Okay, so I decided to get into the Halloween spirit and try making one of those “scary” mazes I saw online. I figured, how hard could it be, right? Famous last words, maybe.
Getting Started
First, I needed a plan. I grabbed some paper and a pencil and started sketching. My initial idea was super ambitious – multiple levels, dead ends, maybe even some trap doors! I quickly realized that was way beyond my skill level (and available space).
I scaled it back. A LOT. I decided on a simple, single-level maze that I could build in my backyard. The revised plan was much more, shall we say, achievable.
Gathering Supplies
Next up: materials. I didn’t want to spend a fortune, so I went with what I could find around the house and grab for cheap. Here’s what I ended up using:
- Cardboard boxes: Lots of them. I hit up the local grocery store and they were happy to get rid of some.
- Duct tape: My best friend for this project. Held everything together.
- Black plastic sheeting: I found some leftover from a previous project. This would make it dark inside.
- Fake spiderwebs: Gotta have those! I snagged a bag at the dollar store.
- Some spooky props: A plastic skeleton, a rubber rat, a few glow sticks… the usual cheesy stuff.
Building the Maze
This is where the real “fun” began. I started by laying out the basic path of the maze with the cardboard boxes. I used the duct tape to secure them together, making sure the walls were high enough that people couldn’t just peek over.
It took a lot longer than I expected. Cardboard is surprisingly flimsy, and getting the walls to stand up straight was a real challenge. I ended up reinforcing some sections with extra cardboard and a whole lot more tape.
Once the basic structure was in place, I draped the black plastic sheeting over the top to create a roof and block out the light. This was tricky too, because I had to make sure it was secure but also allow for some ventilation. Nobody wants a stuffy, sweaty maze experience!
Adding the Scary Touches
With the maze structure complete, it was time to make it spooky. I stretched the fake spiderwebs across the walls and in the corners. I placed the skeleton in a dead-end, hoping to give someone a little jump scare. The rubber rat went near a low-hanging piece of cardboard, perfect for brushing against someone’s leg. And I scattered the glow sticks around to provide just a tiny bit of eerie light.
The Final Test
Finally, it was time for the test run. I grabbed my friend, Sarah, and we ventured into the maze. It was definitely darker and more claustrophobic than I anticipated! We got turned around a few times, and the spiderwebs kept getting stuck in our hair. Sarah screamed when she bumped into the skeleton (success!).
It wasn’t exactly professional-grade, but it was surprisingly effective. And most importantly, we had a good laugh building it and going through it.
So, would I do it again? Maybe. But next time, I’m definitely starting with a smaller plan and buying more duct tape!
