Warning Stone
This prop is a combination of several “wants” into one prop. I wanted a graveyard warning sign for my Mischivous Guests, a Grim Reaper and really just wanted to play with MonsterMud again. So I started brainstorming….how could I accomplish all those “Wants” into one new prop for 2008…
I started with my inspiration piece – a 4ft tall foam tombstone called Cornelius Vanatter that I found on the web (see picture below). Although I thought he was pretty cool looking he just didn’t meet my “Needs” - He did become a point of reference when creating my larger strudier version.
The Frame…..
The frame is a simple 2×4 and plywood construction. I ran 1/2″ PVC up back of plywood to support the head and shoulders of my reaper .
After PVC was added for the shoulder support, I attached a clamp to hold PVC secure to the plywood (seen in below pic). I used a standard plastic skull (Big Lots find) and chicken wire formed around the head and shoulder area. This is to support the sheet and Monster Mud application in later steps.
In below pic, you will see that I added foam board to the plywood as well as wrapped a standard flat sheet around Grim. I attached plastic (pre-bought) hands directly through foam board to plywood. Once the fabric was draped the way I wanted (flowing appearance) I attached the sheet directly to the plywood with screws.
I was now ready to start getting messy with MonsterMud. Everything you ever wanted to know about MonsterMud can be found at here.
Drywall Joint Compound and Latex Paint – It’s Truly Fun in a Bucket!
Thanks TerrorSyndicate! 
After I added a good heavy layer of MonsterMud to the fabric sheet (green seen in photos) I added my warning verbiage. I preprinted my chosen epitaph and used spray adhesive to temporarily attach template to the foam board. I traced over the letters using my handy dandy wood burner – for me the wood burner worked great on this project. Mainly due to the fact, I really didn’t know where the word placement was going to be until the hands and rose were in place. You may want to do your epitaph prior to attaching to the frame for a cleaner version (I’m still happy with the way it turned out).
Below is a back shot after MonsterMud was added.
After MonsterMud was dry (about 2 days) - I was ready to start weatherproofing and painting my prop. I first rolled black latex paint over the epitaph making sure all letters had a good coat. I than went back over the entire prop with 2 coats of DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer (a MUST to preserve your work from unsympathetic Ohio weather).
I also took a standard rose and coated it with DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer (to give the stone look I needed)
After it was dry, I attached it to the board as though Grim was holding it.
Below you will see the first coats of DRYLOK .
Face Shot of Grim -
I really liked the gray stone look the DRYLOK gave my prop. I decided to only add highlights of a darker gray for a marbled contrast look. I did go back over the entire prop with a matte clear coat for added protection. Finally my Warning Stone Prop was ready for my yard.
