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3.1K views 24 replies 17 participants last post by  Wolfman  
#1 ·
The basic idea is to create a hallow tombstone by taking two ½" pieces of Styrofoam and sandwiching a 2" border between them. We illuminate the carvings by placing a light source inside the stone.

We first created a pattern for our stone using a publishing package. The reaper is from a pumpkin carving pattern book. You can trace the pattern onto the Styrofoam or punch small holes through the pattern (as suggested for the carving kit).
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Once the outline of the front piece is carved out, we trace its outline of the second (or back sheet) of Styrofoam to keep the front and back pieces basically the same shape.
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We used Hot Wire Foam Factory's hot knife to carve out the pattern and lettering. It is thin enough to allow you to carve small detail into the stone. We also cut at an angle making the back of the carvings bigger than the front. This allows more light to shine through. Please be careful since the tool gets ho
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We attach 2" thick Styrofoam (using a low heat hot glue gun) along the edge of the back piece. Placement along the edge does not have to be exact, since we will trim it later, but you should make it at least cover the edge of the back piece.

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The inside is painted red to match the color of the light bulbs we will be using. We paint both the front and back's inside...
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#3 ·
The inside is painted red to match the color of the light bulbs we will be using. We paint both the front and back's inside..
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and the inside edging of the carvings.

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Once the front is glued into place we trim the sides using our sculpting tool. This allows us to easily make it look like it's one piece.
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Here's a picture of the finished stone (see other projects on finishing a stone).
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We used a set of lights from a Christmas village set of buildings. The amount of light depends on your carvings.
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#4 ·
The lights are placed to provide maximum light and are also hidden behind areas that are not carved out so you cannot see the light source from the front of the stone. As you can see, there are a couple of extra holes since we were not happy with the initial placement of the lights. An extra piece of Styrofoam was added to the holes so that the lights do not touch the inside of the front piece. The lights can get hot and melt the Styrofoam if setting right up against the Styrofoam.
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#20 ·
Where you can find the true creator of these stones!

If you would like to see other tombstone projects, the original pictures that were copied here, plus pictures of these stones on my front lawn (since I created them), please go to mourningcemetery. I created this tombstone October 14, 2003. You can also see other examples in our front yard cemetery of the lit tombstones. Thanks!
 
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#21 ·
Celtic Cross

The cross was not lit by a red flood light. I created this by making a smaller cross to be placed in front of a hallow larger cross in the back. The lights are inside the hallow cross creating a backlit effect. The design on the cross was created using pieces of rope. Check out our web site www.mourningcemetery.com to see more pictures of the cross in our front yard. I can also provide detail pictures of the cross if requested.

Thanks!
 
#22 ·
doerduck said:
The cross was not lit by a red flood light. I created this by making a smaller cross to be placed in front of a hallow larger cross in the back. The lights are inside the hallow cross creating a backlit effect. The design on the cross was created using pieces of rope. Check out our web site www.mourningcemetery.com to see more pictures of the cross in our front yard. I can also provide detail pictures of the cross if requested.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Ahhh, that makes sense to me. Well, I've got to say, that backlighting idea is incredible! I went to your website and noticed you did the same technique for your 'Manor' sign. Thinking about it, that is the same technique you see on store signs. Absolutely brilliant! I think they are called 'Halo Lit' signs:

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