Tombstones are typically the first project most Haunter's begin with.
If you've ever seen the tombstones available in most Canadian stores, they look cheap and flimsy. When you build your own tombstones they definately look more realistic than the ones in the store, providing you take your time, and they are unique, sometimes one of a kind. I've been putting friends names and their own epitaphs on them. Typically they work out to be cheaper than the 1/4 in foam RIP tombstone that you bought for 12.00 dollars at the novelty shop...(Yes I did.)
But before you begin, always remember SAFETY is number 1 !. Wear safety googles, and appropriate clothing. Work in well lighted and ventilated areas. And make sure you are well rested, because when you are tired that's when you make mistakes and accidents happen.
Number 2...SPRAY PAINT EATS the foam. So if you think you are going to just save some time and spray paint your tombstones without priming with latex paint, you'll be very sorry you did. You will end up with one disintigrated mess.
Now on to tombstone building. I learned how to build tombstones from this website. . It's very detailed and if you have any questions please feel free to ask me.
........more pictures to follow
Tombstone TEMPLATES, this is where I got my templates from .
If you are looking for Epitaphs, visit Mark Butler's Monster Page and near the bottom of his webpage you will see various lisiting for Tombstone/Gravestone Building and there are various lisitings for epitaphs.
I use this site for some of my epitaphs ...
SUPPLIES
Here's the places where I purchased my supplies
Michael's
Hot Wire Foam Cutter
Ivy Stensil
Home Depot
2" Pink Foam Board Insulation
FYI..If the associates are not busy they can cut the foam to various lengths to fit in your car, but typically they don't cut it straight, so bring your own exacto knife and a tape measure. But if you have a minivan, then the whole sheet usually fits in and you don't have to worry about cutting, but make sure you do your measurements ahead of time.
Exacto knife
Sanding Blocks, medium and fine grit
Alex Plus - Acrylic Latex Caulk (to fill in mistakes and gaps)
No More Nails Glue
Quick Clamps- (to clamp layers of foam for raised ornate tombstones)
Wood/ Nails for tombstone brackets
Dremel & Accessories - Dremel Router Kit, Dremel Hot Knife Kit
Paint - use Flat latex, and check out the "Oops Table" I've found all my paint on the Oops Table and prices range from $5-$9 versus spending $15-$20 for a new freshly mixed can of grey or black paint.
I also found the Behr Sandwashpaint makes your tombstone look and feel more realistic. It's 34.00 a can, so ALWAYS check the "Oops Table" they usually list it at $9.00 WHAT A DEAL!!!
Spray paint - Black, Grey, Granite, Stone texture
Foam Paint Brushes and Rollers
PolyFill for Ivy Stensil