The DIY "I'm not going to pay full price" Tombstone

My husband's favorite holiday is Halloween, so I'm really wanting to put some effort into decorating our house this year for him.  The only problem is I can't bring myself to pay the going rate (an arm and a leg) for silly decorations I'd only use once a year.  So, I decided I would make my own.  I got this idea after seeing a ridiculously expensive styrofoam tombstone at the store.
Remember, I've only just begun waking Lucia, so I have to admit I'm a bit proud of my little tutorial.  Hope you like it too!

Materials:
         (1)sheet of styrofoam
         black paint
         sponge brush
         exacto knife


Step 1: CUT!
         Cut out the shape you want for your tombstone with your exacto knife.  I used a plate to help with the curved edges.

Step 2:  CARVE!

 Next you're going to carve out your design.  I "drew" (carved) my skull and bones free hand, but I bet you could print a basic image out and trace around it too.  It sounds silly, but I used a mechanical pencil without the lead to carve because the exacto wasn't all that easy to maneuver.  Also, when you're carving your design, be sure to carve an outline of at least 1/2" wide around your intended image.  That outline will remain white and really define your image.

Step 3:  PAINT!
 Squirt paint onto your brush and start dabbing.  Remember not to paint the carved out part.  Ttry to get the edges of your image dark so the white really stands out.

Step 4:  DECORATE! 

I think it turned out pretty cute, and it was cheap and fun to make!  

Happy Early Halloween!

Ciao,

Lucia