"This living hand, now warm and capable" (A Poem)

Written sometime around 1819, John Keats’ poem may or may not be a complete work, with some literary scholars contending it is a brief composition meant to be part of a larger play or poem.[1] Due to its potentially incomplete nature, there are a variety of interpretations associated with the terse text. One maintains the poem alludes to the idea that the hand of the writer serves as a mystical device which allows the storyteller to commune with spirits and convey their stories.[2]

This living hand, now warm and capable
Of earnest grasping, would, if it were cold
And in the icy silence of the tomb,
So haunt thy days and chill thy dreaming nights
That thou would wish thine own heart dry of blood
So in my veins red life might stream again,
And thou be conscience-calm’d – see here it is –
I hold it towards you.[3]

Works Referenced

Keats, John. “This living hand, now warm and capable.” The Complete Poems and Selected Letters of John Keats. Ed. Edward Hirsch. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2001. 365.

Rowe, Katherine. Dead Hands: Fictions of Agency, Renaissance to Modern. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1999.

Wu, Duncan. Romanticism: An Anthology. 4th ed. West Sussex: Wiley, 2012.
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[1] Wu, 1503.
[2] Rowe, 114.
[3] Keats, 365.

Sorceress Wreath

$15 - $20 (based on 2023 prices)
Makes one wreath

In 2022, I entered five props into the fine arts competition at the Colorado State Fair, where the industrial monster lost the People’s Choice Award by only three votes. The following year, I entered five more props to the fine arts competition and this wreath to the holiday wreath competition, where it won second place. Although I catered it to a witchcraft theme, you can substitute the items for an alternate scheme.

• One twelve-inch grapevine wreath
• One set of orange LED micro-lights (roughly sixteen feet long)
• Four or five four-foot garlands of fall leaves (roughly thirty-six leaves per garland)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• One twelve-inch thatch broom
• One wooden crow decal (roughly four inches in diameter)
• Six artificial orange dahlias in varying sizes
• Four small plastic pumpkins
• One sheet of copy paper with potion ingredients printed on it
• One sheet of cream-colored cardstock
• At least four tablespoons of dark roasted coffee grounds
• One pan large enough to soak the cardstock and copy paper
• One 4 oz. bottle of all-purpose tacky glue*
• One small plastic snake

1. Glue the battery pack for the LED micro-lights to the upper portion of the wreath and then wrap the strand of lights around it. As you do so, try to evenly space the lights so there are not portions with more illumination than others.

2. Separate the leaves from their garlands. Although you could do this while you glue them to the wreath, I found that performing this step beforehand made the following process much easier. Plus, it gives you a clear idea of exactly how many leaves you have. Then, line the inner and outer edges of the wreath with the leaves, staggering their placement so foliage with the same hues and sizes are not clustered together. Do not use all of the leaves, though (you want to reserve some for step eight).

3. Position the thatch broom and crow decal on the front of the wreath and, once you have determined their location, glue them in place. How and where you position them is entirely up to your chosen aesthetic.

4. Fill the large gaps in the front of the wreath with the dahlias. As with step two, you want to arrange them so that flowers of the same dimensions are not placed together. Then, accent the wreath with the small pumpkins.

5. Glue the copy paper to the cardstock. Once you have done this, boil about twelve cups of water and add the coffee. The longer you allow the coffee to brew, the darker the stain will become. Likewise, greater amounts of coffee will produce a richer stain. Since I wanted uneven spots rather than a unified discoloration, I placed the cardstock on a baking sheet, splashed coffee and grounds onto the surface, allowed the liquid to sit for a few minutes, and then moved it to a space to dry.

6. After the cardstock dries, haphazardly cut out the ingredients. You do not want perfect edges, but jagged and uneven lines. For additional visual interest, use a lighter to burn the edges (do this in a well-ventilated area and near either a sink or pan of water).

7. Weave the ingredients through the foliage and glue them in place. You want them to be readable, so do not cover too much of their wordage with the flowers and leaves.

8. Use the remaining leaves to fill in any gaps which remain on the front of the wreath and give it extra girth. As with steps two and four, vary the color patterns so that leaves with the same hues and shapes are not concentrated in one area.

9. Accent the broom with a small snake, using superglue for a sturdier hold. Akin to the crow decal, you can use an alternate item, such as a spider or bat, to cater the prop to your haunt’s needs.

10. If the wreath did not come with a hanging loop, you can fashion one out of twine or steel wire and attach it to the wreath just above the battery pack for the micro-lights.

*You will not use the entire bottle’s content for this project.

The Seasonal Festival of Slovenia: A Mini-Essay

     In western Slovenia, the villages along the Soča River continue to practice seasonal festivals known as Shrovetide, which predate the Christian era.[1] One of the most popular celebrations is Laufarija. Occurring on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, this event is meant to celebrate the passing of winter and the coming of spring by trying and convicting Pust, a representation of winter. Each year, a member of the community dons the Pust costume – comprised of straw, moss, and pine branches – and is tried for crimes like harsh weather and lackluster harvests.[2] Following his conviction, Pust is chased out of town and killed by ta grdi (the ugly ones), who wear masked carved of soft lime tree wood that represent devils, while ta lepi (the beautiful ones) go door to door dressed as a young married couple and bless the occupants with prosperity for the coming year.[3]

Works Referenced

Charney, Noah. “How Slovenia’s Monsters Came Back from the Dead.” National Geographic, 16 March 2020, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/experience-shrovetide-like-never-before-western-slovenia

Longley, Norm. The Rough Guide to Slovenia. New York: Rough Guides, 2004.
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[1] Charney.
[2] Longley, 181.
[3] Charney.

Creepy Doll with Books

$25 - $30 (based on 2023 prices)
Makes one stack of books

In 2023, I was commissioned by a local theater to serve as a consultant and prop builder for their production of The Haunting of Hill House, which was based on Shirley Jackson’s novel. Being a fan of the books since I was a teenager, I jumped at the opportunity and spent several months creating a collection of items to decorate both the house depicted on the stage and the cemetery created in the lobby to greet patrons before they entered the theater. For this prop, I melded portions of Hugh Crane’s book with the creepy doll with candles props to create a stack of leatherbound tomes to adorn the set’s bookshelf.

• Two decorative storage boxes (8.5” x 6.5” x 2.1”)
• Three to four sheets of white tissue paper (20” x 20” per sheet)
• One 4 oz. bottle of decoupage medium
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat beige*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat black*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat brown*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat white
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in glossy white*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in metallic gold*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in metallic silver*
• One 8 oz. can of oil-based interior wood stain in Jacobean*
• One 8 oz. can of oil-based interior wood stain in red chestnut*
• Four LED candles in varying sizes
• One hot glue gun and glue sticks
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat black
• One vinyl doll’s head

1. Remove any decorative elements from the boxes to give them a smooth surface. Then, tear the tissue paper into small sections and roll them into tight balls. You want to create as many wrinkles as possible. Working in sections, apply a layer of decoupage medium to the box and then a piece of tissue paper. Leave their edges loose during this step because it will help to fashion creases during step two.

2. Once the entire box is coated with tissue paper, apply a second layer of decoupage medium to fully adhere the paper to the cardboard. During this step, you will want to ensure there are plenty of wrinkles to give the leather texture. Also, fold the excess paper over the covers’ edges and glue it down for a cleaner appearance.  

3. After the decoupage medium has dried, apply an even coat of white paint to the boxes. This will give them a uniform base coat to cover any images or writing and prevent them from showing through on the leather.  

4. Once the white paint dries, give the boxes three washes of brown paint followed by a wash of black. You may want to test the consistency prior to doing this: the more water you add, the fainter/lighter the wash; the less water you add, the deeper/darker the wash.

5. To give the leather fuller depth, paint the boxes with the wood stain, applying a small amount to a paper towel or sponge and patting it onto the surfaces. I used Jacobian and red chestnut to add variety, but you can use the same color for each box to produce a uniform look.

6. Beginning with a base coat of black, stipple silver paint on the sides of the brown book and gold paint on the sides of the red book to make them look like worn goldleaf. Like step five, you can use the same color on both books for a unified appearance.  

7. Decide how you want the books stacked and where you want the candles. Then, trace the outlines onto the books. For visual interest, I clustered the candles together in towers, but you can place just one lone candle on the top book for an alternate look.

8. Cut out the openings, ensuring they are slightly smaller than the outline to prevent the candles from slipping through. After you do this, use painter’s tape to wrap the openings’ edges to stop the cardboard from continuing to fray. You can also use black duct tape or electrical tape for this process.  

9. Position the candles above their corresponding holes, ensuring you still have access to the power switch and battery compartment, and glue them in place. Then, use hot glue to build up layers of wax. The process works best if you move in stages, applying one layer at a time and allowing the glue to dry between each application. Also, I found that pumping the glue along the top of the candle and allowing it to naturally run downward creates the best results.  

10. Give the candles two to three coats of glossy white paint. You can always use an alternate color to cater the prop to your haunt’s chosen aesthetic or use multiple hues to make it look like a random assortment of candles.  

11. Use a sharp knife to remove the doll’s eyes. For visual interest, make jagged edges. Also, purchase a doll made from thin plastic or vinyl to make this process easier.  

12. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, give the inside and outside of the head one to two even coats of black spray paint. Keep in mind that this is just the base coat and will be covered with other paints, so you may not want to apply too many coats.

13. Use a stippling brush to build up layers of beige paint, allowing parts of the black to remain visible in order to give the head the look of aged porcelain. For an alternate look, you can apply a crackle-paint effect.

14. To give the head a layer of age, gently brush brown paint long the edges of the openings and the creases of the face, focusing your efforts on places where dirt would naturally accumulate.  

15. Assemble the books and head and glue them all in place. For a sturdier hold, consider using superglue rather than hot glue or tacky glue.  

16. The prop can be enhanced further to correspond with your haunt’s theme. For instance, the names of the books can be written on their spines or a swarm of spiders can be glued to the side of the face.

*You will not use the entire bottle’s content for this project.

"The Witch" (A Poem)

Published in 1893 within Gathered Leaves, Mary Elizabeth Coleridge’s poem “The Witch” is a dramatic dialogue between a witch wandering through the winter wilderness and the hapless victim who welcomes her within their home. The first two stanzas are spoken by the witch, masquerading as a beautiful maiden, as she begs for someone to let her into their house. The final stanza is spoken by her victim, who has allowed the witch inside and witnesses the flames of their fire extinguish (a metaphor for their life).  

 

I have walked a great while over the snow,
And I am not tall nor strong.
My clothes are wet, and my teeth are set,
And the way was hard and long.
I have wandered over the fruitful earth,
But I never came here before.
Oh, lift me over the threshold, and let me in at the door!

The cutting wind is a cruel foe.
I dare not stand in the blast.
My hands are stone, and my voice a groan,
And the worst of death is past.
I am but a little maiden still,
My little white feet are sore.
Oh, lift me over the threshold, and let me in at the door!

Her voice was the voice that women have,
Who plead for their heart’s desire.
She came – she came – and the quivering flame
Sunk and died in the fire.
It never was lit again on my hearth
Since I hurried across the floor,
To lift her over the threshold, and let her in at the door.[1]

Works Referenced

Coleridge, Mary Elizabeth. “The Witch.” Fancy’s Following. Portland, ME: Thomas B Mosher, 1900. 53-54.
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[1] Coleridge, 53-54.

Decomposing Eyes

$15 - $20 (based on 2020 prices)
Makes one display

To fill the laboratory for 2020’s mad scientist theme, I created a bevy of specimens, such as these decomposing eyes. Using gray and white paint, I tried to emulate the corneal clouding which occurs a few hours after death as a loss of pressure prevents the cornea and pupil from reflexing.

• One plastic cloche with detachable base and handle (roughly eight inches tall)
• One 3/16” wooden dowel
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat black
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in metallic bronze*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in olive*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat gray*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat white*
• One blank piece of 8” x 11.5” copy paper
• At least four tablespoons of black tea (e.g. Darjeeling, Earl Gary, English Breakfast, etc.)
• One pan large enough to soak the copy paper
• One 4 oz. bottle of all-purpose tacky glue*
• Two small, white ping pong balls (1 3/8” in diameter)
• One to two feet of red yarn
• One 0.44 oz. bottle of clear nail polish*
• One pair of metal tweezers
• Two 1.5-inch T-pins
• One 0.3 fluid ounce bottle of red food coloring*
• One 4 oz. bottle of clear, all-purpose tacky glue gel*
• One 8 oz. can of oil-based interior wood stain in Jacobean*

1. After separating the cloche from its base, cut the dowel into two six-inch sections. Then, use a 15/64 drill bit to make two evenly spaced holes in the center of the cloche’s base and insert the dowels.

2. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, apply an even coat of black spray paint to the base and handle. Following this, gently brush bronze paint over the raised surfaces and a stippling of olive paint to make the prop look like worn metal.

3. Boil enough water to completely submerge the copy paper and pour it into the pan. Add the tea. The longer you allow the tea to brew, the darker the stain will become. Likewise, greater amounts of tea will produce a richer stain. I found that a combination of English and Irish Breakfast brewed for over ten minutes produces a nice, deep brown. Submerge the paper into the tea mixture and soak it until it reaches the color you desire. I soaked mine for eight hours and scattered the loose-leaf tea over the top of the paper to add spots. Remove the paper from the water and allow it to dry.  

4. Once the paper has dried, trace the outline of the base onto the sheet, cut it out, and glue it in place. To make the paper appear even more decrepit, crinkle it and create holes before adhering it to the base.

5. Use ping pong balls, red yarn, and clear nail polish to make two fake eyes, utilizing gray and white paint to mimic the corneal clouding seen a few hours after death. For fuller instructions on this process, follow the steps outlined in the tutorial for the severed eye prop.  

6. Use a 15/64 drill bit to make a hole in the bottom of each eye and use the opening to positions them on the dowels. Depending on the height of the cloche, you may need to adjust the eyes’ position so that they properly fit under the enclosure.

7. Detail the base with the metal tweezers or any other medical instruments to cater the prop to your haunt’s needs. For a simpler look, you can skip this step and make the eyes the main focus.

8. In a plastic container (because the food coloring will stain, use something disposable or that you won’t mind dying), pour in your desired amount of clear glue gel and slowly add red food coloring to the solution until it achieves the sanguine hue you desire. To give the blood further density, add blue food coloring and mix well.

9. On a newspaper-lined surface, apply the blood glue to the base and eyes, saturating the yarn and wrapping it around the dowels. You can use an old spoon or plastic utensil to dribble the liquid or pour it haphazardly for a gory mess. Then, add the T-pins to the sanguine mixture for extra detail.  

10. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, paint the cloche with the wood stain. I discovered that applying a thin coat and patting it with paper towels produces a hazed appearance. Likewise, brushing the rim with a swift downward motion creates the illusion of grime buildup.

11. Reattach the handle to the cloche and use the remaining blood glue to drizzle the liquid down the sides of the cloche. As with step nine, do this on a newspaper-lined surface to protect your counter or table from being stained.  

12. Once the blood glue has dried, reattach the cloche to its base. If you plan for a more permanent display, you can glue the item down. You can also embellish the prop further with a specimen tag of biohazard label.

*You will not use the entire bottle’s content for this project.

The Haunted Village of Prestbury: A Mini-Essay

          The ghostly monk of Prestbury, often referred to as the Black Abbot, is notorious for haunting this little village in Gloucestershire. Appearing on All Souls’ Day, Christmas, and Easter, the hooded figure follows the same path: materializing inside the church, trekking across the churchyard, and disappearing into a cottage on High Street where his manifestation is crowned by the noisy movement of objects in the attic.[1] Supposedly photographed by Derek Stafford in November of 1990, the Black Abbott is one of roughly thirty specters which haunt Prestbury, making it the second most haunted village in England next to Pluckley in Kent.[2] Along with the ethereal friar, Prestbury’s bevy of spirits includes a horseman from the fifteenth century who returns to deliver his failed message and the horse of a Royalist killed during the English Civil War who searches for its former rider.[3]

Works Referenced

Brewster, Samuel. “The World’s Most Haunted Town Is Home to 30 Ghosts – Including the Infamous Black Abbott, Who Roams Its Graveyard!” Weekly World News, 23 April 1996, 21.

Jones, Richard. Haunted Britain and Ireland. New York: Barnes and Noble, 2001.

Pearse, Bowen. Ghost-Hunter’s Casebook: The Investigations of Andrew Green Revisited. Gloucestershire: The History Press, 2007.
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[1] Brewster, 21.
[2] Jones, 41.
[3] Pearse, 63-66.