Video:How to Make Halloween Tombstones

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Transcript:How to Make Halloween Tombstones

It's always great on Halloween to have a spooky front yard for trick or treaters to come to… and adding some tombstones can really amp up the creepy factor. Styrofoam tombstones are easy to make and look great. 

Here's What You'll Need for Halloween Tombstones:

• Styrofoam sheet
• Utility Knife / drywall saw
• Marker
• Black, white and gray paint or textured stone spray paint
• Paint brush
• Sponge
• Stakes

Cut Large Styrofoam Shapes for the Tombstones

You can get thick Styrofoam from your local hardware store. It usually comes in large sheets which should provide the opportunity to build an entire grave yard. Styrofoam is easy to work with and has realistic look due to it's width and texture. Trace out your tombstone design. Any size stone will work, however, the larger the stone the easier it will be to read the epitaph. The design can be simple or elaborate the choice is up to you. Don't worry if you make a mistake you will be painting over the marker.

Paint the Tombstone Texture and Epitaph

Next you will want to cut out the design. Take your time and use a very sharp knife. If you try to go to fast you could rip the Styrofoam. Now you are ready to begin painting. There are two methods that work well with this project. Method one is to paint the entire piece of Styrofoam grey. Let the paint dry than using a sponge dab white and black paint onto the stone to give it a textured look. Method two costs a little more but looks great. Using stone textured spray paint cover the Styrofoam with a couple of light coats until you get the desired look. Either method will look great on your front lawn.

After the paint has dried, paint the epitaph and any other design onto the tombstone using black paint. To give your words a little more depth you can press the letters into the foam using your finger or a blunt object, before painting them.

Attach Stakes to Hold Tombstones in the Ground

Now you are ready to attach the stakes that will keep your tombstones upright. Push two stakes about half way into the bottom of the styrofoam and insert the remaining stake into the ground. Your front yard cemetery is ready for haunting. Add a fog machine, some scary music and a couple of stuffed dismembered body parts and you will be the envy of the neighborhood.To learn more...