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Painted Owl Silhouette

You'll Need

  • 1 sheet of 4 mm birch plywood, at least 30 x 40 cm
  • A printed owl silhouette template, sized to fit the plywood
  • A jigsaw (adult use only)
  • 80-grit and 120-grit sandpaper
  • Matte black exterior paint or spray paint
  • A foam roller or wide brush

Step by Step

  • Tape the printed template to the plywood and trace the owl outline firmly with a pencil, pressing hard enough to leave a visible line on the wood. Remove the paper. An adult should cut along the traced line with the jigsaw, using slow, steady passes and supporting the plywood so it does not flex. Sand the edges first with 80-grit to remove any splinters, then with 120-grit until the edges feel smooth to the touch.
  • Apply the matte black paint to both sides of the silhouette using a foam roller for the flat surfaces and a brush for the edges. Two coats give a solid, flat finish; let the first dry completely (at least one hour) before flipping and painting the second side. When both sides are fully dry, check the edges under good light: any pale wood showing at the edges needs a touch-up with a small brush.
  • To mount the silhouette, drill a small hole at the top and thread with wire or a picture hook. To prop it, cut a short length of plywood scrap, glue and nail it to the back as a stand, or simply lean the piece against a wall or post.

Good to Know

Suitable for adults. Jigsaw use is an adult-only step.