Rubbings and Castings

Making a Rubbing of a Headstone

Gently brush the stone and tape the special paper in place with masking tape. Rub with the side of a wax crayon and move from the top to the bottom. Don't forget to set the rubbing by placing it face up on an ironing board with a towel over it. Press on the towel with thee iron, rather than use a backward and forward motion.

Making a Tombstone Cast

Use heavy duty foil, held in place with masking tape, shiny side facing outwards. Rub a soft brush over the writing and images, in a circular motion. You can also use an old toothbrush with a soft bristle and/or a pencil (eraser end) to highlight the letters and numbers.

Place the cast in a mold, shiny side down/dull side up, so the lettering appears backwards. Mix the plaster of paris and fill the mold. After a few days, paint, and you have a headstone to keep at home.