I decided that I needed some new tombstones for my Halloween decorations this year. I'm also tired of chasing my foam store purchased stones after a good wind comes through the neighborhood. I made a quick run to my local Lowe's for some supplies. Aside from waiting for paint to dry this was a quick project.

Step 1: Step 1: Gather Materials

Materials:

Plywood or some type of board wood. (I found a sheet that I cut into 3 pieces)

Stakes (I used 1x1) paint:

-Primer - I used a pray primer

-Stone look - I chose textured sandstone spray paint

-Detail - I had a can of chalkboard paint around the house

hardware: screws or nails (1.25 inch screw)

faux moss (if desired)

Tools:

Circular Saw (Any saw will work, but some will work better for strange shapes or curving lines.)

Drill (Phillips (for my screws) & drill bit)

Palm Sander

Glue

Small paint brush

Drop cloth (painting) (I used a lawn bag)

Saw Horse (cutting)

Step 2: Step 2: Design

This is entirely up to you. I made 3 stones, and each one is different from the other.

I was going for a "Burton-esque" look, but I'm not Tim.

Step 3: Step 3: Cut & Sand

I used a circular saw

Step 4: Step 4: Post & Paint

After pre-drilling the holes, I screwed the board to the stake.

Then I primer sprayed the stone, this left the wood grey, but still looking like a wooden cut-out.

After the primer was dry, I followed up with my Sandstone look spray. I love this look, and didn't need a second coating, just some touch up.

I used a chalkboard paint for writing on the stones.

-Painting on stone textured paint with chalkboard paint was a very time consuming process. The chalk paint need to be a little thick, especially on a textured surface. I am however very happy with the look.

Step 5: Step 5: Details (optional)

As an option you can further detail your tombstones.

Materials

-Faux Moss

-Glue

-old/broken decorations

I use some wood glue to strategically place moss around some of my tombstones.

I had the head of a 'flying ghoul" that fell apart after it's 5th year hanging under my tree. This skull was made of foam. I cut the back of the skull flat, then smoothed it out. I fixed it to the tombstone with 2 screws & wood glue.