Halloween DIY
Tombstone Project Guide
Halloween is the perfect time to let your creativity run wild, and nothing sets the scene for a spooky yard display like a row of handmade tombstones. Instead of spending a fortune on store-bought props, you can easily craft your own using materials found at Turkstra! Whether you’re aiming for eerie elegance or over-the-top fright, this DIY project is a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit while making the most of materials you can pick up locally!
The Essentials
You Will Need:
• 2”x2’x8’ Insulation Foam Board (1 sheet will make at least 2 tombstones)
• Utility Knife
• PL Foam Board Adhesive
• Caulking Gun
• Black Marker
• 2”x2”x24” Wooden Stake
• Work Gloves
Step 1
Choose a Tombstone Design
The first step of creating your DIY tombstone is choosing a shape. Whether you’d like a traditional rounded stone or something more ornate, there’s lots of inspo pics online!
Step 2
Draw Your Stone
Using a black marker, draw out the shape of your tombstone on the backside of the Cladmate foam (the side with the writing on it). Don’t worry if you make a mistake or need to redraw a line! The back of the foam will not show on the end product!
Pro tip: Decide the height and width of the entire tombstone and use a ruler to trace the equivalent rectangle onto your foam board. This will give you a ‘frame’ to work within, so that your tombstone is easier to draw out!
Step 3
Cut Out Your Tombstone
Place your foam onto a cut-safe surface and put on your work gloves. Begin cutting along the perimeter of the tombstone. Due to the thickness of the foam, you may need to make multiple passes with the knife. Once you have cut most of the way through the foam board, you can apply pressure and break the foam along the line.
Try your best to follow the lines, but if you make a mistake, it’s okay! Tombstones wear down over time and often become cracked, broken, and misshapen!
Step 4
Add Lettering & Decorative Elements
Type out what you would like written on your tombstone, adjusting the size and font to suit your design.
Print out the words on plain paper and arrange them on your cutout tombstone. Use tape or thumbtacks to hold the paper in place.
Use a sharp pencil or thumbtack to poke along the outline of each letter.
Remove your stencil and use your utility knife to make a shallow cut along the outline of each letter. Remove the surface of the foam board in the shape of the letters using the utility knife. This will create an engraved effect! You can also create decorative elements using this technique (a border, foliage, dates, etc).
Step 5
Shape The Edges & Add Texture
Shave the edges of your tombstone using your utility knife to create rounded edges and add texture. To add more texture, run the edge of the knife back and forth along the edge of the foam. This will remove random chunks and create a more realistic weathered look.
Pro Tip: Cutting and engraving the foam creates a lot of static electricity! Have a small dust pan ready and sweep up as you go to minimize clean up time.
Using a utility knife, cut some cracks into your tombstone to add character. Make these cracks using a v-shape cut. You can also carefully scrape the foam’s surface using the tip of your utility blade to add branches and details to your cracks.
Step 6
Darken Your Engravings
Gently run a black marker inside your letters and design elements, to make them stand out from the gray foam. You can also add marker to the cracks you carved to make them more realistic.
Step 7
Attach a Support to Your Tombstone
Place your tombstone facedown on a clean and level surface. Place the 2x2 stake vertically in the middle of the stone with the point facing down. Use a pencil or marker to trace around the stake.
Run a bead of foam board adhesive vertically down the center of where the stake will be. Lay the wooden stake on the glue and apply even pressure to spread the adhesive.
Place moderately heavy objects along the stake (books, etc). Allow the glue to dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
Step 8
You're Done! Enjoy Your Decoration.
This Halloween Tombstone DIY is the perfect way to celebrate spooky season while creating an eye-catching decoration for your home! It’s easy and fun, plus it doesn’t require craft experience. We want to see what you make! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook!
Other ideas:
- Glue a foam rectangle at the bottom edge of your tombstone to create a base or ‘step’.
- Seal your tombstone with a foam-safe primer and paint it. Apply colour washes and dry brushing with colours like brown, black, and green, to create a weathered look that you’re happy with!
- Add fake moss to the cracks and edges of your tombstone for added texture and realism.