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There are two basic types of instructions for headstones:
Flat headstones for shadows on Window shades are easy and quick, beginner instructions.
The second are ones for the yard; are easy but take a little more time to construct.
This is a video on HOW TO MAKE CLOTH TOMBSTONES
The grave yard at the end of this video is easy to construct and install.
For extra spooky trees you can put tree limbs into Christmas tree stands, wind with purple or orange lights and these help light the scene. Make 3 to 5 headstones with or with out epitaphs and sprinkle around the areas, some under lights trees some not. Add a few ground breaking skeletons or lighted heads and a 3 to 5 ghosts your done. For less $150.00 your can have a complete scene. My grave yard is lit by the ghosts, breaking bones yard displays and limbs propped into Christmas tree stands and then wound with lights. They must have looked good because one year the first two I made were stolen and they have not turned up yet.
MATERIALS LIST
Fabric that looks like stone or board. I use an off white type with veins of other grays and black going through it. As these do not illuminate a person can use heavier upholstery type fabric that has some knobby texture to it.
A piece of 8 to 10 gauge wire to fit around and top and down the side of the costume, approximately 30 to 34 inches. The heavier the fabric the better to withstand the outside elements.
Fabric glue
SHADOWS FOR WINDOW SHADES MATERIALS LIST
black fabric the size of your pattern...see making pattern below
MAKING THE PATTERN
First determine the height and width of your stone. We will use 3 foot tall and 20 inches wide but this will depend on what you want. See suggested size charts at the bottom of this page for shadow type headstones for WINDOW SHADES.
Next draw a rectangle the dimensions of the stone.Round the top two corners.
STOP HERE IF THESE ARE BEING USED FOR SHADOWS. Cut pattern out of paper, cut out of fabric and finish
Headstones for Cemetary scene shade.
Add 1 inch around the top and sides of pattern.
FOR A TWO DIMENSIONAL STONES
Determine the width you want, I use 3 inches.Measure the outside edge of the stone before adding the 1 inch seam allowance.
Draw a 3 inch wide piece the length of the outside edge, add 1 inch.
Cut two stones and one side pieces
ASSEMBLING THE STONE
If you are going to add words or pictures to this stone, do it now before assembling the piece. Letters can be cut out of contract fabric by using stencils the size you need or drawing out your self. Zig Zag trim is good for just placing on and sewing or gluing in place.
ONE PIECE STONE
Turn out side edges in 1 inch and glue or zig zag stitch in place. Follow label instruction for drying
Cut wire 24 inches longer than the outside edge measurement. Slide through the casing or pocket you just made by turning in the outside edges. There will be 12 inches on each side to slide into the ground.
TWO PIECE HEADSTONE
Sew the side pieces with wrong sides together onto the headstones. Pin the seam to the stone and sew down. This creates a pocket for the wires on both sides. Use a flexible strip of foam to insert into the side pocket to stiffen and retain the stone form.
Cut two wires 24 inches longer than the outside edge measurement. Slide through the casing or pocket you just made by sewing the seam to the stone. There will be 12 inches on each side to slide into the ground.
SIZE CHART
Yard sizes would be: 4 foot tall, 36 inches wide
3 foot tall, 20 inches wide
2 foot tall, 12 inches wide
Shade sizes would be:
14 inches tall, 12 inches wide
12 inches tall, 10 inches wide
8 inches tall, 6 inches wide
Crosses or different topper effects may be added as well as words or skeletal shapes can be cut out. For an impressively realistic skull that is pierced by two gleaming pirate swords look at this inexpesive prop to add to a tombstone. There is a hook on back for easy mounting.
WORDS:RIP (Rest in Peace)
For more Halloween yard decorations go to:
CREATING A GHOST SCREEN for your Halloween screen.
The The HOW TO MAKE A WITCH instructions.
The HOW TO MAKE A SPIDERWEB instructions.
The HOW TO MAKE THE GHOUL - GRIM REAPER COSTUME instructions.
The HOW TO MAKE GHOST instructions.
Top off your graveyard scene by adding flying ghosts or witches using moving a Holiday Projector. It is fun to watch the traffic stop to take a second look.
A really great place to buy inexpensive Halloween props, and Halloween costumes is from SpiritHalloween.Click Here! This site has A Ground Breaking Skeleton With Light Up Brain that complement the 3D tombstones you are making. They can be placed in front of the headstones to light up the graveyard. Look for props and accessories to compliment your grave yard scene.
They also have a Get 20% off 1 item at SpiritHalloween when you use the coupon code SPAF20! Hurry, this offer ends 10/29/09!Click Here! I don't really like styrofoam headstone because the wire eventually works its way out of the styrofoam and then blows all over the place. If you make the cloth one they last longer, and if you want the dark streaks, you can add this by using fabric paints.
If you want to make a Styrofoam headstones view this video.
