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Mechanism: For this I use a windshield wiper motor mounted on a hanger that can be attached to your pot. It must be near the bottom to keep it out of sight. You must use a rod that is the same size as the output shaft on the motor. Bend the rod into a crank. Using an arbor, attach one end to the shaft on the motor. Cap one end of a short piece of PVC that fits loosely over the crankshaft. Place the PVC onto the top of the crank and tie the ropes securely around them. Hook the motor up to a 12 volt battery hidden behind the cauldron. You will want to experiment with the speed of the motor to match your effect. I have left out measurements so that you can adjust to the pot that you use. Your witch is now ready to stir up her brew. I have always added a small red light inside the pot, but glow sticks work well also.  Dry ice is an added bonus to this gag, but remember to keep it in it's own separate container as to not interfere with the motor mechanism. You may want to add a tape loop of a witches cackle as we do. Note: I have used this mechanism for many of my displays. The Headhunter scene is the same pot and all.

3-D TV......The first thing that you must find is an old console TV cabinet. These can be found most anywhere, but I prefer to go to a TV repair shop. They usually have one that has already been gutted. Next stop is at your local fabric store for aprox. one square yard of a dark Spandex. Dark brown seems to work the best. You will need a fairly strong gear reduction, or speed controlled motor. The last item on the list is a Styrofoam wig head.

  Assembly: The Spandex must be stretched tightly across the empty screen on the inside of the cabinet. Tip: I used wood lath strips to roll the material in on all four sides. Now, the wig head must be mounted to the motor shaft. Make sure that the shaft is slightly off center so that the face extends farther from the shaft than the back of the head. If the shaft is not long enough to at least go half way through the head, try using electrical conduit (EMT) to extend the shaft.If your motor is a horizontal shaft, mount the motor onto a piece of wood that can be bolted to the inside bottom of the TV cabinet. Position the motor assembly with the facial features of the head protruding into the Spandex to the fit your desired effect. You may want to try a few different positions to test the look as it rotates. Once you have found the spot, bolt the motor in place. When set up in a low light area, you may want to light the screen. I have done this with a small flashlight hidden out of the traffic path, but the best way I have done is with a small picture frame light mounted to the top of the cabinet above the screen.

Random Thoughts.....Never overlook the obvious. Any time you can use an existing movement, do it. I usually have several things rising or lowering on both sides of the front door every time it's opened. By nailing a carpet tack on the top of the door, you can route almost as many monofilliment fishing lines as will fit on the tack. The important things to remember are: Try to place as much weight on one side as the other; Wherever a line comes in contact with a door jamb or hook, make sure to rub a bar of soap on that area; Use heavy enough lines for the amount of weight you are lifting. If you are setting up for a party, don't forget the bathroom door, the fridge, and the freezer. By locating small screw-in hooks in the ceiling, you can move things up to two rooms away. Remember that distance can add drag. One year I ran two lines to each hand of a dummy seated at an organ. I played around with the placement of the hooks until I had one hand on the keys and one hand up. When the bathroom door opened the position reversed. Combine this with a short tape loop of chamber music rigged to the door, and you have an instant animated prop.