Gravestones: Art to die for?

Think gravestones are works of art? Why not try a gravestone rubbing?

You’ll need:

1. Rubbing wax (in whatever color you desire...red is cool.)
2. Masking tape
3. Large rolls of vellum or a nice lightweight cloth-like paper at least 24"x30" (may need larger sized paper for older headstones)

Directions:

Tape paper to headstone, make sure it's tight. Place the rubbing wax on its long, flat side, and gently apply pressure in one direction (usually from top to bottom in long strokes). Repeat until the entire image is showing. Remove tape. Roll up your paper to prevent damage. When you get home, frame your work of art.

Be sure to respect the gravestones. Leave them in the same manner you found them. For more on gravestone rubbings, check out the Geneva Historical Society - they're like the gurus of grave rubbings.

Below are some places where you can purchase supplies. They are only suggestions. Leap Books is not affiliated with them in any way.

Gravestone Art Wear: check out their gravestone rubbing kits.

Petersen Prints: here you can order your gravestone rubbing wax.

For more graveyard fun, head to our Leap Books Exclusives for a chilling free read by author Judith Graves, Old Flames Die Hard, and discover what might happen if your ex (the guy you’re still mooning over) asks to meet you in the local cemetery.

Then stop back to tell us what you liked best about our Exclusives. And if you have any suggestions for improving our site or our offerings, we’re all ears. And we’d love to hear your Halloween suggestions.