That's a loose-weave stretchy material called "Beef Netting" (also called "Beef Tubing") made by Trenton Mills. I've incorporated about 8 pounds of it into my haunt both inside and out. A little goes a long way. You can get it straight from the manufacturer now:
It is "Flagstone Gossamer" from Shindigz.com. It's a very lightweight material like what you would find on the underside of a couch or mattress box springs. It's semi-transparent, so whatever is under it will show through. You can see what it looks like over 2 different colors and a chair rail HERE.
Nope, while I love it and all, I do tend to lean toward browns and neutrals for my every day living. Plus, people already think I am weird enough as it is. Seriously, it's not something that I can just wipe down like my satin paint, and my kids are pigs.
Staples. A LOT of staples. I love my staple guns and I really don't care about having lots of holes in the walls because I paint so often. Plus it's my house, and I pretty much do what I want. ;-)
It's joy in a bucket! You can find out all about it at the Terror Syndicate.
I buy my liquid latex from Cementex's eBay store. Normally, they have expired L-200 casting latex there, which is what I prefer because it's thicker (think yogurt or sour cream) and I like working with it. It's also good to start experimenting with since it's less expensive that the non-expired stuff. I've had a gallon of it for 2 years now, and it's still perfectly usable. Here is a direct link to the expired latex on their website:
http://www.cementex.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=84
They also have the fresh stuff of the same variety. It's thinner, kind of like milk-consistency. You can get it either from the eBay store or from Cementex directly:
http://www.cementex.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=16
I mix paint with the latex to get coloring, normally I use cheap acrylic craft paints that I pick up at Wal Mart or Michaels that's in the clearance sections. I just keep a supply of all kinds of colors on hand and mix as I need them. Beware though, the paint mixed with latex will dry to a much darker color, so test the colors as you mix them, adding as you see how dark it will be before you move on to coating your project. Make sure you keep your liquid latex in a tightly sealed container when you are not using it as it will develop a "skin" on exposed sections. I use throw away Glad/Ziploc containers for mine.
Some of it gets stored in the house as decor year 'round, plus under my bed, in my closet, wherever I can find a place to hide stuff.
For some really good info on papier mache', visit this site: http://www.papiermache.co.uk/ I have several things I have learned about using this versatile medium. One thing is that I HATE making my own glue, so I use Elmer's All-Purpose Glue in the gallon jug from Home Depot. I also use Elmer's Carpenter and Wood Glue in the gallon jugs as well. Adding corn starch will add strength to any glue, but I don't bother with it any more. I also learned very quickly that I do not like the dipping method for getting the glue on the paper. I use an old plate and a paintbrush to get that part done. It also uses less glue, is less messy, and makes the work go MUCH faster. To see what I'm talking about, see the following two pictures:
I use a couple of different things. I like DryLok for most stuff, especially things that I want to have some texture and added weight. It has a sandy texture, and is made for waterproofing masonry. It can be found at Home Depot, Lowes, etc, and is about 22 bucks for a gallon. It is WELL worth the money. Also, I use exterior latex paint for many things. A couple of really good base coats before final painting helps to keep moisture out of most projects like Monster Mud and papier mache'. Polyurethane works well too, but it yellows over time. Spar varnish is a favorite of many haunters for a clear coat to protect, I've only used the spray kind from Home Depot. I really want to get some Sculpt or Coat to try soon.
What is DryLok?
It's a masonry waterproofer, kind of like paint or primer. It gives some texture as well since it has some grainy sand-like stuff in it. Check out the specs on the site: http://www.ugl.com/drylokMasonry/masonryWaterproofer/latex.php
I use small nails on the trim of the house. I have some already there for the "other holiday" string lights, so all I have to do is make sure I have some stronger nails in the mortar between the bricks. It takes a few tries to get them to stay in the mortar, but I just hammer them in until they do. I try to leave them there also so I don't have to fool with them every year.
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