If it is an active cemetery still doing burials you must check with the sexton, etc. caretaker, as many cemeteries will not let you place your own marker. If it is an old cemetery still be sure to place marker at ground level so when the cemetery is mowed it does not interfere with the mowing machine. Also check with local authorities at a monument place to make sure some of the materials you spoke of will hold up for years..... Orita ----- Original Message ----- From: Kathleen O'Brien-Blair <ktho@kc.rr.com> To: <MO-CEMETERIES-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2001 2:00 PM Subject: [MO-CEM] Making gravemarkers? > This is from a private e-mail I recevied from a family member and it got me thinking. > > Please let me know what you think of these ideas...Are they practical? > > Kathleen > > > >What am curious about is a good way to make a small marker out of cement > >and apply the lettering so that we can at least pay our respects in that way > >(with permission)? Any sources for methods and plans to do that? > > Gee! that's a good question I'm not sure I have the answer for.....Hmmm.... > > Well, I'd say that a starting point in restoration would be to list who is buried there on a plaque erected at the cemetry. Then one by one make markers and set them on the appropriate graves. > > I don't see why the same kits you can get to make garden stepping stones wouldn't work for making markers as well. > > For a do-it-yourselfer - one way might be to pour the markers in-place with cement using 2 X 4's to construct the frame for the marker. You know, dig out the area maybe 6", put down wet sand and level, then set the frame and pour the concrete. Then, when it's still wet but firm enough things ownt sink down into it, use small decorative rocks to press into the surface of the marker spelling out the name and years. Or, I think you can get house letters and numbers in a kind of "rock-crete" sorta stuff at home improvement stores and craft shops. When the concrete is still wet but firm enough they won't sink in, press them into place on the marker. > > In any case, if you're gonna use cement, I'd finish it off with a sealer preserver - otherwise it'll turn to dust faster than regular rock. There is also an outdoor poly-type spray on stuff you can get in craft stores that makes the surface look like rock. > > Alternatively, you might find some pretty cheap stones in the bone-yard of local monument companies - stuff they've cracked or broken. You can also find this at tile and stone suppliers - you know - the guys who sell that expensive stuff for marble and granite countertops and stuff? Every so often, somebody drop something and it breaks. You might pick it up cheap and use a Dremel with a diamond bit to carve in the names and dates. > > > ==== MO-CEMETERIES Mailing List ==== > If you wish to subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Missouri Cemetery list, use > MO-CEMETERIES-l-request@rootsweb.com or MO-CEMETERIES-d-request@rootsweb.com if > you are on the Digest list. > To learn more about my world visit http://dwp.bigplanet.com/kburnett > Vist the Mo-Cemeteries Volunteer and Cemetery List http://www.rootsweb.com/~mocemete/mocem.htm > > ============================== > Create a FREE family website at MyFamily.com! > http://www.myfamily.com/banner.asp?ID=RWLIST2 >