Here is a cookie Phantom Manor by Linda in the Slovak Republic. Looks great by candle light!
December 14, 2011 Christmas in Australia
I'm not kidding when I say Haunted Dimensioneers from around the world inspire me!
Robyn writes, "I wanted to do something a bit out of the ordinary and when I saw your website I couldn't resist! My boyfriend Marty and I spent two full days working on this Christmas-ified version of the Phantom Manor (the grass and sunbather are because we live in Australia and for us Christmas happens in the summer)."
A CHRISTMAS CANDY SUNBATHER! HOW BRILLIANT IS THAT?!
December 13, 2011 Christmas Spirits
Johan, who lives in Sweden, sent me a photo of his Phantom Manor cookie house. He says, "I made the house fairly big and with a Christmas touch, even though there is actually a Ghost family living there." So along with a man on a ladder decorating his tree, and a cat in a rear window, you will find several Christmas Spirits wandering around.
Beautiful!
December 5, 2011 Paranormal Activity in Ravenswood Manor
I want to thank the producers of "Paranormal Activity in Ravenswood Manor" - (a Johan Production) for including me in their list of parody review quotes! I am honored to be in the company of Doomduggies.com, Alfred Hitchcock and Del Toro!
Here is the full "trailer" by Johan Souply and starring Souply and Pauline Dupont.
December 3, 2011 The Serious Art of Make-Believe
From the Archives of Universal Orlando Resort
The Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando, Florida is hosting an exhibit called
"The Serious Art of Make-Beleive-from the archives of Universal Orlando Resorts"
The exhibit features hundreds of pieces of orginal art created by the Entertainment Art & Design team of Universal Studios, Orlando (which I am proud to say, I am a part!)
The subject matter ranges from Halloween Horror Nights, and Mardi Gras to "Grinchmas".
In some cases you can follow the design process, from simple pencil sketches all the way to the
completed project. (You might even spot a couple of my paper model creations!)
From the Orange County Regional History Center web site:
"Enjoy a rare opportunity to peek inside the creative genius behind the theme-park entertainment experience. Discover how imaginary worlds of unique characters, objects, and environments start with the art and design revealed in this exhibition of more than 200 original detailed drawings, architectural plans, and models from the resort's signature annual events including Halloween Horror Nights®, Mardi Gras, and spectacular holiday extravaganzas."
The exhibit runs through April 29, 2012
For information about the exhibit please visit the Orange County Regional History Center web site:
November 2, 2011 Why Halloween Matters
Lesley Bannatyne, author of "Halloween Nation. Behind the Scenes of America's Fright Night",
wrote a beautiful little article about why so many of us love Halloween. Give it a read and repost it.
"The joy of Halloween is not that it's dark and we revel in that; it's that Halloween can bring a bit of light and laughter into this darkness."
I hope Haunted-dimensioneers everywhere have a spooktacular and safe Halloween!
As a treat, here are a few shots of the new Haunted Mansion queue at Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom.
Paul Frees, the actor who voiced the Ghost Host finally has his own memorial!
The organ crypt.
And for those wondering where to find the Bride's wedding ring, it is to the far right of
Captain Culpepper's crypt, next to (or under) the trash can.
October 15, 2011 Phantom Manor Cookie House - 2011
This is only the second time I ever built my own Phantom Manor cookie house. The first one being the one I built for Gingerbread Dimensions! Due to time this one is much more basic than the first but I'm very happy with it! You can see some "making of" photos on my Haunted Dimensions Facebook page, HERE .
I also created cool little cemetery cupcakes to accompany the Manor. Everything is store bought. "Cameo" Creme Sandwich Cookies by Nabisco, make awesome New England tombstones! I scribbled black icing on cookies and stuck them in store bought cupcakes along with some autumn leaf sprinkles (from Michael's Crafts), and a candy pumpkin on each grave.
October 11, 2011 More "Not-so-scary"
Here is a clip of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" portion of the "Boo-to-you" parade.
October 8, 2011 Disney Mini Figures Collector Packs
While at the Disney Studios in Orlando, I came across a bin of Disney Mini Figure Collector Packs. The packs contain mini characters and iconic park attractions, each no bigger than your thumb and there are several different collections you can choose from and each bag contains 3 figures.
However, you can't see what's in each pack. It is a grab bag and you just hope you get the figures you want. One of the collections offered the possibility of finding a mini New Orleans haunted mansion and a Tower of Terror.
Fortunately, these figures have very distinct, boxy shapes. After a minute or so of package squeezing (while a 4 year old boy watched with fascination, while repeating to me earnestly, "You onwee get fwee toys in a pack!"), I made my choices. I bought 2 packs. Here was my reward.
October 5, 2011 Mickey's Not-so-scary Halloween Party
Last weekend I attended "Mickey's Not-s-scary Halloween Party" at the Magic Kingdom.
I had a wonderful time!
The "Boo To You" parade at the Magic Kingdom (part of "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party") was wonderful! Of course, my favorite portion of the parade (besides the Headless Horseman's appearance) is when the Haunted Mansion characters come through! I love the sparking shovels of the grave diggers and the flopping heads of the ballroom dancers! A brilliant production!
More about "Not-so-scary" and the new Haunted Mansion queue coming soon!
May 15, 2011 Godzilla's Stomp of Approval!
Exclusive video of Haruo (GODZILLA) Nakajima stomping on my Bates House model at Monsterpalooza last month!
My paper model kit, "That Old House on the Hill" is featured in the first Edition of Mad Monster magazine.
April 7, 2011 The 2nd Annual Entertainment Designer Forum
April 7, 2011 My Report on 'Hands-On History" at Eastern State Penitentiary
Check out my report from Eastern State Penitentiary about their new interactive program, "Hands on History"!
(at Inside the Magic)!
February 9, 2011 How to Build a Paper Model
Once again a Haunted-D fan discovered someone attempting to SELL my FREE paper models online!
The seller was from Hong Kong and he was trying to sell my New Orleans Square, Phantom Manor and Bates House. I contacted several people at the hosting web site and several fans also protested and the listings were removed...again. Before the listings were removed I copied the incoherent english description of my models and used it in creating my own Xtranormal cartoon.
And pirates be aware! The Minions of the Haunted Dimensions are always watching!
February 2, 2011 Ice Storm January 23, 2011 Building That Old House on the Hill
I found it necessary to build one of my paper model kits because I keep giving them away. Since I had a camera handy I decided to record the construction and play around a little. This is the first time I have attempted this type of "animation" and my first YouTube upload!
I had no script and I wasn't even sure if all the photos and video I took of the process would be usable in crating anything interesting. Now I wish I spent more than an afternoon making it!
Our cat, Misti Kay, makes a quick cameo, among other guest stars. Some of you may know Misti Kay as the critter who smashed my first New Orleans Square model prototype back in 2005.
January 20, 2011 A gruesome winter discovery!
January 14, 2011 Phantom Manor Building Tips
There is a wonderful forum thread by "Bagpiper" on the papermodelers.com forum!
The thread includes video and jpegs of Bagpiper's experiences in constructing the Manor. He has some great tips, some of which I will follow the next time I build the manor! Many of the tips can be used in the construction of all of my models,
so please take a look.
December 17, 2010 First "Wizard's Crag" Prototype!
Unlike my past paper model kits, this one has attracted the attention of Universal and Warner Brothers. This attention could mean one of two things. It could be purchased and merchandised by these companies or, due to its discovery by these companies, end up becoming a liability to me and thrown on the scrap heap. Either way it looks like this one will not become a Haunted Dimensions free download. Very discouraging and frustrating for me (and the thousands of fans who want one!! Hogwarts Model http://haunteddimensions.blogspot.com/2010/12/first-wizards-crag-prototype.html
UPDATE- A Few Words About "Wizard's Crag"
Unlike my past paper model kits, this one has attracted the attention of Universal and Warner Brothers. This attention could mean one of two things. It could be purchased and merchandised by these companies or, due to its discovery by these companies, end up becoming a liability to me and thrown on the scrap heap. Either way it looks like this one will not become a Haunted Dimensions free download. Very discouraging and frustrating for me (and the thousands of fans who want one)!!
I will keep you updated if the situation changes.
please visit the Haunted Dimensions blog archives at haunteddimensions.blogspot. Hogwarts Paper Model Kit, Wizarding World of Harry Potter
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