Turn Halloween Tombstones Into Chalkboards!
Turn a basic store-bought foam Halloween tombstone into a charming chalkboard decoration with this spooky DIY idea! Perfect for creepy messages, countdowns, and party signs! For more creepy decor, see my Halloween page.
Have you ever spotted those cheap foam Halloween tombstones at the dollar store and thought, “This could be so much cuter”? That was me last weekend, staring at a stack of them and feeling totally uninspired.
Until it hit me: what if I turned one into a chalkboard? Suddenly, that boring little gravestone had potential. Not just spooky decor, but interactive spooky decor. I could write eerie Halloween tombstone sayings, countdowns to Halloween, or even little puns like “RIP Diet” for a Halloween party snack table.
If you’re the type who likes adding a handmade touch to your holiday style but without a whole day of crafting, this idea is for you. It’s budget-friendly, totally customizable, and seriously satisfying to make.
The next time you’re walking past those tombstones at the store, grab one. Trust me, with a little chalkboard magic, it might just become your favorite Halloween piece.
Turn Halloween Tombstones Into Chalkboards!
Supplies:
- A Large Sheet of Craft Foam in Black
- Posterboard
- Faux Tombstone with a Flat Front (mine is from Michaels)
- Matte Mod Podge
- Chalkboard Paint
- X-Acto knife
- Foam Applicator
- Foam Roller
- Chalk
- Hot glue and a Gun
Instructions:
- First, you are going to make a pattern out of poster board to use to cut your foam to match the tombstone.
- Take a piece of poster board, lay it on the tombstone, and start cutting out the inner shape with scissors.
If you mess up, it’s ok, just tape the piece you cut off back on the poster board and keep going.
- Once you get your shape cut out, lay it over the foam and cut it out with an X-Atco knife.
- Next, you need to prep your craft foam so it will take the paint you’re going to apply.
- Since the foam is basically a sponge, paint a couple of coats of Mod Podge over it and let it dry.
- This will soak into the foam and allow the paint to adhere to it.
- Paint 2-3 coats of chalkboard paint onto the foam. Let it dry, then hot glue the foam to the tombstone.
- Season the chalkboard by rubbing a piece of chalk all over the surface of the paint and then wiping it off, and you are ready to write on it!
In the photo, you will see I used my “old school” overhead projector to add my lettering. See my Hello Fall Wreath Tutorial for more info on how to make transparencies, printables, and how to use a projector.
If you do not have a projector, you can hand draw the lettering. Hand drawing takes a little time and practice to master. Just go slow and use a sponge or wet cloth to fix mistakes as you go. Below, I provided a free printable for the lettering! Enjoy!
SPOOKY FUN!
For more Halloween tombstone ideas, see my Spooky DIY Halloween Chalkboard Tombstones.
Plan the Perfect Holiday!
Halloween Planners!
with fun Bonuses like invitations, photo props, kids coloring pages + more!
Deader Than A Doornail Printable Wall Art Sign
- Click the link below to download the PDF to print. For best results, print the PDFs using white heavy cardstock. Use the printer setting US Letter.
My printables are for Personal Use Only. Please see my Printable Disclosure for more information.
Deader Than A Doornail Printable Wall Art Sign
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LOVE this Kim!
I had no idea you could use chalkboard paint on foam! This is awesome!
That’s fantastic!!
This is so cute. I really love it. Thanks for sharing on Thursdays Treasures. This will be a feature. Please can you remember to link back. Thanks
Oh my goodness! This is fantastic — Pinned it! xoxo
Cute tombstone, I love what you did with it!
Thanks so much for sharing this on Tutorial Thursdays Linky Party.
Your craft will be featured on the Crafts Round up during this week. Do come by and grab your featured button.
x
Natalie
WOOW. just Love this post :)
really spooky……
and do not miss my little….
HALLOWEEN PARTY
it is FUN :)
WELCOME
Håkan ( The Roseman)
What a great idea! I am becoming a new follower on Pinterest and blog lovin, hoping you follow back!
That is very creepy — in a good way! Love it! Stopping by from Best of the Weekend.
Hahaha!!!! Love this. Thanks for sharing. What a clever idea!!!
Very cute! Nice way to be able to change up the sayings if you want too!
Thanks for linking up to this week’s Catch a Glimpse party! I’ll be featuring this tomorrow.
That is totally spooky and totally cool. My sons would love that!
Thanks for linking up to the Twirl and Take a Bow Party. We plan on partying every Tuesday. Hope you can visit us again!
Trina
Now this is pretty cool looking ;-)