How to Make a Plywood Character Stand
A character stand is a piece of plywood cut out in the shape of a character. Character stands are useful for any event for which you would like to decorate your yard or another outdoor area. Plywood is sturdy enough to stand up to the elements for a few weeks. Plywood also can be easily replaced should it become permanently damaged or broken.
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Things You'll Need
- Tape
- Butcher paper
- Printout of character
- Opaque projector
- Pencil or marker
- Scissors
- 5/8-inch plywood
- Jigsaw
- Sand paper
- Paint and brushes
- L-brackets with screws
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Tape a piece of butcher paper to the wall your projector will face. Tape several sheets of paper together, depending on the desired size of your cutout.
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2
Insert your character printout into the opaque projector, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Focus it on your paper and make it your desired size, then use the pencil to trace the cutout onto the butcher paper. Remove the paper from the wall and cut it around your markings.
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3
Lay the cutout on your plywood and trace around it with the pencil.
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4
Use your jigsaw to cut along the lines on the plywood, following manufacturer's instructions.
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5
Sand the cut edges with the sandpaper. Determine which side you feel is more aesthetically pleasing, and designate it the front. Write "front" on it in pencil.
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6
Use your paint and your paintbrushes to paint front of the cutout. Allow to dry. If you feel like both sides of the cutout will be seen, paint the back as well, and allow to dry.
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7
Screw two of your L-brackets to the bottom of the back of the cutout. One arm of the "L" will be against the back of the cutout and the other arm of the "L" will sit flush on the ground.
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Tips & Warnings
Drill holes for the L-bracket screws to have an easier time screwing the L-bracket to the plywood.
Screw the bottom arm of the L-bracket to another piece of plywood that you sit on the ground, if you desire more sturdiness.
Always use power tools carefully and read the instructions before you use them.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
