Thank you for putting together such a detailed and thoughtful tutorial! I have re-watched it several times while I’ve been making my own this year, for the first time. I’ve also been sharing your video a lot since it’s been so helpful.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

I’m happy to hear that! Thanks for sharing it.

@lilianacostello8132

3 жыл бұрын

@@VanOaksProps x favor, traducir los videos o poner subtitulos ,para los q no hablamos ingles!! Muy bueno tosos tus trabajos👏👏👏👏saludos desde Argentina👍🏻❤

Love everything about this video! I did want to add, for those of us who do not have a vinyl cutter, I found it quite manageable to make a paper copy of my design, place it over the tombstone, and then trace over the design with a dull pencil. This leaves an imprint in the foam that I then traced with sharpie to make it easier to see before dremeling. Happy haunting!

Classic VanOaks Cemetery secrets revealed! I think you should upload that bit about how you made the hand as a bonus video. Some good ideas there.

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

I think I might!

@TonyBullard

3 жыл бұрын

@@VanOaksProps Please do! These kind of details really bring variety to tombstones.

I NEVER thought of using thinned out paint in a sprayer for a realistic weathering! You just saved me a lot of time

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

I love hearing that!

@matthewgordon799

3 жыл бұрын

Lol I have been using paint thinner too, water makes a lot more sense in availability and price though. Thanks for the helpful tip

I was watching the wicked makers and they turned me into your channel!!!! I love it.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you! They're great, aren't they?

You are an absolute neurosurgeon with that dremel! “I need more practice, I need more practice”

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Patience is key!

@pumpkinheadghoul

3 жыл бұрын

Mad Photographer, read my other comment. I explain another technique for the lettering. VanOaks is pretty awesome. His stones look amazing. However, there is a quicker and much less tedious way to get the same effect, and you can skip the Dremel.

Another awesome tombstone to add in one of the best Halloween cemetery displays out there. Thanks for showing us some great tips on achieving a Sa-Weet tombstone prop!

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks guys. I really appreciate that.

Absolutely LOVE this video! So many techniques I've not seen previously!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Its amazing how much these look like old cement slabs I cant wait to try this. Thanks Derek!

WOW ... WOW WOW !!! 9:18 Looks so REAL... Fantastic job... Thank you for sharing this great video... (Now... I have to Watch it again)...

@VanOaksProps

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

That is so amazing -- I love it! I can't wait to try making some new tombstones this year. Thank you for such a great tutorial.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Happy to share what I know! Thanks for watching.

so nice!!! I REALLY appreciate that regular speed footage of carving those letters - it basically made me say "Okay, I know I want to upgrade the lettering on our stones. I guess I should start now instead of thinking about it in October!"

Just made 8 new headstones to replace thin little ones I made years ago. These turned out beautifully! The use of water and torch to make the stone texture was an amazing addition to give them a lifelike feel.

@VanOaksProps

2 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! Glad to hear you had success with the technique.

Great video. This is pretty close to how I do my tombstones. I have been waiting for this video for a while. Thank you for making this Tombstone video. I like watching how other people do their Halloween props. Just to see if they do something just a little bit different than I do.Or maybe something a little easier that maybe I'm doing the hard way. Thumbs up in five stars my friend.

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Happy to share what I know!

Omg. My husband manages a local haunted barn and he wants me to start making tombstones like this. I absolutely love your tutorial! Everything is clear and precise with all the items you need right in the video or in the info. Thank you so much.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Debbie! What’s the name of the haunted barn and where is it located?

Amazing tutorial! I tried making my own tombstones, but have been disappointed in the final product. Thank you so much for making this video! I can't wait to try out the new techniques!!

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

I've put up a graveyard every October for the last 13 years or so. I've always used Styrofoam store bought tombstones, but have always wanted to make my own. I can't wait to start using your tutorial!! Next year will be killer! Thank you!!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Hell yeah! Once you start making your own you’ll never want to buy one again.

It turned out so good!! The stone effect with the water and torch was cool but I loved the thin paint for the weathering!!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

FOLKS please read the info box under the video here to see how to get what you need to do the prodjects shown in the video. It helps the channel out as well.

That looks great. Much better then the store bought ones that I saw at the store

What a fantastic tutorial! Thank you so much, I loved it!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!!!

Beautiful job! I like to add a little green in the cracks as well and for a mossy edge look to them...

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Love it, love it, love it. Thanks so much.

Thank you so much for sharing this information, very helpful.

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Happy to do it.

Just happened to run across your channel tonight, and I'm SO glad I did! Great videos! Very informative and well-made. Liked, subscribed, and will binge-watch the rest :) Keep up the great work!

@VanOaksProps

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, and welcome.

Great job! I love your attention to detail!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

Please keep making your vids. So easy to follow and great tips ! Yes I would also love to know how you made the hand ! Thanks

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Lori!

Thinking on doing something similar, but out of wood. Very Cool Tutorial

I have no intention of doing this but absolutely loved watching this. Came out beautiful!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Very professionally done. Great job sir!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

So happy I found ur channel, ur so talented & crazy cool!

@VanOaksProps

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!!

I can't believe how few subscribers you only have. The amount of Knowledge on this channel amazes me every time I watch one of your Videos

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! The channel is growing more every day.

I always rewatch this episode! ❤

@VanOaksProps

7 ай бұрын

Thank you, my friend!

Great video with great ideas! Look forward to the next one

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

Very good video, great detail.

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, George!

That is very cool. And really does look Real! Awesome Job!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, James!

@jamesbarlowjr.3762

3 жыл бұрын

@@VanOaksProps Your Very Welcome.

Thank you so much for posting your turtorial. I didn't realize how time consuming it'd be to make 17 at once but here I am...lol I didn't find the pink foam so I used the white rigid insulation and so far so good but I like the look of the pink foam...maybe next year I'll have some. I'm just using a heat gun to texturize cause I'm afraid of fire! I'm almost ready to spray the paint on it but I don't know what the paint to water ratio is? I'll play with I on the backside like you suggested for dry brushing & see what works. Thanks again, I'm really having fun with this. I'm trying to think of ways to do this for Christmas deco too 🙂🎄

The plexi is brilliant

Absolutely amazing vid bro! King of haunted cemeteries

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

Great video. Thanks for the supply links!

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I don't own a vinyl cutter, but it just occurred to me that you must have had to go back and individually replace the inside portions of A's and D's and 9's and so forth in order for the stencil to work. I continue to be amazed at the work you put into these pieces.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Stephen! You're right about the stenciling, although you could probably freehand it if you were feeling like skipping a step (which I'm totally guilty of).

This is absolutely superb!! I hope you receive many more subs so that others can view your tutorials more easily (youtube algorithm)! I never thought foam could look like this DIY!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

I have OFTEN used the spray paint to do the engraving for me, it works VERY well

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

That's a great tip. We used that on our cemetery columns to help create a really worn look. It's very convincing.

A very real looking stone. Thanks.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Great video as always!

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy!

Very nice Derek! I find that I am far too lazy so I just use the vinyl and let the spraypaint do the carving for me! :) I like the crisp edges with the dremel but I have found that after weathering and painting the edges lose some crispness anyway. Great video and I really like the hand!

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Brian! Yeah, using spray paint to do the carving is a great method. We've deployed that one a few times when we knew we wanted a really old look.

I wish I could find that foam where I live. I used free packing foam for mine, so far it looks amazing. I’ll use your weathering technique next.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

It’s getting harder to find it out here. I may have to switch over to the white beaded foam.

Amazing results. Thank you for such a comprehensive tutorial. On the aging process- do you mix the three colors together in one spay bottle, or layer them separately using multiple bottles? Thanks again.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I don't mix the colors but you could. I find that it gives a more interesting aging if they're done one at a time.

Very nice, going to fill my yard with these for Halloween :)

@VanOaksProps

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Good luck

Very realistic

2:23 lol I was just thinking about how spray paint can give you a nice weathered, stoney texture if you use enough to melt the foam ;)

A lot of work but man what an awesome job! I'm holding on to this one! Thanks.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Once you get the hang of it you can crank through them. Thanks for checking it out!

Looks fantastic

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I am here because KZread channel Wicked makers gave you credit and I wanted to see your work

wow ... so awesome .. i am new to your channel but your amazing .....

@VanOaksProps

Жыл бұрын

Thanks and welcome!

Should've pointed the finger down! Love it!

Happy Halloween from Northwestern Hollow! Dude, I dig your background music!! Also dig ur stone! Have you had any weather issues with ur stones? How do you anchor yours?

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

No weather issues, but then again I live in Los Angeles where there is no weather. As for anchoring, I have a video about it. So check the channel.

Brilliantly done

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for the demo! 999

Excellent good job !!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Such an awesome process to watch. I think your tombstones are some of the most realistic I’ve seen! The dry lock adds such a realism and really creates the look of stone. Well done! Where do you typically buy foam like this?

@VanOaksProps

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! In the Los Angeles area there’s a contractor building supply house called L&W Supply that carries the pink foam.

@-Ghostess

2 жыл бұрын

Home Depot carries it under the brand name Foamular

@fennec7906

2 жыл бұрын

@@VanOaksProps What did you use to keep the tombstone upright on lawns? Most people use PVC pipe and rebar.

I really enjoy this video. I watch it often from time to time. If going with the paint and sand mixture, how much sand would you mix into a 1 gal.? 1, 2, 3 cups? In the past I would do a thick coat of paint and then hand sprinkle the sand onto it, let dry then do another coat of paint to lock in the sand, then dry brush over it. But at the time had never thought to mix sand directly into the can. NOW i will. I've never used or touched drylock before, so just trying to get an idea of a ratio for the consistency. I actually work at an HD and am always keeping an eye out for discounted paint or hoping a damaged drylock shows up. I plan to get some foam tomorrow and make a few during my days off. Or at least get a start on them....Thanks for your vids....✌✌🎃🎃

@VanOaksProps

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve never paid attention to the ratio, I’m just shooting for loose pancake batter consistency.

I just discovered this channel a couple of days ago, and I found myself thinking...that voice sounds like "The History Guy" (whom I check out now and then). Gotta say that I have really enjoyed these videos that I have watched so far. Well done. Oh, and I subscribed.

@VanOaksProps

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, and welcome!

Wow, wow, WOW! I’m so amazed at how realistic these look! I can’t wait to get started on mine. Such a great tutorial! Any suggestions on what I can use to make these weatherproof?

@VanOaksProps

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Drylok is weatherproof, so I’d start there. If you’re not able to find it, you can use exterior latex paint (aka house paint) and you’ll be good. If you want texture in your latex paint, add some fine playground sand. They sell smaller bags in the garden center of most hardware stores.

@lexyliz2004

2 жыл бұрын

@@VanOaksProps thank you! ♥️

Love it! I just started today, what a great fall project! I am struggling with which font looks best and the size, and recommendations?

@VanOaksProps

9 ай бұрын

I’d suggest serif type fonts since they’re most commonly used for tombstones

Great job! Just a little tip for you, or anyone making tombstones out of styrofoam, instead of using the Dremel to cut the letters into the foam, if you had gone heavier with the spray paint, the paint would have eaten into the foam and etched the letters into the tombstone. That's how I do all of my tombstones. It makes the letters look more weathered-in over time, rather than freshly carved. Of course if you're going for a newer tomb stone look, then the Dremel is the way to go, but if you want an old and weathered look, then you can skip the Dremel, and just go heavier with the spray paint. It's SOOOOO much quicker. You don't have to spend all of that time and energy trying to be so precise with the Dremel. Also, the more paint you lay on, the deeper it eats into the foam, so go easy at first, until you get a feel for how much the spray paint eats into the foam. Here's one I made for someone who paid me to make it. The letters are painted darker so they can be read easily. The ones I make for myself, I don't usually paint the letters so dark. This tomb stone is a negative relief, where the letters are raised, and everything around the letters are carved, but it's the exact same concept in reverse. If you look at the border around the edge of the tombstone, you'll see what the letters and art would look like without paint. They're raised, with the background etched into the stone. i.pinimg.com/564x/1c/1c/da/1c1cda2b8f12510a8ef777e6de9b6bf6.jpg

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

That's definitely a way to do it and it's quick. It can be unpredictable, however, but as long as you know that when you start you should be alright. Also keep in mind that different brands of spray paint use different propellants, so you may get more "melt" with one brand over another.

My wife is gonna hate that I found this channel but trust me, I’m not upset at all! 😂 next year I will have some Halloween projects to do

@VanOaksProps

2 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣

So good!!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Nichole!

Cool Tut

“...the pointing finger” or the fickle finger of fate 😜 Outstanding grave marker!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

great work!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike!

Just found your channel, and I am so glad!!!! Wish I would have found it sooner! How are you stabilizing them in the yard?

@VanOaksProps

Жыл бұрын

Like this: How To Setup Your Halloween Tombstones kzread.info/dash/bejne/nqmtzNKRZcWboLQ.html

Love it! Another great video thank you. I’m assuming you have a stencil cutter machine? I’m trying to work out a cheap way to make a stencil other than free hand?

@VanOaksProps

Жыл бұрын

I do. Not really. I used to project the text onto the foam and trace it, which gets the job done but also means you have to have a projector.

True artist

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

So good!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I decided I'm finally going to make these! What font did you use? What dimensions do you stick around for a stone this shape? I have watched all of your videos they're fantastic!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the compliment! I don't recall which font I used for this tombstone, but there's no wrong font. I'd say find something that you like and go with it!

"I like to start in the middle and work my way to the edges to get sharper edges"...proceeds to outline the letters. LOL. Great tutorial, that takes a lot of the mystery out of it. Thanks.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

I can see how that statement is confusing. What I should have said was that I drop the bit in the middle of the letter before moving out to the edge, rather than trying to start on the edge. Glad you found it useful!

@txmako

3 жыл бұрын

And traces out a circle, then pulls out a compass.....lol

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

@@txmako it's tough being a perfectionist nutjob. LOL

Brilliant!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for checking it out.

AH-MAZING!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Alixandra!

It's very cool looking! Looks like it takes a long time to do?

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Not really. I guess it all depends on how many other projects you have to get done before Halloween. LOL.

AMAZING!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

That acrylic guard is a freaking GAMECHANGER! Really awesome tip! 999

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Right?!

@rickarchambault4756

Жыл бұрын

@@VanOaksProps What kind of glue did you use to cement the plastic guard to the dremel guide?

@VanOaksProps

Жыл бұрын

@@rickarchambault4756 Super glue. Epoxy would also be a good option.

@rickarchambault4756

Жыл бұрын

@@VanOaksProps Oops had one more thing. Where did you get the acrylic sheet? Lowes? Arts n Crafts place?

@VanOaksProps

Жыл бұрын

@@rickarchambault4756 For the versions that I sell (available here: etsy.me/3LkRY2X) I've been getting materials from The Laser Cave Supply here in Los Angeles.

Awesome video, thanks for making this! When you water down the acrylic paint how much water do you use, 50/50? Thanks again!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

I don't really have a ratio that I use. I base it off of how translucent I want the wash to be.

This looks great! Will the drylok add any extra durability to the foam? I've only ever painted my tombstones with latex or acrylic paint and they get dinged up pretty easily. I've considered hard coating them but I'm trying to find a decent way around that.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

A bit. It's got a gritty texture which adds some ruggedness to the coating, but it's still possible to gouge out a piece if you were really bent on doing it. If you wanted something half way between Drylok and basic latex paint, consider adding fine playground sand to your latex paint. It'll give it a similar grit to Drylok and you can control how much/how little you add.

@tylersnowballs

3 жыл бұрын

@@VanOaksProps I appreciate the advice. I might go ahead and give the drylok a shot. Thanks!

Thanks for a great DIY video. Question would the Monster Mudd 2.0 from one of your other videos do the same as the drylock with sand?

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, although it's thicker than Drylok. Also for clarity, Drylok has a gritty/sandy texture right out of the container, so no additional sand is needed.

Great job! Do you have any tips on sealing the paint after it's dry? I live in the Pacific Northwest and we get a fair bit of wet weather that time of year. Thanks

@VanOaksProps

2 жыл бұрын

You don’t need to. The Drylok is a masonry sealer and acrylic paints are weather resistant. So once you’re done painting, they’re good to go.

What kind of consistency are we looking at for watering down the paint? Struggling with finding the sweet spot.

Yaaaay Thanks 😊

@VanOaksProps

Жыл бұрын

No problem 😊

Hi! I’ll be trying to make done of these this year and I’m wondering what you used to stick them in the ground? Did you attach stakes to the bottom and if so, how did you? I live in Canada so I’ll be sealing the foam after they are completed to help protect them from the elements. Thanks for making this super fun tutorial!

@VanOaksProps

Жыл бұрын

Here's how I do it. kzread.info/dash/bejne/nqmtzNKRZcWboLQ.html

I binge-watched all of your videos today. LOL These are amazing! I have a question for you: 1.) Do you apply a water-based polyurethane protective coating to these projects to protect them from the elements? Thank you so much for this channel, and these gorgeous tutorials.

@VanOaksProps

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I don't seal with polyurethane because California doesn't have weather that would call for it. Plus the Drylok and the acrylic paints are both weatherproof.

Awesome tutorial, really appreciate your DIY vids! Do you seal your finished stones with a urethane coat?

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Because the Drylok and the acrylics are both water resistant there's no need for sealing them.

@AustinRink

3 жыл бұрын

@@VanOaksProps Thanks for the info, appreciate it.

Looks awesome! If you use a wood burner tip it will make awesome cracks in your styrofoam.

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Definitely!

I’m working on one of these as we speak! Great tutorial! I wasn’t able to get the exact same brand of foam. I’m trying to use a heat gun with water but it’s just burning the foam rather than creating texture. Do you think I just don’t have the right type of foam or should try to find a torch? Thank you in advanced!

@VanOaksProps

2 жыл бұрын

It could be the foam, but it’s worth mentioning that heat guns don’t work as well as the torch because they’re not as hot.

Hi there, I was wondering if you do any type of custom orders and if so how much and how long it would take to complete? This video is amazing!!!

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I do. The turn around is usually about 2 weeks. If you want to discuss your project more send me an email (it's listed on the about page).

Awesome

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Judy!

just a tip for how i transfered the letters on without a stencil. just print it out on a piece of paper and use a pin to poke holes around the letters to transfer them onto the foam

Put modge podge or patch compound on flat first so that you don't have issues with the paint eating the foam plus this way you can use krylon granite paint spray to make the headstone look real

@VanOaksProps

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a lot of extra work and expense, plus you’d lose all the details from the torch aging.

Beautiful stone and color. Spraying the letters with spray paint....what a great idea. BTW ...why water before the blowtorch? For safety or to add the bubbly texture?

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Good question! The way that the torch aging works is that the water prevents the foam from melting. So anywhere that there isn't water gets melted/textured. The water droplets help give it that aged tombstone look.

@matrixmom3300

3 жыл бұрын

@@VanOaksProps Would a heat gun also work instead of torch?

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

@@matrixmom3300 It does, but not as well. The torch is more direct heat and will melt the foam much more quickly and evenly. With a heat gun the foam starts to retain the heat and then eventually melts the foam, so it can be a bit hard to control.

Thanks for a great video! I don't have a vinyl cutter. If I printed out the words from my regular printer how would I be able to trace it on the foam? I don't get how that would work

@VanOaksProps

2 жыл бұрын

You would literally trace over the letter to make a faint indentation in the foam and then follow it up by darkening the indentation lines with a marker.

Great video! Where did you find the pointing finger?

@VanOaksProps

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! The finger was carved out of 1” foam. I recorded the process but haven’t had a chance to upload it yet.