Manning Makes Stuff - Halloween decorations, paper mache masks, costumes, party ideas, and more

Failed vampire hunter Halloween costume

This costume was really simple but it makes me laugh so I’m posting it!

The way I described my costume depended on who I was talking to. For nerds, I’d say I was “Manning Belmont, least talented of the Belmonts” (get the Castlevania reference?). To non-nerds I’d just say I was a failed vampire hunter.
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Making a straight jacket for my Renfield costume

When I was working on my asylum-themed Halloween party in 2014, I decided I wanted to go as Renfield from Dracula! I really wanted to get the straight jacket perfect. I’m not used to working with fabric and clothing, so this was an interesting challenge.
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Taking a moment to plug my websites about Paris and Dracula

If you’re digging Manning Makes Stuff, please check out these other websites by me as well!

Cool Stuff in Paris is my collection of weird Parisian attractions, creepy museums, awesome restaurants and bars, bizarre public art, and more. Don’t miss my article about the Cabaret de L’Enfer, a 19th-century Hell-themed Parisian café (and my theme for my Halloween party in 2012).

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Spooktacular Halloween party ideas, themes, and decorating ideas

Here are some Halloween theme party ideas that my friends and I have done over the years, with great success. I always establish a theme before my invitation goes out so people can get in the spirit and design a costume that goes with the theme if they want to. I’m listing the decorations we made/used for each party, but of course these are just suggestions! Consider them a starting point…
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