Thread: I need someone to build a good tombstone

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I need someone to build me a good Tombstone with lots of lettering on it. I am in the Tampa, Fla area. If anyone could help, let me know.
Jim

Why don't you build one yourself? It's not that hard.

Yes
I think I could but I want it to really look great.
Jim

Check out scarytombstones.com I haven't bought from him yet but plan on buying some from him this year.I make most of mine but want to buy some of his obleski(sp).He is pricey but they look great on the website.
edited for correct webaddress.

I suggest a visit to a graveyard with a digital camera will inspire you.
The older the graveyard the better. The newer cemeteries tend to have flat boring markers. (they do that for easier mowing & up keep) Viewing these older markers & statuaries should led to inspiration of your own designs. Don't forget to respect the departed so, don't use their real names or information. I've made many trips to area graveyards & they were very fruitful for inspiration. Plus if you make it yourself, no one else can buy the exact same tombstone.

Try experimenting with foam to make the tombstones. With a few simple items: pencil soldering iron, propane torch, or heat gun. make the difference in aging them. If you use the "wet techinque": run water over the foam stone, then add heat to the wet area, it will age it. Foam is lighter & might have to be anchored due to wind.

You should also check out Terra's tutorials under her profile, just find any post of hers, and she has a link in her signature. You can make really cool tombstones, it just takes a little practice.

Originally Posted by partsman

You should also check out Terra's tutorials under her profile, just find any post of hers, and she has a link in her signature. You can make really cool tombstones, it just takes a little practice.

Yeah, I agree...The money you spend for a GOOD one would allow you to goof up quite a few times and still have one cheaper...Plus you'd learn how to do it right to make a whole cemetery....If you want realistic, it would probably almost have to be foam although I was pretty impressed with smearing "Great Stuff" with a putty knife to keep it thin enough on my crypt on non foam parts....I'll have to try the water on the foam before torching to see the effect....You would've laughed watching me torch the foam bookcase with REAL FIRE out in the drive way this past summer....There was a couple times I thought the whole thing was going up in flames but in the end it came out really cool...Twisted and warped...Bottom line, Don't be afraid to experiment!...If you explain to people what kind of finish you want, people will give you all kinds of ideas here....Try a couple different approaches and figure out what works best for you...ZR

It's really easy and the good thing is that mistakes can be hidden with paint, lighting etc...
And making your own tombstones can be addicting, I've got 23 now and am planning on making at least 10 more for 2009.

Originally Posted by ZombieRaider

I'll have to try the water on the foam before torching to see the effect....You would've laughed watching me torch the foam bookcase with REAL FIRE out in the drive way this past summer....There was a couple times I thought the whole thing was going up in flames but in the end it came out really cool...Twisted and warped...Bottom line, Don't be afraid to experiment!...If you explain to people what kind of finish you want, people will give you all kinds of ideas here....Try a couple different approaches and figure out what works best for you...ZR

Hey Zombie,
If you have a heat gun for paintremovale, you really get the same effect except you don't go up in flames, also add a drop of dish soap to your water for a wetting agent, it makes the effect much easier to produce, and if you use a heat gun remember water and electricity don't mix(those puddles can be hell!!)