DIY Animated Halloween Lighting Effect

Creating an interesting DIY Halloween lighting effect for your haunt is easier than it sounds, but what if you’re not ready to make the leap into high tech prop controllers? No problem. In this video I'm going to show you a simple DIY method to create a moody Halloween lighting effect with a few scraps of wood, a lamp socket, extension cord and a 32 oz. deli container.
WARNING: All bare electrical connections should be in some kind of enclosure to prevent injury/electrocution.
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MATERIALS:
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2.5 rpm motor - amzn.to/356Uovm
5 rpm motor - amzn.to/3j3s6Hl
extension cord - amzn.to/3nUFdhx
32 oz. deli container - amzn.to/3dy4Pfb
Medium base lamp socket - amzn.to/2H8L2qG
60w LED light bulb - amzn.to/2SYcD0v
Kreg K4 pocket hole jig - amzn.to/3nVu541
DeWalt 20V MAX cordless Drill - amzn.to/2SXZ80H
painters tape - amzn.to/2H6EdpT
Silhouette Cameo vinyl cutter - amzn.to/3k4iwVJ
wire stripper - amzn.to/350ioAk
Awl - amzn.to/3nU6uAE
4” zip ties - amzn.to/35i9Kxt
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#Halloween #tutorial #halloweenhowto #VanOaksCemetery #VanOaksProps

[@haywardhaunter2620]

Cool effect and a perfect use for synchronous motors. Almost all of these motors use a metric screw to connect to the shaft: M4. Your home improvement store will probably have these in drawers of specialty parts in the fasteners aisle. Those exposed screw terminals on the light socket are potentially deadly. I don't think my stores even carry that style anymore, but they have similar ones that restrict access to the terminals once the socket is mounted. If you have exposed terminals like that, at a minimum, please cover them with electrical tape. It's best to ensure you wire the hot and neutral wires to the correct terminals. It'll work either way, but the proper orientation greatly reduces the risk of electric shock if you screw in the bulb while the power is on.

[@VanOaksProps]

Great points.

[@TonyBullard]

I wish you premiered these BEFORE the weekend, so I can have the whole weekend to work on the new ideas you inspire!

[@VanOaksProps]

I hear ya. Unfortunately I need the week to film and edit. Hopefully one day this could be my day job, but I’ve still got quite a way to go. 🎃

[@kc285b]

Keep making videos. You have the best tutorial videos on KZbin bar non. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and look forward to more.

[@Sandcem]

I just keep getting more added to my "To Do" list. LOL, great idea.

[@VanOaksProps]

You can do it!

[@rebelofbabylon3091]

You lost me at RPM motor. Need something simpler lol 😆

[@mlpjmc]

I really like this effect. Now i know what to do with those low rpm motors that are laying around my workbench. It's a unique look and better effect than all those look alike store bought lights

[@VanOaksProps]

Yeah, it's not a "fire & ice" type of light (which I think is a bit heavy handed for most applications) but it definitely brings a little extra something to the party. Almost like moving fog.

[@KerriGilpin]

I was thinking foggy effect!

[@KerriGilpin]

Love the lighting hacks! I think (like with photography and video) lighting can really enhance a scene dynamically and drastically, and used cleverly, can create a unique ambience with even mediocre scene/props. I absolutely love lighting, I’d definitely watch more lighting related videos! And thank you for providing the links to the products used!

[@VanOaksProps]

Good to know! I’ll try and think of some other good lighting projects to share.

[@GrimwoodHollow]

Awesome video Derek! We’ve always loved these lighting effects, like the one in “Sleepy Hollow”! In fact we had plans to add something similar to our yard display this year! Great job bud!🎃👍

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks Steve!

[@grayeaglej]

I have an old electric fireplace with one of these in it for the "flames" o.o

[@VanOaksProps]

How funny you should mention that. We do too and it was the inspiration for the build.

[@grayeaglej]

@@VanOaksProps Thank you for the reply ^-^ Enjoy your videos. I found mine on the side of the road a few years ago. A fiberglass "Stone" fireplace and "Wooden Beam" mantel with an electric forced air heater and the rotating drum made from wire and lighting gels over an appliance bulb for the "flames" behind a hollow set of fiberglass "logs". It seems to have been built around the 1970s. Just needed to be cleaned up and rewired and works fine, if a bit noisy. :P

[@BeeHus2256]

I LOVE your stuff! You make it very easy for those of us who have no skill to actually make something we need! Thank you and please keep it coming!!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoy them!

[@PixPete]

Very cool lighting idea, would never have thought of doing something like this. You are quickly becoming my favourite Halloween YT channel, man! Love the tutorials, they're short and straight to the point with no boring bloat! Thanks for doing this!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks! Yeah, I know what it’s like to fall down the KZbin rabbit hole during build season, so having quick videos seemed like the right move.

[@adambeck8180]

Cool effect! And so made from scratch! (Bonus: no product placements or "unboxings" like most videos that I've seen on the topic. Thank you.)

[@supermanscott]

Sounds like Casey Kasem.

[@Bear-cm1vl]

Scott, now you are showing both of our ages! 🤣

[@Stiff_Richards]

so damn cool man. your background music too is freaking amazing. perfect

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks dude!

[@chiprhine9740]

You voice reminds me of Casey casem... Now that I got that Off my chest I will watch your video lol

[@tsitracommunications2884]

Next time, try ghost shapes rather than clouds

[@JettBlast]

That was a great build! Simple but awesome design I will be using this...

[@idkflycasualtoo]

Where is that hat from though!

[@VanOaksProps]

It's a New Era fitted cap with a patch from CreepyCo

[@ToilandTroublesDIY]

I'll be tuning in!

[@David-mp6vc]

The McGyver of Halloween props!

[@jennkerry]

You guys!! You never cease to amaze me! I absolutely love this! You’re like the South Park Halloween Korn episode! “To make the pirate ships, we used 3 Q tips, a candle and 2 squirrels” 😆 I’m gonna use this trick this year. I have so little time. This is Jen from Cemetery Haunts 😁

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks Jen!!!

[@geoseward]

Maybe you can possibly give me some input regarding black lighting individual props. I will me making some Halloween tombstones in which I will be painting with fluorescent paint and want those lite by black lights. Do you have any moderate priced black light models/brands along with quality fluorescent illuminant paint that you might recommend that I should use on these tombstones?

[@VanOaksProps]

Black lights are something I have little to no experience with. I've never used them in my display.

[@lurchie]

Lol, when I was listening to the parts list for the build, I half expected to hear you list off a bunch of things just to mess with us: "And finally, you'll need a banana peel, exactly three days old, cut into a rhombus shape. . . . ."

[@VanOaksProps]

Nah. I’d never do that to you guys. Lol

[@rachaelt3294]

My kids, 5 & 7, laughed for 10 minutes at you saying "butt joint"... Lol

[@VanOaksProps]

I mean, they’re not wrong. 🤣

[@laurahubbard9470]

Is it time yet?? 🤗👻

[@kristondapryor3377]

Off topic, but has anyone ever told you you sound just like the How It’s Made narrator?

[@VanOaksProps]

That’s a new one. I get Casey Kasem all the time, but never the How It’s Made guy.

[@ashleyurban5861]

Isn’t there already a special device for lighting effects machine I can purchase?

[@VanOaksProps]

Of course. But if you don’t have the budget, or like to DIY, this is an option.

[@Mau5Monster]

It’s like I’m watching how it’s made 😂 was that your inspiration?! Lol

[@VanOaksProps]

Not really. I just enjoying making things and sharing it with others.

[@paigecunningham8830]

this made me think you could put a tiny lamp inside a standing mixer on low speed and make a new shade like the one shown. or a record player... anything that slowly turns.

[@VanOaksProps]

That could work!

[@chrisimperial6516]

Your link to the motors is different now. The vendor must have changed the model motor. There is no threaded hole on the end of the shaft. Will just add hot glue instead.

[@VanOaksProps]

I hate when they do that.

[@magic.marmot]

Zip tie tip is wonderful.

[@amythompson2647]

Your voice sounds so much like Casey Kasem! Someone has had to have told you that before?

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks! Someone will say it every now and again.

[@Joseph.A.Creations]

Another wonderful tutorial. Love the simplicity but great effect.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks so much!

[@Bear-cm1vl]

If you use a low voltage LED lamp and a gear motor of the same voltage, it saves a lot of headache, wiring and risk from exposed terminals. There is a small additional cost for a power supply, but the chances of someone getting shocked for real is much reduced and we don't need to make real ghosts that way! 😈

[@kensmith5694]

Suggested improvement: Add a cup hook placed so that a zip tie can tie the extension cord to the cup hook to hold the extension cord against being pulled on. Also: Two of these with colored bulbs can give more complex lighting effects.

[@msgajhimelret9496]

and could use black lights for effects...Great video Thanks.... Booo!!

[@GothGuy885]

Cool effect! when you did your intro and as you walked us through the assembly, you sounded so much like Casey Kasem 😀

[@jasoncarbone5553]

Another superb video. Keep them coming!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, will do!

[@costumesforalloccasions]

Can't wait Derek!

[@macleodjd]

Love the Eric Draven tombstone in the background.

[@alankeith7866]

One year I set up three strobes set at different pulses to mess with the minds of our party guests. Lots of fun!!

[@SouthRidgeFilms]

Dude where did you get that hat?!

[@VanOaksProps]

It's a patch from Creepy Co. on a New Era fitted cap. I don't think they sell them anymore, though.

[@paappraiser]

Excellent lighting technique. I do a lot of software driven lighting. Most of the time I'm writing code to emulate lighting , like this. I cant tell you how many hours I spend trying to emulate old school analog.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you!

[@AnthonyGonzalez-lw1ek]

Like that Eric Draven “fan”

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks! It was a custom piece we did.

[@lynngordon5901]

Thanks!

[@costumesforalloccasions]

Excellent job Derek!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Glad you liked it!

[@rjb6327]

So? Where's the cloud effect?

[@VanOaksProps]

It's not designed to throw a hard edged silhouette, it's just a way to create movement and variety in the light.

[@lauramcdougal3952]

where did you buy your gear motor?

[@VanOaksProps]

Amazon. There should be a link to it in the video description.

[@megabit9]

You just got a new sub. I love your channel! You make some incredible stuff.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks and welcome

[@Jeffistopheles]

That Eric Draven tombstone!! I have to make one. Did you do one for Shelley as well?

[@VanOaksProps]

I didn’t. It was just the one for a client.

[@reallyfijateperocomocono1131]

Where have been my whole grown up life! lol your Halloween ideas are stuff I can do love that! Glad I found your channel!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks and welcome to the channel!

[@gabrielncali8999]

Pretty cool! Honestly, I didn’t know what you were making to begin but is really cool!

[@VanOaksProps]

Me neither! I had a vague idea of what might happen, but I was totally winging it throughout the entire video. LOL

[@chelseascreatures]

That is so cool. I just have one question with motor being so small, is it noticeably noisy?

[@VanOaksProps]

Not at all. Those synchronous motors are very quiet.

[@BastardKitty]

Awesome video! Thank you

[@chillfactorhaunt]

That is excellent!

[@SidewinderSigns]

I love that idea! If you take those stencils off while the paint is still tacky they will come off a lot cleaner.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Dandoright82]

oooooooh swiggity swooty I cant wait!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Hahaha. See you Saturday!

[@fishingurban]

Whats the awesome hat??? (please)

[@VanOaksProps]

It’s a New Era cap with a patch from creepyco.com

[@fishingurban]

@@VanOaksProps omg cheers mate!

[@lauramcdougal3952]

This is great! I think I might cover the power screws on the lamp socket with electric tape to prevent bumping against line power.

[@VanOaksProps]

Definitely.

[@DoktorHalloween]

Great idea! Do you use a Cricut for the stencil? Thanks for showing it in action, the lighting I mean.

[@VanOaksProps]

I do. I use that machine for as many things as possible. They're fun to use.

[@RonRicho]

Unbelievably clever!

[@bigsad4767]

Yess

[@ZombieHaunter408]

Did you leave a slug at the end of your video? Looks like it ends halfway through.

[@VanOaksProps]

Oops. It’s only a 6ish minute video. I didn’t set the end point correctly when I exported it.

[@ZombieHaunter408]

@@VanOaksProps I've done that myself (a few times).

[@VanOaksProps]

Thankfully KZbin has an edit feature for simple cuts like this.

[@jimpuglisi7973]

Cool idea man nice job

[@howtohaunt]

LOVE this! I bet it would also look great with fog...

[@VanOaksProps]

Definitely!

[@amandawills6680]

YESSSSS!!!! Can't wait

[@VanOaksProps]

See you Saturday!

[@GregoryHaynes]

Thanks for this design idea. Lighti g and sound are very important after the props are built!

[@VanOaksProps]

Absolutely.

[@RangedAssassin]

Love the video! Great idea but my question is being "new" to making props where would you get a low rpm motor. I know you could order online but what kind of store would you find one in?

[@VanOaksProps]

You might find them at appliance repair stores. They’re the same kind of motor found in small microwave ovens.

[@RangedAssassin]

@@VanOaksProps That makes sense! Cheers!

[@jacksnyder404]

Nice touch with the crow tombstone in the back ground lol

[@VanOaksProps]

You know it!

[@jasperjanderson]

The effect is pretty great! A nice moody ambiance.

[@VanOaksProps]

I thought so too!

[@outdooroutfitters3658]

Nice video! Thank you for sharing.

[@VanOaksProps]

You bet! Thanks for checking it out

[@bigsad4767]

So excited for this!

[@VanOaksProps]

See you on Saturday!

[@bigsad4767]

@@VanOaksProps yup? You make great vids!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks so much! We appreciate that.

[@connorandrews2859]

Just wondering about possibility - how would you do an actual "`levitating orb" light?

[@VanOaksProps]

With projection.

[@connorandrews2859]

@@VanOaksProps seems to be the most simple option. I actually made thoughts on some sort of remote controlled LED mini drone toy with some translucent bulb frame around it. Problem here, what sort of frame should not obstruct the drone from flying...?

[@VanOaksProps]

@@connorandrews2859 if you did a vertical flying crank ghost with a single led light source you wouldn’t need the drone. You’d have to figure out balancing the light to keep it pointed in the right direction.

[@kabralbi2167]

Can‘t wait

[@kenmcevoy1119]

You use this as a back light/wall wash?

[@VanOaksProps]

I did for the video, but you could use it any way you see fit. It could look awesome near any prop that has a face. Sort of hiding and revealing the face with light.

[@adamczarnik8833]

I would never have thought to do that, great idea!

[@VanOaksProps]

It’s pretty old school, but effective.

[@kevinfinkel5536]

Clever! I like the low tech nature of this.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks! Some times low-tech is the best tech.

[@wolfman75]

Cool!!! Thank You!!! 🤔👍😎🎃

[@VanOaksProps]

You bet!

[@Dandoright82]

Another awesome video!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks again!

[@GregPackard]

Cool effect

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Greg!

[@brenmayhugh]

Love the channel!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks so much!

[@TroyKristoffer]

This is amazing.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Troy!!