DIY Halloween Monument Prop from Foam!

[@Gothichallowtrees]

This Monument turned out great.A very spooky feel.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Wayne!

[@Gothichallowtrees]

Pink foam is hard to find.And when you do find it.You can't buy just one or two sheets. I had our Home Depot look it up. and they said they could get a large quantity of it at once. And it was almost $900. I don't know why our Home Depot and Lowe's cannot just get individual sheets. If I lived down the hill. I could definitely find it and buy as many as I want. But it is not worth the drive or the gas. We do have white foam so you can buy individually up here in the high desert. So I have to stick with that and make the best of it.

[@VanOaksProps]

It's hard to find here in Los Angeles too. You used to be able to walk into Home Depot and buy a sheet for $35, then it was $37, then $39 and now they don't sell it anymore. For awhile I was able to get it from a local building supply house, but this year they stopped selling it and I was stuck going to a different place that wanted $130 for a 4x8' sheet. I know I can drive a few hours away to get it, but just haven't made the drive...yet.

[@davidandora]

@@VanOaksProps whoa! I can't tell you how many things I've made with pink foam, but not recently. I wonder if this is a pandemic related issue. I can't imagine that it's being phased out. Even your prices seem so much higher than I remember not so long ago.

[@VanOaksProps]

Pink foam has been impossible to find for a few years now in Southern California. I think we just don't have a need for it in the construction business, so it doesn't make sense for Home Depot to stock it., even seasonally.

[@ManuFortiMcCoy]

That patina paint on the cap is one of the details that no one will ever see at night when it's hit with colored lights, but WE know it's there and it makes us happy as we look upon our creations.

[@VanOaksProps]

100% agree. If you knew the time I spent on things people will never see, you'd be shocked. LOL

[@TonyBullard]

It's ridiculous how a simple rounded edge can make a square look 100 times more classy.

[@VanOaksProps]

Right?! Once I realized I could use full size router bits I was never the same.

[@edenwinter9055]

Holy Carp!!!... attention to detail!!! So satisfying.

[@VanOaksProps]

Glad you like it!

[@RobertRoss-e6n]

No words could than you enough! In my old work life i used to work on huge cranes that had upwards of 23 computers on them! My wife and I remind me of you and yours! You are a great teacher and human being! I have always been handicapped by colorblindness; I remember when I was 5 y/o we did pilgrims in crayons on parent-teacher night, mine was the only one with a green face! They told me to never be encouraged to be in electronics, ! I ignored That! So I am sure you know do the best with what you have! Bob and Debbie in Oregon

[@brianmoeller3539]

Ok..am I the only one that hears Casey Kasem when Derek talks? Seriously has a voice for radio. Love the videos! Had some great success with my tombstones, but have some bubbling due to heavy rains. Oh well, more craft time for me 😁

[@VanOaksProps]

I get that a lot. Lol

[@thedisgruntledceliac4654]

Fantastic tutorial! Thank you for sharing so many great techniques! Wondering if you will do an in-depth tutorial on the Dremel tools and fittings you use in the future. I think it'd be a great educational video for newbies to the craft in order to have a better understanding of these versatile tools. Your videos are always so inspiring. Thank you again!

[@VanOaksProps]

I hadn’t thought of it, but I can definitely add it to the list of topics to cover! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@sventer198]

@@VanOaksProps what type of foam are you using?

[@VanOaksProps]

@@sventer198 XPS Insulation foam.

[@MrLuckyAndrew]

This was a great DYI build video as it covered it all, foam, paint layering, and epoxy sculpting

[@shellyjoseph3109]

oh my gosh amazing

[@wickeddesigns7951]

Blown away! If I didn't know any better, I'd never guess that to be made out of foam and plastic. Fantastic job on this one.👍

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you very much!

[@themermaidstale5008]

Your enthusiasm and passion for your creations is obvious. You’re an artist.

[@VanOaksProps]

That’s so nice of you to say. Thank you!

[@aliabolhassani5820]

You are a god amongst men sir! Bravo!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you kindly!

[@horses2by]

Fantastic Halloween prop, 👏thanks for sharing

[@23Prospero37]

Regarding the endless foam particles, I saw one foam carving tutorial that recommends using an electric leafblower/vacuum combo unit. The vacuum will pick up most of the foam bits and the electric units aren't as noisy as the gas powered ones.

[@lyndilee2955]

I know I've already told you this once before, but I am sooo happy I found your channel! This monument is great and your instructions are so easy for anyone to follow!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks so much!!

[@ginwilcox9555]

This is great. Also, you have an almost Cadey Kasem voice!

[@ashleya8532]

I like the way it turned out! Like the part when you said you didn't like it, I thought it looked cool; like a weathered, dirty kinda aesthetic! I so want to make one!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you! You should do it.

[@alan-baird]

5:12 Trypophobia warning! I was not ready!

[@TonyBullard]

Ha! Yeah, he probably could have used something to make larger "hammer" dents. But it IS a Halloween prop, after all.

[@KerriGilpin]

I’m finishing a headless horseman statue based on your other patina video. It was grey mottled to kind of look like stone or concrete when I bought it, but I immediately knew I was going to paint it to look like weathered bronze with patina. I’m close to done! The bird/urn here looks legit like metal- no question! Great tutorial! I’m gonna have to look for Drylok next time I hit the hardware store!

[@jamesfountain6183]

This looks awesome. I can't wait til my workshop/storage building gets built so I can start on all my Halloween/Christmas DIY projects.

[@jenm6186]

Wow!!! This is absolutely incredible!!! Awesome and inspiring.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@VintageVibesRadio]

fantastic. i need to make pillars. never thought about styrene.

[@VanOaksProps]

It’s great! I’m a big fan of XPS foam.

[@billylake5594]

Great job. Turn out amazing

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you

[@WolfTenor]

I have been loving your tutorials this year! Thank you for your time and energy to do this!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@davidandora]

I just shrieked! I was doing a completely unrelated search when this popped up! It's wonderful and weird seeing your work pop up elsewhere. Your raven monument looks fantastic, and I love the upgrades using a foam dome... much easier to effectively incorporate the decoy base! I was just looking at my two monuments outside not long before seeing this! Thanks for making this video and sharing the idea with your followers! I just added a link to your video in my Instructable. :)

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you so much, David! This is such a great use of common items and I knew when I saw it that it would be worth sharing.

[@outdooroutfitters3658]

That's a cool video! Thanks for sharing.

[@donnamagana9839]

Adding this one to my list of props I want to make! Thank you!

[@VanOaksProps]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@GoodGodManWTH]

Amazing talent!!!!

[@factoriamarciana3757]

I love your work. It's very instructive. Congratulations.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks so much!

[@FreeCremationWinner]

That looks incredible

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you!

[@moneysaverlady]

This is amazing...so are your “Pro Tips” love them! New subscriber now 😆

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@ellasscraps7734]

New to your channel l love it thank you from Australia

[@tressydoll68]

I just found your channel today. You’re so creative. Love everything I’ve seen! 😍

[@VanOaksProps]

Welcome!!

[@CGDiscussion]

Over the top. Great video

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Kenny!

[@wjmeyer69]

Very nice tutorial! Finishing up my tombstones from your tutorial today!

[@VanOaksProps]

Have fun!

[@tequilamockingbird3553]

That’s amaze-balls! 😮

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks!

[@judyeldridge5786]

This was totally awesome

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Judy!

[@peterheynen]

This is AWSOME! Thank you very, very much!!! I love your tutorial, they are super to follow along and your tips are like pure gold. Your videos help to rise the spirit of Halloween here in Germany :-)

[@VanOaksProps]

Glad you like them!

[@peterheynen]

@@VanOaksProps I hope one day I will be able to create as awsome decorations like you. :-)

[@VanOaksProps]

@@peterheynen You will! It's all about taking chances and not being afraid to fail. I'm happy to hear that people from different parts of the world are enjoying the videos and are celebrating Halloween!

[@chrisck7343]

Excellent job!! That looks Awesome 👍

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Chris!

[@chrisck7343]

@@VanOaksProps thank you for sharing your super cool techniques!!

[@jeffnew2003]

amazing

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Jeff!

[@TotallyTursiops]

Wow! I want to be able to do this! Thank you so much for giving me some inspiration!

[@VanOaksProps]

You can do it!

[@peterheynen]

It looks AMAZING! Great ideas and techniques. Thank you very much.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you, Peter!

[@pineappleallie7672]

Wow. Outstanding.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you!

[@jaimienakae3936]

Awesome! You’re killing it with so many great videos this season!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you, Jaimie!

[@GregPackard]

Looks great, but hey who didn’t expect that!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Greg!

[@markwilloughbywood3868]

That's an AWESOME job. You ROCK!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Mark!

[@markwilloughbywood3868]

@@VanOaksProps 🧡🖤🧡

[@markwilloughbywood3868]

Nearly 2 decades ago, my late partner (an actress best known for her role as Louise Tate in Bewitched) and i wrote a couple of Hallowe'en how-to books. We had some nice tombstones (for their day) but nothing as perfect as this!! One of our sponsors was "Fleckstone" so that made the under finish easy! LOL... my favourite part was using a shallow skull cake pan and paper mache` to create a raised "death's head" design on one of them. They were subsequently used for years at the home of "Dr. Bombay" Bernard Fox's house...

[@VanOaksProps]

@@markwilloughbywood3868 That's amazing! I love stories like this.

[@ghggp1]

OUTSTANDING! Great job!!!

[@ToilandTroublesDIY]

Came out awesome! Definitely inspired me to incorporate more router work into my props.

[@VanOaksProps]

Yeah, it's a really easy way to make something look more architectural without having to be a sculptor.

[@pauletteyoung9816]

I love this monument so much! Can you provide basic dimensions of the pieces? You can see some, but not all in the video.

[@VanOaksProps]

The overall height is 29". The top section is 13.5x13.5x2". The next segment down is 12x12x2". The middle segment is 16.5x11x11". The next segment down is 14x14x5" and the bottom segment is 16x16x2"

[@costumesforalloccasions]

Awesome job Derek!

[@kevinoneal6325]

Brilliant!!!

[@deniseclepper1436]

Very cool!

[@Peter_Herrman]

Looks amazing! Great video! Thanks

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you!!

[@macEboy]

Outstanding! Thanks Sir

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Mac!

[@ranilathiele4605]

Absolut fantastisch 👍

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you!!

[@hauntjunkies]

Awesome! As usual!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks!

[@leonaraya2149]

Woowwwe... Really awesome!!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Glad you like it!

[@reallyfijateperocomocono1131]

This was sick! Love it!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you!

[@shoniewright2878]

Thanks for the great tutorial.

[@VanOaksProps]

You are welcome!

[@lilliank3542]

Another thing you can do to age the "stone" is to use a heat gun over it, adding texture, and then take a small knife or even the tip of a paintbrush and make "cracks" in it.

[@VanOaksProps]

Absolutely. I go into detail on both those processes in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3akcqSirdxjf7M

[@ScareHollow]

awesome!!!!! gonna add it to my 2021 prop list!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks!!

[@BlatantlySwedishPGN]

I absolutely love these tutorials!

[@VanOaksProps]

Glad you like them!

[@94auwing]

Thanks love your videos

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you!!

[@BeeHus2256]

Love this. Your work is so awesome!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks so much!

[@jerrilynnroth2117]

I ❤️L❤️O❤️V❤️E❤️ it!

[@pauldinehart9059]

Fantastic tutorial again every single one has been fantastic have really enjoyed them. You have set me up with so many projects that I know that I will be completing next year before Halloween comes around. Feel silly for selling my router many years ago at a garage sale now I need to go get one again. I would love to see a tutorial on flickering candles would really love to add that to my cemetery. Thanks a lot looking forward to seeing more. ⚰️

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you, Paul!

[@chungafea1879]

This is amazing.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you!

[@captdan7876]

Woooooooooow! That’s awesome!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thank you!

[@brenmayhugh]

Amazing. As always.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks!

[@pitnatclem]

Thank you this tutorial is fantastic

[@VanOaksProps]

Glad you like it!

[@pmsteamrailroading]

Ok. Cool. So where do you store this the other 11 months of the year?

[@VanOaksProps]

In the garage.

[@thomasharrison8687]

Awesome!!!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks!!

[@Hauntguy311]

So cool!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks buddy!

[@PeteGeniella]

Great video as always! Any tips on sourcing that thick insulation in Southern California? Seems like my local home centers only have the foil backed, less that 1” thick stuff

[@VanOaksProps]

I’d check out hauntersfoam.com

[@EDGeProjects]

Send some sun to Denver and Ill send foam your way! snowing and 13 now. Just hope the 31st is nice!!!

[@themermaidstale5008]

@@EDGeProjects It’s in the 80s in my part of Florida.

[@xhellz7895]

I have a question, do you use anything for weight to prevent the wind pushing it over? Or is it heavy enough that it won't fall over?

[@VanOaksProps]

Some of the monuments I've built are heavy enough or have a low enough center of gravity to not need any help, but for this one I used PVC pipe and rebar, just like in our "How to windproof your tombstones" video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqbcm6OOasdoprM

[@davewood5773]

Awesome tutorial, as always. I’m in the process of building it. I’m sure you’ve probably answered this question a million times, but how do you keep your spray bottle from clogging with paint. I’m doing your 1 part black paint with 3 parts water and my nozzle will stop working after just a few pumps. Would appreciate your expertise. Thanks much!

[@VanOaksProps]

Run your thinned paint through a fine mesh paper strainer before putting it in the bottle.

[@davewood5773]

@@VanOaksProps will do. Thanks so much!

[@NukeDetonator]

This looks so real! Could you possibly do a crypt entrance tutorial? I want to do one for my Haunted House entrance next year, but Im not sure where to start!

[@VanOaksProps]

I don't currently have plans to, but I'd check out this video from K Studios: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ina2dH1vmM-Ej68

[@CaravanFarms]

blow dry hair brushes work great for texturing

[@realmswhatwillbeyournightm8230]

Loved it and wher did u get the statue in the background and is it real

[@VanOaksProps]

It is real and I got it in the garden center of my local hardware store about 8 years ago.

[@realmswhatwillbeyournightm8230]

@@VanOaksProps o cool it’s really cool

[@patbo3577]

Your urn reminded me that I found it difficult to find directions to make a obelisk, if you haven't already, there's another stable of a cemetery. ( I added a urn to the top of my obelisk)

[@allen3776]

Hey Derrick! This build really stuck with me, so much that I had to make one. Would like to send you a picture? Is that possible? Can't paste one into the spot here. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@VanOaksProps]

My contact info is on the “about” section of my channel page. I’m also on instagram @vanoaksprops

[@rocelia05]

Wow!!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks for watching!

[@carolburger7252]

❤love!

[@AndrewZona]

Is there a cheaper alternative to Apoxie Sculpt?

[@VanOaksProps]

Plumbers epoxy might be a good option. I haven't tried it myself, but it's a similar two part mix product.

[@CobblemillHauntedHouse]

How many coats of dry lock should I paint on my tombstone?

[@VanOaksProps]

I did two, but the more you add the more texture you create. So there’s no wrong answer.

[@CobblemillHauntedHouse]

@@VanOaksProps ok thanks!

[@thatonekid1907]

I have a question about Charlotte. What kind of wire did you use

[@VanOaksProps]

Just your standard chicken wire. You can see it in the video we made about her. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqSrqY2ZorqagKc

[@thatonekid1907]

@@VanOaksProps thanks

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Kaa kaa!! Thumbs up 👍 if you like this.

[@kevinkelly8444]

Have you tried air dry foam clay for smoothing out transitions? Before I give it a go I thought I'd see if you have any experience with it. I used it a bit with an EVA project with decent results. P.S. your tutorials are my go to videos for Halloween. Thanks man.

[@VanOaksProps]

Hey Kevin! I haven’t tried it yet but I’d go check out SKS Props channel, since I think he’s the goto for foam clay.

[@GHILLIESARCADEANDMORE]

Cool

[@mitchmunglim147]

Hi, This looks so awesome, but I don't understand the Router part. Was that a hand held Dremmel? What is the equipment piece called to make those spectacular edging?!?! (Sorry I have no clue what a router is)

[@VanOaksProps]

A router is like a larger size “dremel” or rotary tool. It’s primarily used for wood working. The part used to make the edging is a router bit. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

[@flightofapaullo72]

Super cool! New sub here. 👍

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks so much!

[@jennnicholls6033]

What do you use to cut your foam so straight? I'm trying to build these right now and and holy cow we've tried everything!

[@VanOaksProps]

Circular saw or a Japanese pull saw are my go to for straight cuts.

[@jennnicholls6033]

@@VanOaksProps thanks! I'm also reminding myself that it's a Halloween prop so some uneven lines are giving it “old” vibes🤣

[@JC-ms2rz]

So no link for the Epoxy sculpt stuff? Easy to find on Amazon but I find it ironic that there is a long list of materials with links and the one I am interested in did not have a link. :)

[@VanOaksProps]

Oops! Here you go: amzn.to/3dYsZzS

[@PJProps]

We made this monument but simplified the junction between the crown feet and foam using apoxy sculpt. I’ve got photos but can’t post here😢

[@phil7556]

YOU sir, are a master! I learned so much in just one packed video. Question. What can I use to harden and seal pink foamboard props that will be displayed outdoors. My pink foam woodgrain props is pretty good, but what will waterproof and harden without adding a sheen. Everything seems to add a sheen to my wood effect which ruins the dry flat weathered woodgrain. Any ideas?

[@VanOaksProps]

There's Monster Mud, although the pink foam is plenty rigid in my opinion. As for non-glossy finishes, I always try to get matte acrylic paint because it's weather resistant and won't shine up the prop.

[@beckymurphy4714]

I'm totally going to raid...I mean...pay attention next time I work in the garden center, and see what urns I can find.

[@HotPawsCreations]

I’m in Orange County and want to make some tombstone props. Can I use the white foam with aluminum on it HD sells to carve stuff? After peeling off the aluminum? Or is there a better foam I can get from another store like Ganahl Lumber? SueR

[@VanOaksProps]

Yes, you can. Although if you can find the pink foam it’s better

[@RosieRoars]

I’d love to do this in all 4 corners of my cemetery fence, or one on each side of the gate opening 🥰😈

[@VanOaksProps]

That would be awesome.

[@flywithbart]

Do you have a favorite reference for these sorts of monuments, etc.? I have been trying to find something to use to cover a fairly large fog chiller set up but have not found anything that is jumping out at me for the proper scale.

[@VanOaksProps]

Everywhere I’ve travelled I make a point to visit a cemetery and always take pictures. If that’s not possible, like this past year, I follow a bunch of Instagram accounts that post photos of cemeteries and I save the ones I like.

[@wesleywalker4709]

You're using 3 inch foam. Do you buy it from the local big box hardware store? My local (Central Florida) doesn't carry anything over 1 1/2 inch.

[@VanOaksProps]

It was given to us by friends who sourced it outside of L.A. County. I’ve never seen it in a hardware store.