Coulmns

The columns are formed from 1" thick styrofoam panels. The extruded foam panels are more durable but I went the cheap route to keep my expenses down; plus the inherent texture of the styrofoam added to the stone effect when the thin layer of monster mud is added later.

The picture to the right shows the slot I created from scrap foam bits to accept a 2x3 for mounting purposes described in the Cemetery Gates page. This helped keep the column straight during setup and added some additional support.

The overall height of the columns are 74-3/4" tall. The main body is 13" sq.(4 panels 12" x 6') The capping is made from one piece of 2" foam 16" sq. and a 1/2" piece 15"sq. I added 1" foam at the base 11" high by 15" across, (4 pieces of 11x14 glued around the bottom) then some base molding to finish it off.

Using a foam cutter I routed a 1/2" groove as shown then added a papier-mâché skull relief. All elements are secured using Liquid nails construction adhesive.

Once the adhesive is dry I applied a thin layer of monster mud, then did a subtle shading and highlighting. I concentrated mostly on the front and back since these would be the most visible. One side of a column was next to the brick wall and the other column had a side obscured by a tall hedge.

Real ivy vines from a highway roadside was used to increase the realistic look to the gate and add additional color and dimension. The vines were mostly wrapped around the bars, but on the columns, straight pins were used for securement.

Since I have dirt and shrubbery near each column; in low light it really looked like the vines were growing naturally.