HOW TO MAKE REALISTIC HALLOWEEN TOMBSTONES - TUTORIAL

Today I’m going to show you how to make realistic looking tombstones using insulation foam board! All materials are listed below! Happy Carving!
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Supply list below!
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Dremel Multi-Purpose Cutting Kit www.amazon.com...
Dremel www.amazon.com...
Shaver Tool
www.amazon.com...
Tungsten Carbide Burrs Bits www.amazon.com...
Wire Brush
www.amazon.com...
Paint Brushes Set
www.amazon.com...
Acrylic Paint
www.amazon.com...
2-in x 4-ft x 8-ft Unfaced Polystyrene Foam Board Insulation www.lowes.com/...
X-Acto Knife
www.amazon.com...
Elmers Jumbo Disappearing Purple Glue www.amazon.com...
Optional Accessory Pieces
Skeleton Skull www.amazon.com...
Ekena Millwork www.amazon.com...
Flying Bat Wall Plaque www.amazon.com...
Ekena Millwork large www.amazon.com...
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[@chaserivera60]

Absolutely the BEST tutorial tombstone video. Can I adopt you for my son? The only requirement is you come home to "momma's" house every August LOL

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you Chase! Haha ok I’ll sign the adoption papers now 📝 But you’ll need to help me build things. Deal?

[@hulkhoganstights6596]

Weirdo!

[@dcruicks1]

I second that!!

[@mariaolivas4182]

You are so talented. Love every single item you make. Do you decorate for birthdays?

[@thesentimentalsoul3683]

You truly have talent. Amazing work

[@pamthompson3170]

Those came out really great. The way they are displayed is like an old little used in this day graveyard. Abandoned lonely.

[@benjaminnnkt]

honestly every video I'm more and more impressed with you skills, I absolutely love the longer more in-depth vids and seeing you do your thing! you're amazing, so bloody talented.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thanks Benjamin. You’ve done very well

[@leginagonzales4264]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY For some reason I can't add my own comment sorry. Question I work in a medical office. I have kept all the WHITE insulation foam. Is it still to awful of foam to try and use. It was free and I have it not knowing better. Can I glue peices to make bigger ones? Thank you LOVE YOUR VIDOES!!!!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

@@leginagonzales4264 can you send me a picture of the foam you have? I wanna make sure it’s the one that can be carved. Search Facebook for “Isaac Alexander DIY”

[@orion8835]

These are fantastic. Unusual shapes and hilarious epitaphs for the Hollywood line up of characters. The scale is refreshing as often the tombstones are too small . This size is great to add with smaller sizes creating a layered look. I also enjoy the color variations. I have done a mix of more white stones and others more grey. Fun, fun.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you for this awesome feedback! I did want larger stones because the ones they seek at big box stores are always so small.

[@NAS4A2]

Thank you so much! Love your techniques and simple instructions.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

You’re very welcome

[@TheDarthBobul]

Love the foam idea to anchor the pvc. Easy to paint afterwards. Great idea!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you!

[@kristinedraws]

love how you set these into the ground, much sturdier than I was planning. THanks!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

You’re welcome!

[@patriciazuniga5310]

Me encanta todo tus trabajos gracias por compartir 😊

[@alivika1452]

Invest ina projector- would make your life much easier. FANTASTIC work!!!

[@joeribot7810]

Excellent work you would have made a good scenic artist. I’m a retired scenic artist from Universal Studios Orlando Fl. I used your monster mud Recipe on bc a Halloween life size Reaper prop. Was gonna try to send you pictures of it but I can’t seem to find you on Facebook. I also like your other props very impressive. Anyway thank you Issac . Joe

[@horses2by]

Fantastic Tombstones 🪦 awesome tutorial 🎃💀🎈🪦 Thanks for sharing

[@loveandland]

Love the detailed videos! Love that you are putting them out before Halloween for whoever needs to get started

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

❤️

[@mleon320]

Bro!! Jaw dropping fire! What an incredible tombstone DIY! Thanks for explaining everything so well. The level of detail these tombstones took is quiet a bit. Also, thanks for showing exactly each tool, it’s purpose and how to use them. By the way, superb video editing skills.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thanks man! Glad you loved it

[@Sharkoceanscuba]

This is the best tutorial I’ve seen for DIY tombstones. A lot of the other tutorials required vinyl lettering on Cricut which I don’t have. Thank you for sharing this

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

So happy you loved my tutorial. Yes I’ve seen tutorials using that method and I wanted something more economical and perhaps even simpler

[@Vro-]

Very cool video! I like to use squirt bottles (narrow tip, I like the ones from $ tree you can get in a set) for doing letters, cracks and recesses, great for people that have dexterity issues or if you don't have or like using small paint brushes.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Oh that’s a great tip!

[@speedandstyletony]

For less styro-dust and a cleaner cut use a bosch soft material blade in your jigsaw. It has a wavy razor type that that works WAY better on foam. May be other brands too?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

What a great tip! Thank you just ordered one on Amazon

[@charlesblack2523]

Pretty cool looking the best thing about them is they are larger than the store bought ones. 👍🏼

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thanks Charles !

[@melissaavendano7354]

You never disappoint!!! The patience to do all the details!!! Love love love💙

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you!

[@kellymoran5409]

Fantastic - so glad I found this tutorial!!! Looks just like stone, you're brilliant!!

[@jamestaylortenor]

These are the best (best looking and most realistic) fake tombstones I've ever seen. Great work, as always!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you James! It was super fun making them!

[@jimmygarcia3068]

Pretty kool dude

[@Hauntcast]

Nice distressing work on your stones!

[@mikeyh424]

I really love your work and ideas. I will be starting some this weekend. BTW...you cannot kill Michael Myers, LOL!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Hope you do make them! Haha Michael Myers will live forever

[@HardlyAMemory]

I’m a cookier, and often project lettering onto my cookies using a pocket projector to then trace with icing. I started doing the same with my tombstone lettering. Works great!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Ooooo that’s a super smart idea! Thank you for the tip, Leah

[@Alexa1850]

Nice. The only thing I have to mention, that you should a little bit of white at the end on the tombstones, it makes it more realisic.

[@WVclogger]

Love you included the moth man! Hello from WV!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Hello there friend! I have been obsessed with the Mothman since I watched the movie Mothman Prophecies when I was a teenager. I’ve always wanted to go to the moth man festival in West Virginia, one day I will do it!

[@WVclogger]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY its definitely something to experience!!!!

[@DavidCalamari]

Nice looking stone! It's better to create two layers with the foam and cut out channels on the inside for the PVC. Glue the layers together with the PVC on the inside. I have seen wind rip the stone off of the pipe when it is just attached like this. Not only is it more secure, but it also completely hides how the stone is being held up.

[@SallyRebecca]

I can’t deal with how amazing this is ! 😱🤩

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Loved your cameo ! 😎

[@cathrynmartin4395]

Excellent! But instead of an exacto knife, maybe invest in a styrofoam heat cutting kit. Mine came with a large wire one along with a few other pieces including a heated "pen" that would work well on those cracks.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

I like that!

[@trevorschaffer9173]

Another fantastic Halloween DIY video! And loving the Mary Shaw reference. Well done.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you! Glad you got the reference

[@janehouck1906]

Awesome job! You are so patient and very detailed with your instructions and explanations. 🤗❤️

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you Jane!

[@sweets9957]

Love it! I've been making mine like this for like 20 years. Except I used font printed on to paper and traced, a kitchen paring knife and paint and a brush. They looked amazing but very time consuming.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

I’m sure you are exceptionally talented when it comes to making them since you’ve been doing them for so long! I would love to be able to see your creations.

[@XxzombilovaxX]

So happy I found this channel. 💓

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

So glad to have you here!

[@harpert579]

Great video man I love your work! Can you tell me the dimensions of the Mary Shaw cross tombstone itself? I'd like to try to replicate that one as close as possible.

[@shabbybeauties58]

WOW……it just keeps getting better and better! You’re definitely a true artist! 😮🥰

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you Edith! It was really fun making these tombstones

[@joyceterra2265]

These are terrific. Love the ideas a d the embellishments to make them more authentic. You have a fantastic talent. Loved watching and will be making a couple for my yard. Awesome!!!!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you Joyce ! Hope you do end up making them!

[@greendogit3843]

IMO using a hotwire to cut them out would probably have been faster & definitely less messy there is one kind that you can bend to make pacific shapes & could be used to carve out the text but you would want to wear a mask &/or do it outside or well ventilated area. A wood/leather burner/soldering iron would also work well for doing the text & any decorating symbols often found on tombstones

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

These are great ideas ☺️

[@doneachus6780]

Love your videos! Hey just FYI...run your mic cord under your shirt. You can either put your pack on your back waistband,and run the cord around your hip and up to your neck, or you can run it up your back, and over your shoulder. You can tape it and the neck for strain relief in under the shirt, putting a loop under the tape. That way, it doesn't show, and it doesn't get in the way, or slip like it has in a couple of your vids. It's safer around power tools and heat sources too. Can't wait to see what you create next!

[@pam5207]

What happens outdoors in the rain. Does the acrylic detail paint wash off? Fabulous job! Really fantastic talent!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

So the acrylic paint is actually rated for exterior use, but you are correct, regular acrylic paint should not be used in the situation.

[@NancySellers]

Yes, I've looked at a lot of video and yours seems to be less time consuming. Appreciate it. OHHH, and if you have any Christmas ideas, please share.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@jamescodling8641]

Amazing. Very talented bro. Excellent tutorial

[@DoopDad]

Dude! Ur the next big KZbinr!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

😅🤩

[@bretfox4532]

Those looks great, using the heat gun added so much more to them.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

The heat gun works magic I tell ya! Gives it the perfect texture

[@johnnovak9982]

Very cool 👍🏻

[@darrenmaksymic3310]

Love the the ideas

[@javaqueen1111]

Dude.... SPOT ON! EXCELLENT WORK and LOVE how you explained step by step!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much! It was super fun making them

[@jamesfountain6183]

Great video! Just like the other day on another video of yours I watched, a lot of great ideas. I can build my cemetery for Halloween 2023 when my workshop/stoage building gets finished. I'll be building Halloween/Xmas year round.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

That’s so awesome that you’re getting a workshop storage building. I wish I had a big storage workshop

[@lisamw31]

Do you ever put a sealant over what you make? If so what do you use? I’m making a gingerbread house. Or do you think the paint seals it enough

[@user-bs8tz3wn6j]

Awesome video! How do you make skull and angel?

[@larryblevins8078]

Squirt bottles work awesome

[@colemyst]

Love All Things Halloween, great job Isaac. With the PVC piping on the back how easy it would be to stick branches or anything in them and not have to anchor any more than the rebar.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you! Yes and yes! Love that idea!

[@kakakaee]

Awesome tutorial❤ but where can I buy the angel in the penny-wise tomb thanks 🙏

[@TheHauntedGym]

Nice Diy Halloween Decoration. Content like yours are really a Inspiration😃. Here in Germany sadly we do not have so much choices of Halloween Decoration and Animatronic. 😔 So nice to see your vlog to build your own Halloween decoration. Regards from Germany the other part of the World😁. Happy Road to Halloween 🎃

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Vielen Dank! I’m so happy you like my decorations! It’s sad that they don’t have more decorations in Germany! Thank you for stopping by

[@TheHauntedGym]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY You welcome🙂. Keep up the good work.🎃👍

[@Wutheringreads]

Divine work, as always. Such unrivaled talent 🖤🎶😍

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you!

[@charlenem7395]

These are amazing!! The Dracula one could be more old looking though, since the story says he's been around for centuries.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you! It’s funny you mention that because that’s actually only the “face” for Dracula’s grave. I hadn’t finished constructing his grave so I simply showed what will be in front of his tombstone grave. It’s actually going to be 4ft tall by 3ft deep with a 2ft gargoyle on top.

[@trulahaynie9832]

I love it!!!!!! Thanks for all of your talent.

[@Wutheringreads]

Deliciously dark & eerie 🙌🏼

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

❤️

[@beckyguerrero4207]

Do you spray it with anything to coat it at the end so rain does effect it or once it is dry the acrylic/water is okay?

[@Tographic4u]

I love it! Man they look good!

[@loveandland]

Also these are the BEST tombs stones I’ve come across 😨😨😨

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Imagine them at the Land 😳

[@nathanmcconnell5893]

Those are so real looking 🤯

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

As real as they get

[@zombieheadsyndicate]

How does drylock compare to monster mud?

[@metr0n0me1]

Looks fantastic I want to try this

[@rubenpena2959]

Great job Isaac! Question: what did you use to glue the angel embellishments to the tombstones? Also do you have other social media to follow and see all of your creative projects?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you! I used a bit of expanding foam and spread it around by “ squishing” it on the tombstones in a back and forth motion but I also used a tube of exterior grade glue and both types seemed to work. So either or. My personal Instagram is @izakpratt My Facebook is Isaac Alexander DIY

[@tomslater7548]

Q: wouldn't it be easier to weather the tombstone with the heat gun before carving the letters?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

That’s a great question. You would think it would be easier and it would be if you didn’t have to glue the paper down. In order to carve the letters, we have to glue the paper first in order to be able to use the Dremel tool to carve them out. It won’t work if the surface is not smooth and flat so unfortunately, the letters have to be carved first before we can age the tombstone with a heat gun.

[@amyramirez6765]

That was awesome! I cannot wait to try this!

[@SamualWetherby]

Seems Lowes doesn't carrier the unfaced foam board anymore. Checked Home Depot also. Everyone prints something on them or has an overlay material.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

I’m not sure if it’s a regional item. What state do you live in?

[@chrismalkoski6846]

How did you make the skulls and churubs on the tombstones?

[@scaresandsparks]

Awesome. I bet they take a long time to do but they look sooooo real!

[@ObsidianSally]

What would you say the cost is per tombstone? I haven't been able to find those 2" insulation boards in stock anywhere, but it looks like they're at least 40 a pop.

[@jairrivera9294]

Excellent work! Can we see your Halloween decorations all set up if you do celebrate Halloween?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much Jaír! Yes, I’m actually going to film a video of how I set it all up and post it!

[@kristinaheller2323]

What tool did you use to cut out the big shapes? A jigsaw or something?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

@@kristinaheller2323 I used my jigsaw

[@dorothybrown6269]

It's time to make a large BAT

[@dcruicks1]

How are the skull and cherubs put on?

[@amor3785]

Amazing 🤩 love them - can you make a video on how you decorate your house this Halloween 🎃? I would love to see all your ideas 💡

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

You know what, that’s actually a really great idea. I think I’m actually going to do that and I’ll have you to thank for it.

[@69Ford]

Dude that is amazing

[@adminsroserobertson]

Your work is amazing every time 👋👋👋👋👋👋👋☺️💖

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much! 😃😃

[@camnahas406]

This 4'x8' green 2" foamboard is selling at Menard's for $60+ EACH!!!!! I don't think I can afford these now! Any ideas?

[@medicjitsu7434]

A red helium balloon tied to the Pennywise head stone would be a nice touch.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Oh wow! Thank you for this tip I’m actually going to do that now

[@markfogle3954]

Where did get the angels. I found cake molds, but they're small. Thank you love the videos

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

I link all the items I use in the description of the video, including the Angel‘s. Here is the link though. Ekena Millwork ONL05X06X01AN-L Onlay, Left, White a.co/d/9IfqedG

[@markfogle3954]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY I saw the items right after I ask the question

[@sarahroberts4521]

Could you use a Hair dryer on High heat in place of the heat gun?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Some hair dryers are hot enough but it would take some time. Others won’t work

[@seamonkey71]

I like it. Does it withstand rain? Will a coat of polyurethane melt the insulation?

[@marigeobrien]

You do great work and have some really good ideas. I've been wondering what the best material for tombstones would be. Thank you. I do wonder why you don't use the Dremel saw for the cracks as well as the lettering. Is it because it would be too precise? Hmm. Anyway, great job. Thanks for sharing.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much for your nice comment. You are correct about the Dremel, I don’t use it to make cracks because it would be too precise. With the X-Acto knife it isn’t precise and I feel looks more realistic

[@christawright3500]

Are the angels made with molds? And is the skeleton plastic glued on?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

The angels are made out of solid foam, I purchased them like that. I link them in the bio description of the video. The skull is glued on with expanding form. I carved a hole into the grave stone and applied a little bit of expanding foam and inserted the skull

[@karlsenula9495]

Will the paint run if it rains? If so ... Is there a way to prevent this?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

The paint I used is exterior latex paint that I bought at Lowe’s. It is meant for the outdoors and will not run as long as you allow the paint to dry.

[@tawnirex]

I love these! Can't wait to make some for myself! 🙌🏻 Quick question, do you have a mask you recommend for when we're carving/painting? There are so many options out there, but I need a good one!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you! Yes I always use a respirator when dealing with Styrofoam or foam in general or when using spray paint or other chemicals. This is the respiratory I use: 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6503QL, Gases, Vapors, Dust, Large www.amazon.com/dp/B00IF7RCU6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TGPR5KVF4XSMZCM9J4QA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

And these are the filters I use: 3M P100 Respirator Cartridge/Filter 60926, 1 Pair, Helps Protect Against Organic Vapors, Acid Gases, Ammonia Methylamine, Formaldehyde and Particulates www.amazon.com/dp/B009POHLRC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BFB52NHJ9DSCYT19N12F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=

[@tawnirex]

You are awesome, thank you so much!

[@jeffreyzongker5432]

out of curiosity some of you tombstones had cherubs and skulls where did you find them and how did you attach them

[@aeroangie]

omg love this thanks so much for the DIY going to share this with my hubby

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you! Hope y’all can make it :)

[@nicoleleveritt8254]

How much roughly does it cost to make one?

[@storytime_with_auntiek]

Absolutely incredible!!! You are so talented. Question: the angels and the skull…were they carved as well or as the pieces that were attached to the tombstone?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you! The cherubs and the skull were attached as accessory pieces after the carving was done but before the paint was applied. Glued them on and painted them while I painted the tombstone. Dryloc paint gives the texture and look of stone or cement once it’s dried so anything you apply to the tombstones will have the same stone-like finish once the Dryloc dries

[@coptor]

I found that making the cracks in your tombstones is much easier using a old soldering iron.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much for this tip!

[@randyd9090]

is there a certain blade you use in the jigsaw

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

I just used the regular blade that I have on my jigsaw that cuts wood. But I was just alerted that there is a less messier blade that’s made for soft materials. So if you go to a hardware store or Amazon, just search for jigsaw blades for soft material such as foam

[@loveandland]

AMAZED AS ALWAYS!!!!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

❤️

[@halloween4505]

I wish you would show how you did the skulls and angels

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

I didn’t make them, they’re simply glued on there and painted over. The angels are made out of foam and I linked them in the description. The skull is just a plastic skull that I cut the back off and stuck it with expanding foam.

[@JeffBitler]

I don't know when I'll go to heav'n And nothing will be grander But this I crave My tombstone made By Isaac Alexander

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Oh my gosh I can’t believe it took me 11 months to see this haha this motto Is awesome!

[@JeffBitler]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY Haha. I'd forgotten about it, too! Good to hear from you buddy!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

@@JeffBitler likewise man. Hope you’ve been well

[@JeffBitler]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY A year goes by fast! We've both been busy I bet. Message me and lets catch up with each other.. (BTW your arms look bigger too.)

[@liamcarraher8024]

those are fire

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

🔥

[@Ricks2Cents]

Looks Bad Ass!!!

[@bethanytaylor6489]

Can these get wet? Being outside it rains/snows

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Yep! They’re weatherproof and it rained a lot in North Carolina and they did great