Black Cat Outdoor Halloween Decoration
Materials Needed:
- 2 'x 2' piece of plywood
- jigsaw
- fine-toothed wood-cutting jigsaw blade
- electric drill with an extra-large drill bit
- 18" wood landscaping stakes two
- pneumatic nail gun and nails
- hammer
- paintbrush
- scissors
- sanding block with 80-grit sandpaper
- black exterior paint
- Download: Halloween Scaredy Cat Template
Print and Cut Out Template
To create an oversized cat, have a local copy shop print out a 2' x 2' version of the cat template. Using scissors, cut out pattern.
Tip: If you'd prefer, you can create smaller versions of the cat using templates printed onto standard printer paper.
Trace Template
Use a pencil to trace the cat template onto a 2' x 2' piece of plywood.
Cut Cat Out
Use a jigsaw equipped with a fine-toothed wood-cutting blade to cut the cat out by slowly following your pencil lines.
Create Eye Holes
Create starter holes in the center of each eye using an extra-large drill bit. Insert the jigsaw in the drilled hole and continue cutting out the eyes.
Attach Stake
Apply construction adhesive to the upper portion of a wooden landscaping stake and attach the stake to the back of the cat's legs (Image 1). Flip the cat over, and use a pneumatic nailer to further secure the stake to the cat from the front side (Image 2). Flip the cat over again, and hammer down the ends of any nails that are sticking through the back (Image 3).
Sand, Then Paint
Use a sanding block to smooth rough edges. Coat both the front and back sides of the cat and stake in black exterior paint and allow to dry.
Place in Yard
Select an outdoor location for the cat and use a second wooden stake to create a shallow starter hole in the ground. Remove the stake, then position the cat, firmly pushing its stake down into the started hole.
