First "Wizard's Crag" Prototype!

The first prototype of my "Wizard's Crag"paper model is complete! I am VERY happy with the results! For the cliffs I applied an overlay of crinkled paper with the stone texture printed on it and it looks amazing! The model is 14.5 inches (38cm) wide, 11.5 inches tall (30cm).

Anyone who has followed my progress on past paper model projects knows it is a very long process.
This os the first of several more prototypes that need to be constructed in order to fine tune the details and geometry. Then I must create the construction diagrams and write the instructions, which takes quite a while.
Bottom line...completion will not be before mid winter.

UPDATE: December 22,2013-  I've received many inquiries about the status of this particular blog post.  In more recent posts I explained that this model kit is essentially dead in the water.  Warner Bros will not permit me to release Wizards Crag (as a free download or purchase) without it being an officially licensed product.  Unfortunately I have been unable to find an interested licensee.  Without a license, I risk legal action by the owners of the properties.  Right side
Top view

More "Wizard's Crag" Progress

December 13, 2010

This is the first time all of the prototype elements have been brought together. The cliffs will have a printed stone texture but I am also providing a second sheet of "stone" which the builder can crinkle and apply as a very convincing dimensional overlay. You can't see it in this photo but the cliff is "bumpy".

December 9, 2010

Here is a prototype of the lower buildings beneath the astronomy tower.

I have moved on to the cliffs, which are already looking pretty interesting.

More "Wizard's Crag" Progress

Here is the prototype of the Great Hall.

Here are all of the prototype structures so far.

My Interview

Tim Girard, who wrote a very nice article about Haunted Dimensions for Xomba a couple of weeks ago, asked to interview me as a follow up. Here it is. Thanks, Tim!

The Ray Keim Interview

A Return to "Wizard's Crag"

I have picked up where I left off on the "Wizard's Crag" project.

I needed a little inspiration, so I jumped ahead and built a prototype of the great tower, which will sit on the shelf in front of me and taunt me to complete the rest of the model.

Connected to the Web

Trent sent me photos of his mansion models which have been displayed

on a shelf for long time. He proudly states that "the spider webs are REAL!"

A Very Nice Article About Haunted Dimensions!

Tim Girard wrote a very nice article about Haunted Dimensions and my paper models for

"HORROR CHANNEL @ Xomba"!

"Ray is a true contributor. In our genre of mediocrity we could use a whole ton more like Ray!

Don't hesitate to check him out! It is well worth your time!"

Wow! Thank you so much, Tim!

Read the article here,

http://www.xomba.com/ray_keims_haunted_dimensions_and_paper_models

Halloween Success!

Our Halloween projects made for a spectacular Halloween evening!

The battery tealights worked wonderfully in the 35 jack-o-lanters, and Sam made every trick or treater approach with caution. Sam was backup up by a fog machines that shot a blast randomly, scaring several of the little scamps to near tears (although not so scared that they didn't continue to the porch to get the candy)! Everyone had a great time and we were told that our house was the best!

“So shines a good deed in a weary world”

Two years ago I received an email from April who lives in Toronto. April told me how she built the Phantom Manor Cookie House (based on my free pattern available at Haunted Dimensions), and donated it to a United Way raffle. It was a HUGE success, and raised lots of money! Her story touched me deeply and added a new dimension to my models and projects!

Well, April is back!

"The house was again used as a bucket raffle item and apparently there was quite a war between two of the lawyers here, both of whom were buying a lot of tickets in an attempt to win the house. The lawyer who won the house had originally intended to take it home to her three children but decided instead to donate it to Ronald McDonald House (http://www.rmhtoronto.org/). It was a double win for your karma this year!"

April was forwarded an email from the Toronto Ronald MacDonald House, along with photos of the kids enjoying her creation! The email said that the cookie house was a huge hit at the Halloween party held for the families and children staying at the house. It was displayed, then happily eaten! The photos, which I am not at liberty to share, brought tears to my eyes. Seeing families and kids who are going through unspeakable trauma, yet smiling and happily exploring a gingerbread house, was overwhelming!

It is a wonderful example of a good deed being handed down from one person to the next, brightening the lives of many.

Thank you so much, April!

“So shines a good deed in a weary world”~ Shakespeare & Willy Wonka

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

It's the big night!

As always, I appreciate your continued interest and support of my sites and projects!

Halloween in America is part of our cultural heritage. The traditions and stories of Halloween in the U.S. represent the melting pot of world cultures who have gathered here. Those who shun, fear and misrepresent Halloween, for whatever agenda, are diminishing that "spirit" which binds us.

However, I'm preaching to the choir here! You guys "get it"!

So for all of you in the U.S. and around the world, I hope you all have a spectacular, spooky and safe Halloween!

~RAY~

HALLOWEEN EVE!

I've been working on several Halloween projects and have also been derelict in my duties of keeping Haunted Dimensions up to date! Sorry about that!

First, take a look at our most recent project.

This is "Sam" from the movie "Trick 'r Treat"! Mrs. K and I built him over the course of the last week. Mrs. K sewed Sam's jammies and cowl, while I supplied the armature, construction and lollipop. BTW - the lollipop is real! i made it from melted orange Lifesaver candies! I wanted to make it out of transparent orange plastic, but couldn't find anything within the amount of time we had, so I made this temporary pop.

I also made a few "Witch Jars". They are an idea I got from Pumpkinrot.com. I start with a regular jar, give it a shot of black spray paint into the bottom (it should create a light gradient of "soot" almost to the lip). Mix white glue, a little bit of acrylic green paint (optional), a few drops of water and and a pinch or two of dirt. Pour it in the bottom of jar (enough to cover the bottom about 1/4 inch). Coat the entire inside, pour out extra and let settle and dry. I prefer to use battery flicker tea lights. A handful of white feathers hides the bulbs and gives it an ethereal, nauseating glow!

I also just completed carving 35 "craft" pumpkin jack-0-lanterns! They will be in the trees and bushes around our house on Halloween night, lit by flickering battery powered tea lights.

Update the Blog Archive, OR ELSE!

I took some time to update the Haunted Dimensions Archive blog, to document some of the awesome events I had the good fortune to be part of since April. From being a panelist at the "Entertainment Designer Forum", to working on the opening ceremonies of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter", and the many events in which I participated as a member of the Universal Orlando Entertainment Art & Design Team, it has been a spectacular season. So if you haven't been keeping up with the "News & Notes" section of Haunted Dimensions, here is your chance to see what I've been up to! April, May, June, July and August now have entries.