We've made Facebook our primary point of communication. But there's still some fun photos from our old house here. Enjoy some of our haunted history and say hey on our more recent social endeavors.

Haunt us on Facebook.

Make us your creepiest friend on Facebook. We'd love to hear from you.

More photos to come.

The 2009 Haunt was, we think, a success. The drop panel acted up. The gargoyle's fog breath was dicey at best at night (need to work out a lighting issue). And a busy time at work kept me from maintaining a few of the nightly details (like filling the fog machines etc.) or getting to meet as many of you as usual. But, we thank you for stopping by, and hope you had an excellent Halloween. We'll do our best to top ourselves next year.

Nearly finished.

We had our doubts during the process, but he's turning out fine. Once, he's up, lit and smoking we think you'll really like him.

New gargoyle in process. Shhhh.

We'll always miss the old gargoyle. But at least this new one has a new trick up its, uh, wings. Or whatever. Hopefully, he's done in time for the install which is coming up incredibly soon.

Change can be scary.

We've been telling the story of the poor Sweeney family since 2003. This year, we'll be introducing a new character into the tale. She/he/it is taking shape in our dungeon workshop now. We think you'll approve. Of course, we'll adjust the radio show to reflect the new addition and, if all goes according to plan, you'll hear a new chapter of the ongoing saga of the Sweeney Family Horror.

To give ourselves enough time to finish out the new additions and to repair/improve some of your old favorites, our yard display will not be live until the second Saturday of October (the 10th). Also, you can now follow us during the haunt season on Twitter @sweeneyhorror.

Um, wow.

Thanks, Tony.

I've always said that we see more of our neighbors this time of year than any other. Turns out, one of our neighbors works for the local daily. Here's what he wrote. Bonus? A nice night shot by one of the paper's photographers. Thanks, Tony. We appreciate it.

A few new photos.

It's been a nice, if warm, Halloween season. It's been great seeing all our visitors having fun. The new scarecrow seems to have been a hit. Though the serious rains of early October took their toll on its celluclay skin. Repairs will be in order before it appears again.

The Roots of Evil (in process).

Headless, yes. But I think once it's complete this "scarecrow" is going to be a great addition to our haunt this year.

The main body is, at its core, constructed from perforated angle iron found at a local home improvement center. It's the stuff used for shelving. Since it's perforated, it was easy to bolt on a cross piece of flat aluminum (also perforated). I then encased the whole thing in spray foam. I worked the foam in straight lines to build up a creepy, woody-looking form. Better still, the foam was an excellent foundation to attach the roots and vines at the base and on the body. Just jammed it right in. Then secured it with a little more spray foam before spray painting. The piece is easy to anchor by pounding the bottom on the angle iron into the ground. The whole piece is very stiff but light. There's no give in the aluminum pieces so it was easy to wire two pieces of curly willow (available at better florists) for the arms and hands. Throw on some creepy cloth left over from last year and the body is nearly finished.


The head is taking shape. Heavier than I expected. But...so far, so good. Never utilized this technique before. Utilized Celluclay over the carved cauldron form. Could not have been easier to work with. Easy to sculpt. Hopefully will take a sanding, too.

Thanks to Krough and Here's Johnny for the advice and Pumpkinrot for the original creations.

Roots of evil.

In a corner of the yard filled with Summer cheer, something wicked is taking root.

New prop in the making.

Working to put our own spin on a new static prop. Our inspiration can be found here and here.

Maybe you can guess where we're going with this.

Communiversity

We'll be hosting a Communiversity class on home haunting in October. Keep an eye out for the catalog and join us!

The itch.

On November 1st, I am certain I will be very weary of Halloween once again. But today, the festering itch is back. Time to plan this year's haunt.

Halloween Night

The big night is finally here. A few thoughts from the Sweeney spirits:

The haunted basement will operate from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. The line will form on the driveway. It can get long, but it moves pretty quickly. If the line wraps the the sidewalk, we'd request you respect our props so they'll be good in shape for next year. Don't lean on the fence, don't hit the column dweller with your plastic weapons etc. We thank you for your courtesy.

The haunted basement is best for kids 5 to 11 and parents, of course. Younger kids are welcome but it could be too scary for them. Older kids can still have a good time but may not find the basement quite scary enough.

Candy is first come, first serve. We have an ample supply, however, we've run out each year...so come late at your own peril.

Be nice to the ghouls and they'll be nice to you. Touch nothing and nothing will touch you.