Do-it-Yourself Halloween Gravestones

Halloween is fast approaching and with that means cooler weather and creepy decorating for that wonderful ghostly night. While many stores sell a vast variety of spooktacular decorations, I can't help but ask, "Why not individualize and make your own?" Below I've written up the instructions for a fun and child-friendly activity for parents and children that will give an excellent family time activity as well as a very unique Halloween decoration.

This is probably the easiest activity I've ever done for decorating, which you simply need a few thick sheets of Styrofoam or a material like that for those desiring something more earth friendly. One or two inches is the thickest I would go, but if you want, you could go three inches thick. Much bigger and it just becomes bulky. You also will need a knife to cut out the gravestone as well as grey acrylic paint (spray or liquid), dowel rods and black or silver markers to write on the gravestones. If you choose to go the paint by hand route be sure to get a few paintbrushes.

Before you begin, make sure that if you have young ones helping out that the area is prepared for painting if you intend to go by hand with old sheets or towels, otherwise make sure that you have an area with ventilation to spray paint your creation when the time comes. We don't want to make any messes that will result in permanent stains.

The first step in doing this is to trace out the shape of a gravestone you'll want on the board. You can go simple and round or even attempt to make it look a little jagged. If you really want to get adventurous you can try to create an outline of a cross instead of a "traditional" gravestone. When you're satisfied with your outline begin to cut slowly as Styrofoam for example can be a bit of a pain to cut neatly. With this activity there is no wrong way, so even if you have a small accident, brush it off and make the error work to your advantage.

Be sure when it's done to pick up any pieces that have fallen on the floor and dispose of them properly. I'm sure I don't have to preach the 'Styrofoam is messy' speech. Also be sure to brush off the outline of the gravestone to try to get as much of the loose bits off as possible. It makes painting a lot easier in the long run.

Now is the fun part! Painting! If you're using a spray can be sure to go outside if at all possible and paint in an area where nothing can be damaged and the project can dry without having leaves or other outdoor goodies falling on it and sticking. Follow the instructions on the can to the letter and for best results, put on two to three coats and let it dry in between. For those doing it by hand be sure you have enough paint for a few coats, too, as well as water to clean off the brushes when you're done. Start wherever you want and coat as much as you can and let dry at least 20 minutes before flipping the board over to get the back side. Repeat a few times if you aren't satisfied with the current color of the gravestone. Be sure to let it dry completely before continuing on to the next step.

When everything is dry and ready to be decorated, use your imagination to create your gravestones. Go intricate with the markers, create swirls and elegant outlines if you desire, or, go simple and write RIP, Here Lies Fred (Or any family member you desire!) or any other traditional phrase you'd see on Halloween decorations. As with the paint, when you're done with this, be sure to let the markers dry, because I'm pretty sure you don't want a smeared gravestone.

You're almost done! Now comes the easiest part of all, cutting the dowel rod to a proper size and gently sliding it into the base of the gravestone enough to make sure that the stone is steadied when placed into the ground. Be sure to leave enough outside the gravestone in order to place into the ground outside - wherever you desire. In your garden with the dying flowers from summer or a random patch in your front, side or back yard. Wedge them in straight up or leaning back against something slightly. Your options are almost limitless when it comes to location. Be sure to take a picture of your final creation to remember this fun activity for a long time.

Halloween has been a wonderful time of year for many children - those young and those young at heart. While shopping for decorations is often cheaper and easier, nothing replaces the fun and family time you get when you decide to make your own unique decorations. Be safe this holiday season and have a spooktacular night.