewer for me. On travel next week, perhaps another week in October…

Fortunately, there’s not a lot that I really NEED done that couldn’t wait till next year.

Working on the commission piece for Diablos Dome.

From 2011 buildup

Going great. Hoping the weather holds off long enough to finish up today. (yeah right, when does weather cooperate)

All that Jute netting I bought has been real nice for building these things…

From 2011 buildup

…I’m just not sure I’ll have enough left for the intented purpose I bought it for.

Vampires in the house!

From 2011 buildup

Don’t know why the kids love these so much. Glad they do.

Personally, I’m hoping to find some Count Chocula….

Bridge 80%

Been busy over here. Starting a new job, couple different injuries to my left shoulder/ribs (and I’m a lefty), which explains a lot of the quiet around here.

But, this last weekend, we got a lot of work done on the bridge, with a lot of help from the boys. Especially Kyle.

From Bridge of Death

He did a lot of the heavy lifting, nailing, drilling, etc. But, Alec is responsible for the random nature of the design.

From Bridge of Death

This is something of a miracle as it’s the first time he’s understood “random”. Just 9 months ago, his idea of random was p e r f e c t l y s p a c e d s k u l l s.

From The Harvest

So, bridge is about 80% for this year. We need to figure out the corner…

From Bridge of Death

And, need one more section at the end.

From Bridge of Death

Then we need some kind of ramp at either end…don’t know how I’m doing that yet.

Going to be doing a bunch of business travel for the foreseeable future as well, so, hopefully we can finish this off.

Chimera 2

Chimera 2 has begun to take shape, with a lot of help from Kyle.

From 2011 buildup

(and that is Talia’s interpretation of it in chalk. She calls it “a silly anaconda”)

With Chimera 1 being built specifically to be staring into the eyes of a trick or treater, Chimera 2 is built specifically to tower over them.

(Kyle resting on the bridge)

From 2011 buildup

One of the best branches I’ve ever seen. I might end up embellishing this “hand”, but I don’t know it needs any.

From 2011 buildup

King Hamlet’s Ghost

Finally wrapping up Kyles costume…

From 2011 buildup

A very nice custom cape, much like Alec’s…only some minor abuse done to it. And, I even broke out my brand new webber.

From 2011 buildup

And again, the little touches no one will notice…

From 2011 buildup

I’m toying with the idea of whipping out my OTHER webber for some of that nice sheet styled cobwebs, and if this was a one time on and leave it, I would, but this kind will serve for now, with at least 5 separate dressings to go.

From 2011 buildup

I’ll have a couple of product reviews forthcoming…namely that new webber, and the canned webs from Krylon…