Davis Graveyard Tombstone Workshop
Where Every Stone Tells a Story
At Davis Graveyard, tombstones aren’t just scenery—they’re some of the most recognized and photographed parts of our display. For nearly 30 years, visitors have wandered our cemetery reading epitaphs, discovering hidden jokes, and finding tributes to beloved celebrities, fictional characters, and friends we’ve lost along the way.
Each stone tells a story.
Over the years we’ve carved hundreds of foam tombstones, and every one has its own personality, history, and weathered character. They’re the foundation of a believable cemetery and one of the most rewarding Halloween props you can build.
Whether you’re creating your very first grave marker or adding to an existing haunt, this class will teach you the same techniques we use to create the tombstones that have become a Davis Graveyard tradition.
What You’ll Learn
During this hands-on workshop you’ll transform a simple sheet of Styrofoam into a realistic, aged tombstone using professional techniques developed over decades of building Davis Graveyard.
You’ll learn how to:
- Select and prepare foam
- Lay out a believable tombstone design
- Carve lettering and stone details
- Add texture, chips, cracks, and weathering
- Create depth with carved accents
- Paint and age your stone for a realistic finish
By the end of class, you’ll leave with a finished tombstone ready for your own Halloween display—and the confidence to create many more.
Class Project
This introductory workshop includes a basic tombstone design featuring:
- A custom 5-word (or fewer) epitaph
- One carved decorative accent
- Full painting and weathering techniques
No prior carving experience is necessary. Whether you’re building your first haunted cemetery or adding another stone to an established display, this class is designed to be approachable, creative, and a lot of fun.
Come spend the day with the Davis Graveyard crew and discover why, for us, every great graveyard starts with a great tombstone.
