This file is one of the Wolfstone archives of the Halloween mailing lists. You can find out more, and reach the entire collection here: http://www.pobox.com/~wolfstone/_r/HalloweenArchive.html This particular archive deals with "interesting materials" topics. This includes: o moss o dust - - - - - Subject: RE: Hall: Dust From: "Webgoblin of Goblinville" Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 01:12:38 -0700 I was wondering about unbleached flour or maybe something like buckwheat flour - regular flour or baby powder are a little too white . . . Still pondering . . . I do like the idea of the powder container to shoot it out of better than my original idea (a fine mesh strainer gently tapped from 3' or so above the intended object). And someone else suggested shaking out a carpet - how about using what comes out of the vacuum cleaner? But if you've got anyone living with you with dust or other allergies, think twice about using any kind of find dust or powders. But at least you'd have "real" dust to dust with. And check with your parents, kids, before you try this! -----Original Message----- From: Halloween-L at WildRice.com [mailto:Halloween-L at WildRice.com] On Behalf Of Patty Larson Sent: Monday, July 30, 2001 10:06 PM To: Halloween List Subject: Re: Hall: Dust Someone told me (sorry forgot who it is) to mix baby powder and crushed up charcoal to make a dusty look for a costume. You just put it back in the baby powder container and sqeeze the container so it puffs out and lands on what ever you want dusty. Hope this helps. - - - - - Subject: RE: Hall: Dust (Combustible?) From: "Edwin Wise" Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 09:44:11 -0500 On 7/31/2001 at 7:29 AM wbn at wickedbeernut.com wrote: >I seem to recall a science experiment in which flour "dust" was proven to >be combustible. Does anyone else happen to remember such an experiment? >You'd certainly want to think twice about having an open flame in the >vicinity of the dust. Pretty much *any* flammable solid will combust spectacularly when in a = fine particle form and dispersed in air... One easy test is this. Get a small packet of powdered coffee creamer substance. Hold a flame and pour the powder over it so that it will = spread out and reach the flame. It should go *poof* with a flash. Nifty! Grain silos have been known to explode because of this effect, not to mention problems in sawmills, and other places that generate fine dust. - - - - - Subject: RE: Hall: Dust (Combustible?) From: "Brian D. Oberquell" Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 07:51:15 -0700 >I seem to recall a science experiment in which flour "dust" was proven to >be combustible. Does anyone else happen to remember such an experiment? >You'd certainly want to think twice about having an open flame in the = vicinity >of the dust. Dust explosions happen when the particles are suspended in the air;once you've dusted the area and cleaned up and extra, you should be safe. Trivia -- Burt Reynolds was singed years ago on the set of EVENING SHADE when a fire extinguisher used to put out a fire was pressurized with talc (why they didn't use a regular dry extinguisher is a mystery to me); the fireball blew back and singed his eyebrows; I don't recall reading any reports of injury to his mustache or hairpiece... - - - - - Subject: RE: Hall: Dust (Combustible?) From: "Dennis Griesser" Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 07:48:38 -0700 Wicked Beernut warned: >I seem to recall a science experiment in which flour "dust" was proven to >be combustible. Does anyone else happen to remember such an experiment? >You'd certainly want to think twice about having an open flame in the = vicinity >of the dust. Just about any finely divided organic matter is not only combustible, but capable of explosion when blown about in the air. This is called a "fuel/air explosive". Every couple of years, a grain silo in the midwest blows up due to dust. There is, indeed, a science experiment, featuring flour blown through a tube into a lit candle in a bottle. The resulting explosion, though small, suffices to blow the lid off the bottle. As for haunt applications: o I think the original suggestion used powdered charcoal (which has this danger) and talc (which does not). I don't know about the danger of the mix. o The explosion danger only exists while the dust is in the air. Yes, a heap of dust might well burn, but in order to explode, it needs to be mixed in air, which provides the oxidizer. I'd say that this isn't really anything to worry too much over. Use your fake dust sparingly, and don't apply it near fire, flame, or while smoking. - - - - - Subject: Re: Re: Dust From: "Nez" Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2001 13:05:52 -0400 The only real problem I'd see with this is that dryer lint, especially if you use fabric softener, is incredibly flammable. Just an FYI. Hauntingly yours, ~Morganna~ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Family Computer USA" To: "Halloween List" Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2001 11:24 AM Subject: Hall: Re: Dust > Brandon, try the lint that collects in your dryer. Since it is a "natural" > dust, you won't have to color it. To dispense it, use a fine screen to > "grate" the "bunnies" over whatever you want to age. Some dryers have a > removable lint filter which amounts to a fine screen mesh; you could use > this. - - - - - Subject: RE: Hall: Dust (Combustible?) From: "Rob Withoff" Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 16:50:44 -0500 Are you looking for the appearance of dust from a distance? Rather than spraying dust, how about mixing flour and water, and using a spray bottle with a fine mist? As the water dries, the residue it leaves behind will = look like dust, and without the flammability risk. Instead of flour, you could use cornstarch, or talcum powder, or epsom = salt. I'm sure it would give a different appearance than dry dust. Baking soda dissolved in water would help be flame-retardant as well. Another thought: what about watering down some latex paint and spraying it with a spray bottle? It would be more permanent... Yet another thought: spray bottle with distilled water in one hand and dry plaster of paris in the other. Spray the water, sift the plaster lightly, = or blow it on. - - - - - Subject: Re: Hall: Dust From: Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 13:56:34 EDT Brandon There is a product that is sold in the Motion Picture Industry that = is essentially dust. Its cheap and clean, not harmful to the lungs and isent combustible. It is sold at Mole Richardson and they sell a nifty hand pump = applicator as well. You know, like the old powder bug poison thingy. It is = primarily for dusting down the freshly created cob webs so they don't look = shiny and new. - - - - - Subject: Re: Hall: Dust From: "Tim D" Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 14:00:32 -0700 The powder form of fuller's earth is good for dust and non-combustible and not as white as talc.. http://www.nma.org/FEA-Mineral%20Focus%20-%20Fuller's%20Earth.html - - - - - Subject: Re: Howl - swamp moss From: "Vincent Solfronk" Date: Thu, 09 Aug 2001 16:30:32 -0500 Spanish Moss is the common English term. Just drive down to the Gulf and = you can just pick it off the trees! Brent Ross wrote: > Im trying to find that moss that hangs from trees. I have no clue whats > its called, but its the stuff you always see in horror movies, or any = movie > that has swamps in it. Anyone know what its called or where i can get > it. - - - - - Subject: Re: Howl - swamp moss From: "M Gillan" Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001 14:34:00 -0700 (PDT) You're looking for Spanish moss, available at some garden centers. - - - - - Subject: Re: Howl - swamp moss From: "ghouliemom (Tess)" Date: Thu, 09 Aug 2001 16:39:13 -0500 You can also purchase spanish moss at any local craft store. (I used to = work at a Ben Franklin) - - - - - Subject: Re: Hall: Swamp Moss From: "Mark Goldsmith" Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001 18:31:06 -0500 Brent, You're looking for spanish moss. It mainly grows in the south, but = you can get it by the bag at Michaels Craft Stores. The bagged moss is dry, = so you'll have to soak it overnight. Just place the bags in a large = container of water, and weigh them down with a brick or rock or something like that. Warning, wet spanish moss SMELLS BAD! But that can be a great bonus to a swamp type scene. BTW - if you do find a source for fresh spanish moss, be very careful with it - it's been known to harbor LOTS of nasty little critters! Also soak fresh moss overnight in a mild bleach solution to kill any unwanted creepies!. - - - - - Subject: shredded paper From: "E Ratliff" Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001 21:45:54 -0400 hey my office just got a paper shredder (patient confidentiality and all that crap so we had to) it's a cross cut shredder and makes little pieces (1/4' by 3/4" if that) I just couldn't bring myself to throw the bag of shreddings away I figured I could use it to stuff something if nothing = else. Does anybody have any ideas for this would it work as some kind of paper mache`? - - - - - Subject: Re: Howl - swamp moss From: Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001 17:06:32 -0700 >No, that must be something completely different. Spanish Moss is what ha= ngs >from trees, and can be found in most craft stores. Dope! You're right. Here's a site dedicated to Spanish moss, http://SpanishMoss.safeshopper.com/index.htm?851 I was thinking of lichen which is typically used in model railroad scener= y. And ignore that idiot that suggested picking Spanish moss off the redwood= trees. Some people. - - - - - Subject: Re: Howl - swamp moss From: "Joli Forth" Date: Thu, 09 Aug 2001 21:01:29 -0700 on 8/9/01 3:23 PM, wbn at wickedbeernut.com at wbn at wickedbeernut.com wrote: >> You're looking for Spanish moss, available at some garden centers. > > I know what he's looking for and I don't think that it's Spanish moss. = It's > the stringy stuff that hangs from trees. Doesn't Spanish moss typically > come in little "bushes" about the size of a large mushroom? > > Brent, > > I spent last weekend at Portola Redwoods State Park (Alpine and Skyline) > and I'm pretty sure I saw what you're looking for hanging from the = trees. > Of course, everything in the park is protected. You'd just have to nab = some > while the rangers aren't around. :o) > > Wicked Beernut Spanish moss hangs from trees - some think it's a parasite but itsnot. I mean it's not, it's an epiphytic bromeliad plant. And I've seen it at nurseries and craft stores but I have no idea what comes in 'little = "bushes" about the size of a large mushroom unless its peat moss. Ah botany, let me go find a real parasite of a plant for your edification. Toadling (aka Errant Educator) - - - - - Subject: Re: Howl - anyone from the sj convergence From: "Joli Forth" Date: Thu, 09 Aug 2001 21:06:28 -0700 Fuller's earth used to be used in wool making so I would check around your area for an art supply store (like for an art school) or a weaving supply store. Toadling > I believe Tim said it was called fuller's earth. I don't know where you = can > get it, but perhaps a search on that name will give you some leads. > > Chris, Chairman of the Morgue > > << Does anyone that went to the halloween convergence know the name > and/or where I can get the dust they sprinkled on the skeleton warrior? - - - - - Subject: Re: Hall: Swamp Moss From: "Mark Goldsmith" Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 01:16:35 -0500 Dawn, I only mentioned soaking the dry moss in order to hang it in a = realistic manner. If someone tries to pull it apart while it's dry, it breaks up = into small pieces. I took it that Brent would be using it as it really appears in a natural swamp area. If that is the case, after soaking overnight, carefully squeeze the excess water from the moss and gently pull apart = into long strands and clumps. Hang from the tree branches - here you could use clear thumbtacks to help hold the moss in place. The moss will dry in place, so if you want that distinctive "aroma", you can dampen it again by misting it with water in a spray bottle. As for your questions - 1. It's a natural product, so it will break down eventually. Handle it carefully while working with it, but keep it out of the reach of your victims. 2. It's not costly in small quantities. I usually buy the 8 oz pkg at Michaels ( use your 40% off coupon ), and that really has quite a lot of moss in it. 3. Sorry - I can't answer that. Depends on how much water is squeezed = out, where it's hung, temperature, humidity, breeze, etc. As an aside thought though - why should it be an increased fire hazard? If used in a tree, there shouldn't be an open flame underneath anyway. And if used as a decorative accent ( such as around doorways (( this looks really cool! )), cages, windows, whatever ) it can be applied in the dry form and then be sprayed with fire retardant same as everything else. It really shouldn't = be much different than any other papier mache item or silk plant accessory. - - - - - Subject: Re: Hall: Swamp Moss From: "Thanatoz" Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 01:59:40 -0700 (PDT) > >Subject: Re: Hall: Swamp Moss > >From: "dawn rice" > >Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001 21:48:34 -0500 > > >OK moss experts-- > >how long does it keep once you get it wet? > >is it costly? > >how long will it stay moist after you soak it---it > can't be dry or it would > >be a fire hazard...... > > >thanks > >Dawn When your done shaping it you can always spray it with fire retardent. Or if you want to keep it moist, try dipping it in glycerin and let that dry, it takes awhile for it dry though. - - - - - Subject: RE: Hall: Swamp Moss From: "Claudette Griffith" Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 07:41:14 -0500 Well, it doesn't hold water well and will dry out quite quickly, perhaps = you could spray with a fire retardant... If you have access to fresh moss, it = is still alive and though not wet, contains more moisture as it can only live in high humidity areas. I have not tried to burn either fresh or dried, however when harvesting fresh there is a noticeable difference in brittleness when compared to the store bought. Sorry I couldn't give you more info. - - - - - Subject: Alternate source of fuller's earth From: "Dusti Lewars" Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 05:16:12 -0700 (PDT) I'm not sure how this runs, price-wise, but if you really can't find = fuller's earth...go to your pet store and check out "chinchilla dust". That's usually made from fuller's earth. :) - Minion --- Joli Forth > wrote: >Fuller's earth used to be used in wool making so I would check around = your >area for an art supply store (like for an art school) or a weaving supply >store. - - - - - Subject: RE: Hall: that swamp moss From: "Kathleen McCarthy" Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 16:35:00 -0400 It's called Spanish Moss and you can either travel to Florida, Mississippi or Louisiana to get some yourself or go to a craft store and buy a bag of "Spanish Moss." It's not real Spanish Moss, but very similar..... - - - - - Subject: fuller's earth From: "Ben Krakowsky" Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 18:23:29 -0700 (PDT) The no longer use fuller's earth in the movie industry for dust as they found that it is harmful to breath in. I'm not sure what they do use, but if you are going to sprinkle a lot of the stuff, wear some protection (on your mouth and nose silly). -Little Eddie www.leproductions.com ORIGINAL MESSAGE Subject: Re: Howl - anyone from the sj convergence From: Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001 22:17:37 EDT I believe Tim said it was called fuller's earth. I don't know where you can get it, but perhaps a search on that name will give you some leads. Chris, Chairman of the Morgue << Does anyone that went to the halloween convergence know the name and/or where I can get the dust they sprinkled on the skeleton warrior? - - - - - Subject: Re:Door cyl From: "Carl Chetta" Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 20:42:00 +0000 Hi, I hope you had the rod pulled out when you drilled the hole in the = back of the cyl ., It sounds like you drilled through the seal inside also. 40 psi will be plenty of air to make that thing work fine. I have now sold = over 50 props using the door cyl, and never came across that type of problem. check out my tomb stone pop-up on my web page. Carl Chetta www.easternanimatronics.com (photos) www.easternanimatronics.com/Carl Subject: Terror Syndicate storm door cylindar question > From: "WebMistress" > Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 15:38:10 -0700 (PDT) > > How many folks have tried T.S.'s heavy duty storm door cylindar in = props? > > I bought the cylindar, drilled and tapped it for a 1/16 fitting ... but = it doesn't have enough air volume to move the piston. :( My compressor is 190psi, but I put a restrictor on it and tried several different settings. No go. - - - - - Subject: Re:Door cyl Ques. From: "Carl Chetta" Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 20:51:36 +0000 Personally I Think you are wrong, I recomend using door cylinders! They = are cheaper and more Quiet, they also have a spring return! I hope this = helps!! Carl Chetta www.easternanimatronics.com (photos) www.easternanimatronics.com/Carl Subject: Re: Hall: Terror Syndicate storm door cylindar question From: "Brent Ross" Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 16:24:07 -0700 (PDT) Personally i dont think that those door cylinders should be tampered with. A real pneumatic cylinder is built for air pressure and the door cylinders are meant to close doors. To pervent rish to yourself and others I recommend purchasing the true pneumatic cylinders. Alot can be found at the same price as the door cylinders, but they are a hell of alot safer = and more reliable. Search for a local machine shop that sells used parts or check out www.candhsales.com. Remember that you dont need to have a 36in cylinder to make something = travel 36in. With a little bit of work you can make a lifter, extender, or erector, to suit any needs. I'll try and get my pneumatics page up = tonight to show you what I mean. - - - - - Subject: Re: Hall: Swamp Moss From: "Nez" Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2001 14:23:57 -0400 Ummm...the stuff growing on the trees here and hanging nearly to the = ground IS spanish moss. It hangs in long tendrils....mostly off of old oak trees... Hauntingly yours, ~Morganna~ http://zombie.horrorseek.com/home/halloween/morgannaland/ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brent Ross" To: "Halloween List" Sent: Friday, August 10, 2001 7:29 PM Subject: RE: Hall: Swamp Moss > I have spanish moss, but its not the stuff im looking for. The stuff im looking for is in long lengths, spanish moss is just in clumps. - - - - - Subject: Spanish Moss pictures From: Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2001 15:50:49 EDT Hi Brent and ghouls, Here are some good photos of spanish moss. http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/7510/mosspage.html I sell the 'Do-it-yourself' decorating kits on my website which include = grapevine, ivy, spanish moss and black roses, but if there was sufficient = interest would sell these items individually. By themselves however, the = shipping cost would probably negate any discount or advantage over buying = it locally at Michaels. Contact me offlist if you are still interested. Witchy _/\_ ** Dark Arrangements To Die For! www.Graveundertakings.com - - - - -