Beginning at ¼ scale size, stop-motion animation sets are designed to not only create the setting and overall mood for the film, but also to figure out how animators can work in that environment, as well as how to hide tear-away sections for transport and trap doors for cameras. Once the final sketches and mockups are approved, they go to the paint and model shops for full scale fabrication and detailing. Inspired by pen and ink illustrators Edward Gory and Ronald Searle, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas’s set designers utilized crosshatching—a technique used by artists to create texture and shade with intersecting mesh-like lines. For this film, sets were covered in soft clay and manipulated to add texture to look like an illustration come to life. Visual Consultant Rick Heinrichs stated, “You’re free to design whatever you want without the limitations imposed by full size and live action.”

Significantly easier than “making Christmas,” this cowl is an ideal project for beginners. Just two colors and a three-stitch repeat are all it takes! Worked in the round seamlessly from the bottom up, corrugated ribbing in highly contrasting colors inspired by Jack Skellington’s pinstripe suit are worked throughout. It’s simple to adjust the height by knitting until the yarn runs out, or the desired height is reached.