Halloween 2021 Magic Pumpkins

A Halloween project I hoped to accomplish in 2020 was plaguing me over the weekend. It was the internal pumpkin projection mapping that I had hoped be able to build but just didn't have the time or correct construction concept.

Now, I think I'm ready.

The concept is to have the large, plastic pumpkins display the animated pumpkin faces from the inside utilizing the translucent properties of the prop. A quick test using the simple, small projectors and a mirror proved that it was possible. However, the projection ratio required the small projector be mounted about 18" away from the mirror in order to display cripsly and at the right scale.

During a trip to Home Depot over the weekend, I passed by some wall-mounted, magnifying vanity mirrors and it sparked an idea. Strangely, I installed one for my wife years ago and see it every day, yet it never sparked inspiration.

The new ideas should address two of my biggest problems. The first is to use a magnifying mirror in order to shorten the projector distance requirement. The second is to use metallic materials to construct the framing to place the pumpkins over to complete the effect. The framing can be covered by a heavy black cloth to complete the overall look.

If only I still had my Erector Set from when I was young.

Hopefully, I'll start on this project soon so that I can complete three Magic Pumpkins in time.

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