Giant Raven Outdoor Halloween Decoration

Directions

1. Print and cut out template. To create an oversized raven, have a local copy shop print out a 2' x 2' version of this template. Using scissors, cut out pattern.
2. Trace template. Use a pencil to trace the raven template onto a 2' x 2' piece of plywood.
3. Cut raven out. Use a jigsaw equipped with a fine-toothed wood-cutting blade to cut the raven out by slowly following your pencil lines.
4. Create an eye hole. Create a starter hole in the center of the eye using an extra-large drill bit. Insert the jigsaw into the drilled hole and continue cutting out the eye.
5. Attach stake. Apply construction adhesive to the upper portion of a wooden landscaping stake and attach the stake to the back of the raven's legs. Flip the raven over, and use a pneumatic nailer to further secure the stake to the raven from the front side. Flip the raven over again, and hammer down the ends of any nails that are sticking through the back.
6. Sand, then paint. Use a sanding block to smooth rough edges. Coat both the front and back sides of the raven and stake in black exterior paint and allow to dry.
7. Place in yard. Select an outdoor location for the raven and use a second wooden stake to create a shallow starter hole in the ground. Remove the stake, then position the raven, firmly pushing its stake down into the started hole.