Halloween Universe

Video Theme

Prop Replica

Videos built around the prop replica theme — pulled together so you can study how others bring this atmosphere to life.

8 videos

I Turned a Broken Phone into a Working Fallout Pip-Boy
20:18
DIY PropsAdvanced$30–$80 (excluding 3D printer and phone)

I Turned a Broken Phone into a Working Fallout Pip-Boy

Creator Matt Daniels builds a fully functional Fallout Pip-Boy prop by hiding a broken smartphone inside a 3D-printed shell to drive the screen and dial lighting. A homemade vacuum forming rig is used to shape a curved plastic lens that recreates the classic CRT aesthetic. The build also covers weathering, painting, and the kind of practical movie-magic tricks used by real prop departments to sell the illusion. The result is a screen-accurate, wearable cosplay prop at a fraction of commercial replica prices.

Creative Geekery· 317,988 views
Over an HOUR of DIY Star Wars Projects
1:43:16
DIY PropsIntermediate

Over an HOUR of DIY Star Wars Projects

VanOaksProps compiles their top ten Star Wars DIY prop builds spanning four years into a single 103-minute showcase. Projects range from beginner-friendly repaints of toy blasters and droid weathering to more ambitious scratch-builds like a Gonk projector droid, a Tusken Raider helmet, and a one-of-a-kind Star Wars lamp. Each segment links back to a dedicated source video where full materials and paint details can be found. The collection covers a wide variety of prop-making skills, making it a useful reference for Star Wars fans at multiple experience levels.

VanOaksProps· 24,088 views
Paint & Weather Your Droids - Star Wars IG88/ Mandalorian IG11
11:20
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

Paint & Weather Your Droids - Star Wars IG88/ Mandalorian IG11

VanOaksProps walks through the full painting and weathering process for two 3D-printed IG-88 droid heads inspired by Star Wars and The Mandalorian. The workflow starts with a gloss black base coat followed by a chrome lacquer layer to achieve that signature metallic droid look. Acrylic paints in rust, orange, and brown tones are then layered on to simulate wear, grime, and battle damage, making the props look authentically aged. The build uses a 3D model sourced from Thingiverse and relies on tools and materials that are largely accessible to hobbyist prop makers.

VanOaksProps· 18,031 views
PROP LAB: Building Star Wars Cargo Crates
8:19
DIY PropsIntermediate$30–$80

PROP LAB: Building Star Wars Cargo Crates

VanOaksProps builds a pair of Star Wars-themed cargo crates to complement a dedicated prop display case, inspired by a visit to Star Wars Celebration Anaheim. The crates are shaped using an Inventables X-Carve CNC router, then finished with layered spray paints, wax paint, and weathering techniques to achieve a battle-worn, screen-accurate look. Liquid latex and steel wool add tactile texture before the final paint stages, giving the props convincing depth and age.

VanOaksProps· 12,510 views
I made a HoloProjector Inspired by Andor Season 2!
0:26
DIY PropsIntermediate

I made a HoloProjector Inspired by Andor Season 2!

VanOaksProps builds a DIY HoloProjector inspired by the aesthetic of Andor Season 2, combining 3D printing, laser cutting, and weathering techniques to create a screen-accurate sci-fi prop replica. The video appears to be a showcase or teaser, with the full step-by-step tutorial linked separately. The build incorporates electronics to achieve an authentic holographic display effect. It sits at the intersection of cosplay prop-making and Halloween/haunt set dressing for sci-fi themed spaces.

VanOaksProps· 11,237 views
Aged gold paint finish with food coloring? #starwars #c3po
0:53
DIY PropsBeginner

Aged gold paint finish with food coloring? #starwars #c3po

VanOaks Props demonstrates a quick, budget-friendly technique for achieving an aged gold paint finish using food coloring, inspired by the look of C-3PO from Star Wars. The one-minute short walks viewers through how a common household ingredient can be used to create a convincing metallic weathered effect on props. It's a clever hack suited for costume pieces, replica props, or Halloween decorations on a tight budget.

VanOaksProps· 8,684 views
Starship Troopers Cosplay Upgrades - Resin Cast M3 Helmet and 3D Printed Morita Finishing Techniques
13:09
Costume TutorialsIntermediate

Starship Troopers Cosplay Upgrades - Resin Cast M3 Helmet and 3D Printed Morita Finishing Techniques

SKS Props creator walks through the finishing process for a Starship Troopers Mobile Infantry cosplay build, focusing on a resin-cast M3 tactical helmet and a 3D-printed Morita rifle. The tutorial covers surface preparation, painting, and weathering techniques applied to HD EVA foam armor components, which are praised for their light weight and paint-friendly surface. Free PDF templates for the chest and helmet are available on the creator's website, and all materials and sourcing links are provided in the description.

SKS Props· 4,337 views
I Made My Own YouTube Play Button! See How I Did It
0:29
Other

I Made My Own YouTube Play Button! See How I Did It

A YouTube creator reached 10,000 subscribers without receiving an official play button award, so they decided to build their own from scratch. The video documents the fabrication process and reveals the finished replica. Laser cutting appears to be among the techniques involved in creating the custom piece.

Creative Geekery· 2,006 views