Every grave needs a tombstone. The haunted shovel is no exception. We decided to keep it simple-ish this time. No fancy epitaph, just R. I. P.
Like most of our grave markers, this stone is made from pink insulation foam. There are three layers, the back layer, a middle layer that also contains the text, and the front most layer that gives the recessed look.
Sandwiched between the middle and rear layers are two lengths of cpvc pipe. The pipe acts as a support structure, and makes it easy to insert fiberglass driveway markers, or other stakes. (when used indoors at conventions, etc. we use a couple of long lag bolts)
The outline for the tombstone was sketched on the foam then cut using a hot knife. We cut the base at an angle to force the tombstone to sit lopsided. It’s an easy way to add some additional character, especially for a tombstone that is on ground that is constantly being disturbed by a haunted shovel. The border piece was then cut again using it’s outer edge as a guide ensuring a consistent look.
Once the pieces were cut to shape, we cut in two slots to fit the cpvc pipe and then glued the middle and back sandwich together. One that had dried we sketched out the lettering and cut that out using a router. (Make sure to use a mask, and work in a ventilated space.) After the carving was done we attached the last foam frame piece with glue and let it dry.
Once dry, the edges were sanded, then any unwanted cracks or gaps were filled with drywall compound. When that hardened we mixed up a batch of “monster mud” and coated the whole tombstone. Monster mud, if you don’t know, is a mixture of drywall mud, and paint (usually latex).
After the mud coating had dried we first painted the letters black for high contrast. We then dry brushed the surface with some lighter white-ish paint to add a little more depth and highlight the textures. Once that dried, we stood the stone up and took a spray bottle with diluted blank paint and sprayed the whole thing from top to bottom allowing the watery paint to run ad oil in various areas. This gives the stone a more weathered look.
Once the paint had dried the entire stone got a couple coats of matte finish clear coat to weatherproof the finish.