I work at a library as the Youth Service Coordinator. Basically I create and run programs for the youth. One of the programs I created was a Mad Hatter Tea Party. I wanted to create a photo opportunity for the parents and their kids. I wanted to make large cutouts of some of the characters. But how? Well, after searching the internet and pulling from my Theatre Design degree I created what I think are awesome looking cutouts.
For this project you will need:
- Some sort of Sheet Good
- Sticks of wood
- A cutting device ( I had a Compound Miter Saw and hand held jig saw)
- Wood Glue
- A Drill
- A Screw Driver (if using screws. If using nails you will need a hammer)
- Screws
- Safty Glasses
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Primer
- Various colors of Acrylic or Latex paint
- Paint Brushes
- And Anything else you think you may need
Step One: Find/ buy some sort of sheet good. An old piece of paneling was donated to this project.
Step Two: Draw out the picture/ character you desire. I tried to work around the holes and per-existing cut marks.
Step Three: Cutout characters using a jig saw.
Step Four: Place Cutout upside down on saw horses to create a back support for it. (I placed the cutout to use as a template to create the back support. Nothing is being attached to the cut out at this time.) This part is time consuming. Since each Cutout is different I measured and cut each piece of wood one by one. This way you can custom how you can support the Cutout.
Step Five: Glue your back support together. (Again nothing is being attached to the actual cutout) I glued the edges that touched together. I also used scrapped paneling and glued and screwed them on each area where pieces of wood touched. This help strengthens that area. Make sure the screw are on both pieces of wood.
Step Six: After gluing together the back support and letting it dry, flip it over so the front side is
facing up. Cover the front of the back support with wood glue. Place the cut out on top of the back support. Screw the cutout onto the back support. I also at this point sanded the edges and front surface
Step Seven: After letting your cut out to dry and adhere to the back support, flip it back over. You will create a 'L' shape kickstand with a support between the two wood pieces. I used a cheap set of hinges to attach the 'L' kickstand to the back of the cutout.
Step Eight: Prime your surface for paint. It's at this point i realized it would probably would have been better if i primed the sheet of wood before i drew and cut out the Cutout.
Step Nine: Paint!!
Step Ten: Take a step back, admire your work and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.
