Craft Time is Family Time
By Rick Allen
I have to admit that I love this time of year. Fall is here and that means an abundance of beautiful colors for many of us all over the country. But, what I really like is the Fall Holidays. So, when my friends at Krylon asked me to write an article for their web site, I was ecstatic. Who has a better color selection than Krylon paints? Next, I began to think about what to write about, that's when it hit me. Krylon's new H20 paint, as well as their standard flat paints, would work great on my family's exterior Halloween Decorations. In a world where we run non-stop daylight till midnight, the opportunity for some family time laughing, learning and creating something together is well past due for most of us. So, let's make our list of materials, tools and supplies and get started. My family's favorite Halloween Project is the Graveyard. Here's what you'll need:
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Krylon H20 Spray Paint in Green, Grey, Red and Black (or use Krylon Indoor/Outdoor spray paint in the same colors)
Spray Adhesive (safe for Styrofoam) -
Utility Knife (preferably with Break Away Blades )
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4 LF of String or Yarn
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Sharpie Markers
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2” - 3” thick Styrofoam Insulation
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1” thick Styrofoam Insulation
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Disposable Plastic Drop Cloth
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Saw Horses (if you have them)
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A table or surface that you don't mind getting scratched
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Old Shoes (Men's , Women's, Kid's)
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Dollar Store Plastic Flowers
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Wire Cutting Pliers
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Wire Coat Hangers
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1 small box of Fender Washers
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1 small box of Drywall Screws at least 1/2” longer than thickest Styrofoam insulation
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1 wooden grade stake for each stone (as close to the same height as possible)
I know this seems like a large list, but most of this stuff is already stored in toolboxes in the Garage or Workshop.
Important tip: Let the kids draw the designs with Sharpies and the Adults only use the Utility Knife and Adhesive.
Step One: Use the Utility Knife to cut the shapes of the Tombstones you want to create. When the blade begins to tear the foam it's time to change blades or break that section of the blade away. I like to use a duller blade for cracks and distortions in the Head Stones. It adds authenticity. If you want to make a round top on a Head Stone , take the string or yarn, measure it the same width as the Head Stone cut it in half, tie a sharpie to one end and then start in the center of the Head Stone and make your arch.
Step Two: Add the Epitaph (Here lies Fred, Now He's Dead)
Step Three: Add Cracks and Distortions, mistakes in cutting or missing pieces are okay.
Step Four: Take your 1” Styrofoam and make Head Stone Accents, Bricks, Skull and Bones, Etc. and use the Spray Adhesive to attach them.
Step Five: Cut your wire coat hangers into 4” - 6 “ lengths and insert two in the bottom and two into the top of each Head Stone. This will allow you to suspend each Head Stone between saw horses or chairs to make painting easier.
Step Six: Use the H20 Paint if painting around the Kids, and for indoor painting. It's low odor and washes up easily. Start with Grey for the body of the Head stone. Next use Black for Cracks and Details. Green and Red for Accent misted over top for added effect. Remember, each coat will not completely cover the color underneath. That's what makes the stone look weathered.
Important Tip: Adults may want to use the Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Spray Paint. Things to remember are, be in a well ventilated area, the Indoor/Outdoor Spray Paint will melt the Styrofoam a little, but this makes a great effect.
Step Seven: Spray Paint the Plastic Flowers
Step Eight: Drive two wooden grade stakes in the ground for each Head Stone. Place the Head Stone in front of and Stakes and use a Fender Washer and Drywall Screw to attach the Head Stone to the Wooden Stakes, from front to back.
Step Nine: Dig a small hole and end of Grave to partially bury used shoes.
Step Ten: Plant Flowers
I hope your family has as much fun with this as ours does. These decorations can be used year after year and become a great family tradition. Happy Halloween!
