Haunted Hearse & Ghost Horse...A Makeover

                                                      (If you click on the photo's they will enlarge for a closer view)

This was a labor of love.  When I found this Doom Buggy Haunted Hearse I thought it was so charming with the cute details and a little "Jack" skeleton driving off.  I didn't have to give a second look.  I wanted it for my "props" collection.  I am very much a "props person."  But as my mother would sometimes say, "you can't leave well enough alone".  Below you will see the before picture.  

Originally it was a dark shaded black.  I didn't think the charming details would show well enough as there was no contrast in color.  So I did several modifications to the details.  Even though I loved the hearse the minute I saw it.  My mind went immediately crazy with ideas to zhizz it up!

This year my daughter Alyssa carved and painted several pumpkins for me.  I was so happy!

I painted both lit lanterns with a gold leaf spray paint, to pick up the other details I had painted gold on the hearse.

Using some jeweled spider rings to add some accents.  I cut off the back of the ring so it would fit flush.  Then painted the plastic rings gold with metallic craft paint and a small brush.

Inside the hearse you will see the casket.  The metal flowers on top were originally black.  I dry-brushed a combination of deep red and white paint on the flowers with a green and white paint on the leaves.

I used 3 dozen Spooky paper roses for the floral spray.  Purchased from World Market.  I have 3 stores within easy driving distance.  Each store only carried one dozen.  So I bought them out at each store.  I would have liked to have 1 dozen more, but alas, World Market wasn't getting any more.  I tied a bow in a black & white striped satin ribbon for the finishing touch.  To brighten the color on the top railing I painted each little ball finial a metallic gold.

I used the same trim I had used around the curtains to make a circle with another spider ring to add some detail the the driver's seat.  I just hot glued it on.  My husband insisted that I leave the hot glue strings on to make the grands think they were spider webs.

I painted all the wheel spokes gold.  To the hubcaps I added some detail and glued a golden skull.  Again hubby wanted me to leave the hot glue strings on. 

My little "Jack" wanted a brightly colored flower to attach to his hat.  I also painted stripes on his jacket.

All of the skeleton's had a dry brush treatment of soft white paint.  For "Jack" I dry brushed his arms, legs, feet, and ribs with the paint.

I wanted to show in this photo the detail on "the drapes".  Originally solid black metal.  I painted them a creamy white and added gray shading for the folds.  Then I added decorative trim and tassels.

The Ghost Horse came from Pottery Barn a few years ago.  I was able to buy it on a closeout.  He looks amazing when hung outside with the gray gauze and the lights blowing in the wind.

Already taking flight for Halloween.  Immediately after Halloween, I will pull the floral arrangement off the top and load it with presents.  I am also going to use a faux pumpkin and cut a hole in the bottom to fit over "Jack's head.  This will be my homage to "The Nightmare Before Christmas".  I think this is the favorite movie of my granddaughter Lily.  This darling is almost 3.  Every time I see her she will say, "let's watch this is Halloween".  That is her name for the movie.

Two of my granddaughter's were able to come over and get their photo taken with the hearse.  My adorable 1 year old Hannah.  She is the baby in the Cinderella carriage Cinderella Carriage Makeover.

Here is our almost 5 year old Genevieve.  She has this amazing thick long hair.  She really dressed the part.  Love her costume that matches.  She was in my photo's of the Cinderella Carriage as well.  You can click on the photo for a larger view.

The hearse is a little over 6 feet long x 4 feet tall x 2.5 feet wide.  I have seen some smaller versions on line.  So now I think I got mine for a great price.


Thank you so much for looking at my blog post today.  Feel free to leave a comment below.  They are much appreciated.

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