How to Make a Cemetery Marker
Cemetery markers are popular as yard decorations for Halloween. You can, of course, purchase ready-made cemetery markers at a department store or craft store. However, store-bought markers are often expensive. Reduce the cost of your Halloween decorations by making your own cemetery markers. You will need a few supplies and at least a day of your time, depending on how many graves you want to mark.
Things You'll Need
- Wood
- Jigsaw
- Sandpaper, 150-180 grit
- Rag
- Light gray acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- Dark gray acrylic paint
- Medium gray acrylic paint
- Black paint
- Spray polyurethane
Instructions
-
Cut Wood Pieces
-
1
Cut scrap pieces of wood with a jigsaw to the size you want. Remember that cemetery markers are made in a variety of sizes and shapes. If you are making several, give each a slightly different size and shape. Leave the bottom edges of the wood pieces straight.
-
2
Sand the edges of the cut wood with 150-to-180 fine grit sandpaper.
-
-
3
Dust off sanding debris with a rag.
Paint the Markers
-
4
Paint the tombstones with light gray acrylic paint and a paintbrush. Paint both sides, as well as the front and back. Allow the paint to dry.
-
5
Paint light streaks on the marker with a small-tipped paintbrush and dark gray acrylic paint. Load the brush with the paint and streak the very tip of the brush across the tombstone until the brush is empty.
-
6
Dry brush the streaks. Use a brush that is completely dry and brush the streaks up and down or across the tombstone. Brush once, then wipe the tip of the brush off with a rag, then wipe again. Continue wiping and brushing as you create a marbled effect on the tombstone.
-
7
Spatter the tombstone. Working outdoors, stand back from the tombstone holding a paintbrush that has been lightly loaded with dark gray paint. Flick your wrist, spattering specks of paint on the tombstone. This technique gives the tombstone an aged look.
Write Inscriptions
-
8
Write a message on each tombstone with medium gray paint, creating the lettering as desired. Don’t be afraid to make your messages humorous, such as “Here Lies Bob in His Dress, Blown to Bits, Hair’s a Mess.” Include birth and death dates.
-
9
Outline the letters of the message with black paint and a fine-tipped paintbrush.
-
10
Spray polyurethane over the completed tombstone to protect the wood and paint. One or two coats are sufficient.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are making several cemetery markers, draw the marker shapes on wax paper first and cut them out. This will create a marker pattern that you can then duplicate on as many tombstones as desired.
Use Styrofoam, if desired, instead of wood. However, do not use spray paint or the spray polyurethane on the markers, as the spray paint and polyurethane will dissolve the Styrofoam.
