How to Make a Memorial Stone
When loved ones pass, the pain can be crippling. Not only is there personal anguish to deal with, but if there are financial difficulties, corners must be cut when it comes to the burial. Sometimes, although a grave marker or memorial is wanted, it may not be affordable. Making a memorial stone helps save money and provides a creative outlet for pain.
Materials Needed:
- Large cement mold
- Quick-setting cement
- Dremel tool for etching or paint and brushes for decorating
- Trowel
- Putty knife
- Polyurethane
- Mix the cement as directed. If it doesn't seem to be thick enough, add additional sand until the cement is the desired consistency.
- Pour the cement into the mold and smooth the top with a trowel. If you want the front or top of the memorial to have texture to it, use a putty knife to make the pattern.
- Allow the cement to dry. Give the cement overnight to dry and setup, so you know it is ready to be etched.
- Remove the mold from the cement so you can see your entire memorial stone.
- Decorate and personalize the stone. You can use a dremel tool to etch into the stone or paint to write or create anything you wish on the surface of the stone. Things you may want to put on the memorial stone include birth and death dates, name, a favorite quote of the deceased or a quote that reminds you of the deceased. When painting, you have a few more options and can paint beautiful scenery or anything else you wish on the stone.
- Apply polyurethane. Finish the stone with a coat of polyurethane. The polyurethane will protect cement where you etched it from eroding and will protect paint from wearing off with the weather. In addition, the polyurethane will add a little shine as a finishing touch to the memorial stone.