Santa's Elves Yard Display


  After years of Christmas plywood cutout characters, we decided to follow the 3D trend and build some happy elves for our yard this year. The elves are wooden skeletons with newspaper pressed and taped all around to form the shapes. Two coats of paper mache, bits of clay added, gesso, paint, & water-proofing - they're ready!

What you need:

The basic materials are: --------------------------------- 2x2, 1x2, 2x4 lumber dowels newspaper masking tape posterboard brown paper bags paper mache - we use PlayBOX wheat paste 3lbs paper clay - Creative Paper Clay Co. gesso - Liquidtex surface prep wrapping paper decoupage - Mod Podge Acrylic paints Krylon acrylic crystal clear satin spray paint for waterproofing Basic tools: --------------- Craftsman jigsaw with foot switch drill with large bits paintbrushes medium fine sandpaper hot glue gun For the animated elf spinning package: ---------------------------------------------------- gear motor - Solarbotics GM21 $20 1/2" PVC pipe Copper pipe 2 scavenged scooter bearings 5/16" plain steel rod 5/16" ID steel coupler 14ga steel sheet 9"x9" Styrofoam brick 2 AA batteries and holder hot glue and gun misc washers, allen set screws, hookup wire

How and How Long:

  1. Construct frames.
  2. Cover with paper mache.
  3. Time to paint!
  4. Decorate elves - give them some personality!
  5. Add a protective coating of clear spray paint.

Approximate project time: 5 hours.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Santas-Elves-Yard-Display/

What it Costs:

Cost is $40 for most supplies.