Mound earth to look like newly dug graves and set out a few of these tombstones for a deathly welcome. The tombstones were carefully constructed out of polystyrene insulation. To ensure an easy cleanup, pile the dirt from the "fresh graves" onto a black plastic drop cloth.
For inspiration before you begin, visit a cemetery and take photos and notes on the various shapes and details of gravestones. Then draw your own design or enlarge one of our templates to the desired size using the grid method.
First, decide on the size of your stone. Next, using a ruler, draw a grid that size on kraft paper, proportionate to the grid on the original, with the same number of squares. Finally, draw the outline of the tombstone in the corresponding squares on the grid.
Step 2
Cutting and Priming the Tombstone
Cut out the enlarged template. Trace the design onto a 2-inch-thick sheet of polystyrene insulation (available at home stores). With a fine or medium jigsaw blade, cut out the tombstone. Carefully sand the edges with medium-grit sandpaper (heavier sandpaper may tear the polystyrene). Paint the tombstone with a coat of light-gray or other neutral water-based primer; let dry.
To add a spookier, more realistic look, take a rag to the tombstone before the paint completely dries, rubbing and smudging to create a texture. To darken the tombstone, repeat steps 3 and 4.
Applying Final Aging Techniques and Erecting the Tombstone
Apply a final wash of very watered-down dark-gray paint to blend the details. Allow paint to drip down from the top of the tombstone, creating a rained-on look. Finally, to erect the finished tombstone, sharpen both ends of two 10-inch-long, 3/4-inch-diameter dowels with a mat knife. Drive the stakes into the bottom of the tombstone, and push the tombstone into the ground.
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