Thread: Easy Tombstones

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DAMN! Herman .... Simple, looks great, cheap and fast! Like my date last night ... and your tombstone!!

Great Job!

Great how-to. I will have to try that this year once I get the other projects done.

Thanks.

Great how-to! Inexpensive, fast and easy, what more could we ask for?? Oh, yeah, the end result is awesome!

Thanks!!

Thats a phenomenal idea! Way to take a 'problem' with spray paint and make it a perk. :-) Very resourceful, I love it.

-handy_haunter

Here is a quick look at the latest tombstone I am making using this process

I found a design I liked by googling images of tombstones, and did a quick sketch of how I wanted it to look



Next I masked off the top area where the design will be, then made paper templates for the skull and scroll top



These were pinned into place then drawn around



Leaving the skull in place I removed the scroll template, turn it over and pinned this in place on the opposite side then drawn around.

Next I printed out the RIP on my computer, cut the paper to size and pinned this in place, then using masking tape, taped where the column designs would be on either side of the tombstone.

Finally using a craft knife, I cut around the design (skull scroll designs and the RIP letters) this has left me with the tombstone design.



The next stage will be placing the text using adhesive lettering ...

OK, after a mishap or two with the lettering (white paint on white styrofoam didnt go well !!) I finished the second tombstone. The lettering was added by using adhesive letters plus the lettering for the name was printed on the computer cut out and attached to the stone with adhesive spray.



This was then given a coat of spray paint, which wasn't as even as I thought, so no pictures were taken of the mess !

The stone was given a coat of grey vinyl (cost $5.30 in walmart - mis-mixed paint!)



Finally, detailing and aging done ...



I'm sure the paint effect could be better, which is something I am still working on, but at least I can say that I have completed at least one project!

very nice indeed. so what's next on the agenda?

Well, funny you should ask that .... I am working on a skeleton frame for my scarecrow.... I wasn't happy with the scarecrow last year, and realized it was more to do with the proportion than the idea. So this year I will be working with something a bit more "realistic"

Also I hope to start my columns soon, and I still have a tombstone to finish painting and .... should I list them all ????

no, just post them as you go. one prop at a time, and remember around here we love updates and pictures. can't wait to see your scarecrow.

Wow, Herman they're really great! You sure are talented. I'll be sure to use your tried and tested method should I wish to make them this year Thank you, you Halloween genius!!