I have always been known as a detail person, both my in career life and in my home life. If you have been following this blog you may have already guessed that planning is one of the details I enjoy about designing my display.
Today I’m going to discuss some factors to consider in planning for a Halloween graveyard display. This might not be as important for you as it is for me because I have an overactive mind …and I want to do it all. So working through a planning process helps me narrow possibilities down to a list that is practical. A quote from a respected friend helps focus my energy. He said, “If you don’t break your projects into small steps you will work too hard and get less than desired results. It’s like using a five gallon bucket of water to fill a tea cup. All the water splashes out and you end up with very little water in the cup for all your efforts.” That philosophy guides this series so if you can use help with that type of focus stay with me as I continue to develop my personal “bucket list” for designing a “Beloved” tombstone.
This monument appeals to me as a concept for my Beloved project!
The Pros:
- I’m naturally drawn to objects and styles that are classic designs
- I love the curve of the small pedestal the angel is resting her head on
- The masonic symbol is easy to recreate, but could be replaced with other designs
- The wreath details are easy to duplicate using silk greenery coated with monster mud
- The shape and details of the monument would cast nice shadows when lights are on at night
- The higher base could be useful in building a more compact prop than traditional designs
The Cons:
- The position of the extended arm and hand are a vulnerable breaking point
- Shell ornaments on the corners of the pedestal are also vulnerable to breakage
- Size of lettering is limited by the pedestal shape and hard to see from a distance
- Without the Angel’s wings, rescaling of the pedestal will be required for better balance
In my next post I will break these pros and cons down to explore how they fit into my overall plans for the future of my Halloween display, skills and resources, and space as it relates to both display and storage. The questions I pose should easily translate into your own planning process. Until then …
Thank you for being my guest at the House of Shadows. I hope to see you again soon!
