Project:
Reindeer Silhouette Yard Decor Plans
Package:
3 CNC Cut Files (DXF, SVG, DWG) + 1 PDF Trace-and-Cut Template
Both Laser/CNC-Ready Cut Files and Printable PDF Templates for Tracing and Cutting by Hand
What This Estimate Covers
Plywood Panel
1 sheet of MDO or ACX exterior plywood (4×8 ft, 15mm / 19-32 in. thick) — the more budget-friendly ACX grade is used for this estimate.
Primer + Paint (Combined Product)
For seasonal yard decor like this, using a combined exterior "paint + primer in one" product instead of separate coats makes more sense — cheaper, and only needs a single coat. Priced from combined-product gallon pricing.
Mounting Hardware
Plywood stake, telescoping PVC pipe, or wall mounting are all valid options here, each needing different hardware at a different cost. Not included in this estimate since it depends on which method you choose.
CNC Cutting Labor
If you choose CNC cutting instead of the hand-cut trace templates, labor pricing varies significantly even between local shops. Not included in this estimate.
Lighting (LED Strip & Transformer)
Lighting can range from a short LED strip to garden spotlights, and you may not want the whole figure lit. Not included in this estimate.
My mom is happy for that.
Jan 26, 2026 · Aglaée
Great product with easy instructions
Jan 12, 2026 · Beth W*
Everything's fine. Very helpful, I highly recommend it.
Jan 4, 2026 · Małgorzata
Great file, I recommend it
Dec 21, 2025 · Nina G*
Perfect, very easy to use.
Nov 22, 2025 · La L*
I ordered them this afternoon and received them almost immediately. Thank you so much for making our Christmas even more magical 🙏🙏🙏
Nov 16, 2025 · Alyne
Everything went smoothly with the download.
Nov 16, 2025 · Rebekka H*
Everything went great, thanks so much!
Nov 9, 2025 · Janina S*
Very easy to understand template, thank you!
Nov 5, 2025 · Robert W*
Very fast and good quality.
Nov 3, 2025 · Michael S*
Super great, thank you very much.
Oct 18, 2025 · Henry
I'm very satisfied, though I find them a little big.
Oct 14, 2025 · Pierrette P*
This pattern is easy to follow. I am looking forward to having these cutouts displayed at Christmas time.
Mar 10, 2025 · Britta
This was very easy to download and to follow.
Feb 10, 2025 · Brandie
Looking forward to building this myself!
Feb 7, 2025 · Karin P*
Item arrived as described, would purchase from again.
Jan 29, 2025 · Bret
Great vector art. We were able to use it without issue.
Jan 27, 2025 · Michael O*
Great, thank you so much! 👍
Jan 8, 2025 · Angelina B*
As expected. I tweaked the design to cut the trees sideways instead.
Jan 7, 2025 · David
Thanks, really well made — I can't wait to build it.
Jan 3, 2025 · Melanie G*
Immediate download with different file types to meet my needs.
Dec 17, 2024 · Surayborn
Loved it, thank you so much!
Dec 17, 2024 · Tracy
Everything as described. Would order again!
Dec 17, 2024 · Imke F*
It took me a little while to figure out that the PDF was on the readme page. Once I did, I was very excited to put the pieces together. I love it. Thank you.
Dec 16, 2024 · Beverly H*
Very good templates. Looking forward to working on them.
Dec 16, 2024 · Angelika
I managed to finish my project in time and I'm super happy with it.
Dec 14, 2024 · Jenny B*
My wife found a Christmas project for us to do. It was time consuming, but worth every minute. We've had so many compliments. We found that if you hot-glue the actual light housing instead of the wires to the back, it works better.
Dec 9, 2024 · Greg
Easy to print off and can't wait to put it all together
Dec 9, 2024 · Andrea L*
Good quality downloads, easy to print out.
Dec 6, 2024 · Ted B*
Top notch, everything worked really well.
Dec 5, 2024 · Michael G*
These templates are well designed; I'm looking forward to completing our project. I had a problem printing the templates at the correct scale for my jigsaw project and knew the problem was on my end. I reached out to WoodenDesignGarage for ideas and together we figured out the problem and solved it. Super communicative and friendly. Thank you so much.
Dec 4, 2024 · Lisa
Delivered via email immediately upon order.
Dec 3, 2024 · Carolyn
It was easy to understand once I connected all the templates together! This turned out great. Also, it's a fun art project for me lol. Love it! 😊 Thanks.
Dec 3, 2024 · Phalin
Made one so far, worked great!
Dec 2, 2024 · TX M*
The templates are perfect — can't wait to see the result.
Dec 1, 2024 · denise s*
Great quality on the individual template pages and organization of the instructions.
Nov 27, 2024 · Meg
Super fast, exactly what I wanted.
Nov 26, 2024 · Lardennois
We're already looking forward to bringing this project to life.
Nov 26, 2024 · Diana H*
Fast download and the description was easy to understand.
Nov 24, 2024 · Gisela K*
Will make a nice exterior decoration, or interior.
Nov 23, 2024 · Marie
All good, thank you — no problems at all.
Nov 20, 2024 · Andrea S*
Quick to download and put together.
Nov 19, 2024 · Lene
Great to download as a PDF. There are a ton of pages you need, but it's worth it.
Nov 18, 2024 · Lena B*
Great pattern, very easy to follow!
Nov 16, 2024 · Cynthia
Obviously this is an awesome and fun DIY project. I had a few questions and got answered by the seller super quick. I really enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the seller's plans and layout for this project. Absolutely everything you need is included in the download. I had a few large scraps leftover from the 4x8 plywood and will be making another small tree or a small animal. It would be great if the seller had taken the scraps into account and provided another small outline to use. I used color in my project instead of the plain white shown in the sample pics, and I'm very happy with the results. I did use white paint on the back of the deer to help bounce the string light onto the trees. Everything is secured with ¾" rebar so hopefully it will stand up to the winds here in Northwest Indiana. 10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nov 11, 2024 · Christopher
Loving this lovely Christmas idea. Everything was great, would buy again.
Nov 10, 2024 · Tina M*
Beautiful patterns and easy instructions!!
Nov 9, 2024 · Liette
Amazing! Very, very happy with my purchase.
Nov 8, 2024 · Michael l*
Super stoked! Thanks for making these templates, Semih!
Nov 7, 2024 · Jay
Really great to use, thanks!
Nov 7, 2024 · Eric G*
Delivery was fast and the pattern was just as described!
Nov 5, 2024 · Cecilia
File was easy to use and download.
Nov 4, 2024 · Jennifer
Had a hard time figuring out how to print the template, but I love this!
Nov 4, 2024 · Katelyn
Went really great, got instant replies to my questions. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Oct 30, 2024 · Yvonne B*
Excellent product, easy to print!
Oct 29, 2024 · Steven
Printed the pattern out and it's beautiful — just need to cut it into the wood board now, but I think the result will be great, the drawings are already very nice. Best, Karine.
Oct 29, 2024 · Olivier c*
Downloaded beautifully. Thank you so much. Very detailed pattern. Can't wait to make them.
Oct 24, 2024 · Teresa
I wanted actual stencils for the project.
Oct 23, 2024 · William K*
Good overview, everything well explained.
Oct 22, 2024 · Christiane S*
Great printout, great instructions. So excited to have this decoration in our yard this year.
Oct 8, 2024 · Jennifer
Can't wait to cut them out!
Oct 7, 2024 · Becky
Everything is perfect, received quickly.
Oct 3, 2024 · Josee
Beautiful design. Fast shipping. Satisfied.
Oct 1, 2024 · Dorely
Easy to understand, really great!
Sep 30, 2024 · Yvonne S*
Extremely fast download, easy to follow instructions.
Sep 25, 2024 · Cassie R*
Really simple — just print and cut out.
Sep 20, 2024 · Natalie N*
Great woodworking patterns. I can't wait to make these items.
Sep 10, 2024 · Mona
Great product, worth the money.
Aug 22, 2024 · Shannon
These were instantly available for download, all printed perfectly, and made the templates easy. Thank you, it's perfect.
Aug 1, 2024 · Meghan
Outstanding — easy to follow and order.
Apr 2, 2024 · Ronald
Good job, keep up the good work!
Mar 26, 2024 · Shawn C*
Beautiful design! Looks great in our outdoor Christmas display.
Mar 25, 2024 · William H*
Super helpful, and great products.
Mar 6, 2024 · Rich G*
You can download it right away.
Feb 29, 2024 · chad J*
Nice designs and easy to use.
Feb 20, 2024 · Little
The files were easy to use.
Feb 20, 2024 · Chelsea
Loved the download, made a great addition for the holidays.
Feb 19, 2024 · brad b*
As described, thank you :)
Feb 17, 2024 · Jim
Beautiful result... highly recommend!
Feb 17, 2024 · denis d*
Great patterns, just needed to print and lay them out on plywood — thanks!
Feb 16, 2024 · Jason T*
Great experience with this item.
Jan 23, 2024 · Wendy H*
Love the style of the trees. Smooth transaction too!
Jan 18, 2024 · Lori S*
Simply spectacular, it looks beautiful!
Jan 15, 2024 · Carmen A*
Patient seller, very kind.
Jan 8, 2024 · amblard
Patient seller, so kind.
Jan 8, 2024 · amblard
Item matches the description, nothing to complain about!
Jan 3, 2024 · GARNAVAULT C*
Loved my Christmas display!
Dec 28, 2023 · Paula S*
The digital download was easy to access and once downloaded, the image looked great.
Dec 27, 2023 · Jessica G*
We're currently working on it.
Dec 26, 2023 · Jose U*
Recommended. Easy to follow instructions.
Dec 26, 2023 · Rhonda R*
Looking forward to trying it for upcoming projects.
Dec 24, 2023 · Michele B*
Delighted with my purchase, thank you!
Dec 20, 2023 · Laetitia C*
I got a bit mixed up with receiving the order, but everything was lovely anyway, and super fast in every situation.
Dec 14, 2023 · Elisa B*
Exceptional customer service. The seller was very helpful with adjusting the scale to American paper size, and quick to respond to any questions. Would definitely recommend — item was exactly as described.
Dec 10, 2023 · Brooke E*
Super easy to put together. Looks fantastic!
Dec 8, 2023 · Sarah T*
Great for Christmas decorations.
Dec 5, 2023 · nicole a*
Great. Easy download. Will buy again.
Dec 3, 2023 · Jill M*
The item matches the description.
Nov 30, 2023 · Esperanza M*
Turned out great, easy to use. My printer had a hard time keeping up with all the sheets — I had to keep changing the paper — but I think that's on my printer, not the product. They look amazing!
Nov 29, 2023 · Mylah H*
Wish it were one big piece to copy, but I'll get it done.
Nov 27, 2023 · Cynthia J*
Fast delivery, and the outline is easy to cut.
Nov 24, 2023 · Ariane K*
Great work, doing it this weekend!
Nov 23, 2023 · Frode M*
Perfect download, and the finished product has been a big hit in the neighborhood.
Nov 19, 2023 · Zach D*
Delivered as a PDF within a minute.
Nov 19, 2023 · Eveline K*
Great pattern, matches the description.
Nov 17, 2023 · Weil
Easy and awesome idea — thank you!
Nov 15, 2023 · Talin M*
All good, happy to buy again!
Nov 13, 2023 · Beate K*
Thank you so much, it's much more than I expected.
Nov 12, 2023 · Liliana A*
Can't wait to try this out ASAP.
Nov 11, 2023 · Christopher M*
Love, love, love this pattern!
Nov 9, 2023 · Michelle K*
Awesome, would highly recommend — so easy to follow.
Nov 9, 2023 · tiffany p*
Great product, easy and fast download.
Nov 8, 2023 · Donald C*
Great, even though some of the patterns don't quite line up perfectly, I highly recommend.
Nov 7, 2023 · Dievart c*
Good, good, very good, good.
Nov 5, 2023 · Jasmin D*
My mom is happy for that.
Jan 26, 2026 · Aglaée
Great product with easy instructions
Jan 12, 2026 · Beth W*
Everything's fine. Very helpful, I highly recommend it.
Jan 4, 2026 · Małgorzata
Great file, I recommend it
Dec 21, 2025 · Nina G*
Perfect, very easy to use.
Nov 22, 2025 · La L*
I ordered them this afternoon and received them almost immediately. Thank you so much for making our Christmas even more magical 🙏🙏🙏
Nov 16, 2025 · Alyne
Everything went smoothly with the download.
Nov 16, 2025 · Rebekka H*
Everything went great, thanks so much!
Nov 9, 2025 · Janina S*
Very easy to understand template, thank you!
Nov 5, 2025 · Robert W*
Very fast and good quality.
Nov 3, 2025 · Michael S*
Super great, thank you very much.
Oct 18, 2025 · Henry
I'm very satisfied, though I find them a little big.
Oct 14, 2025 · Pierrette P*
This pattern is easy to follow. I am looking forward to having these cutouts displayed at Christmas time.
Mar 10, 2025 · Britta
This was very easy to download and to follow.
Feb 10, 2025 · Brandie
Looking forward to building this myself!
Feb 7, 2025 · Karin P*
Item arrived as described, would purchase from again.
Jan 29, 2025 · Bret
Great vector art. We were able to use it without issue.
Jan 27, 2025 · Michael O*
Great, thank you so much! 👍
Jan 8, 2025 · Angelina B*
As expected. I tweaked the design to cut the trees sideways instead.
Jan 7, 2025 · David
Thanks, really well made — I can't wait to build it.
Jan 3, 2025 · Melanie G*
Immediate download with different file types to meet my needs.
Dec 17, 2024 · Surayborn
Loved it, thank you so much!
Dec 17, 2024 · Tracy
Everything as described. Would order again!
Dec 17, 2024 · Imke F*
It took me a little while to figure out that the PDF was on the readme page. Once I did, I was very excited to put the pieces together. I love it. Thank you.
Dec 16, 2024 · Beverly H*
Very good templates. Looking forward to working on them.
Dec 16, 2024 · Angelika
I managed to finish my project in time and I'm super happy with it.
Dec 14, 2024 · Jenny B*
My wife found a Christmas project for us to do. It was time consuming, but worth every minute. We've had so many compliments. We found that if you hot-glue the actual light housing instead of the wires to the back, it works better.
Dec 9, 2024 · Greg
Easy to print off and can't wait to put it all together
Dec 9, 2024 · Andrea L*
Good quality downloads, easy to print out.
Dec 6, 2024 · Ted B*
Top notch, everything worked really well.
Dec 5, 2024 · Michael G*
These templates are well designed; I'm looking forward to completing our project. I had a problem printing the templates at the correct scale for my jigsaw project and knew the problem was on my end. I reached out to WoodenDesignGarage for ideas and together we figured out the problem and solved it. Super communicative and friendly. Thank you so much.
Dec 4, 2024 · Lisa
Delivered via email immediately upon order.
Dec 3, 2024 · Carolyn
It was easy to understand once I connected all the templates together! This turned out great. Also, it's a fun art project for me lol. Love it! 😊 Thanks.
Dec 3, 2024 · Phalin
Made one so far, worked great!
Dec 2, 2024 · TX M*
The templates are perfect — can't wait to see the result.
Dec 1, 2024 · denise s*
Great quality on the individual template pages and organization of the instructions.
Nov 27, 2024 · Meg
Super fast, exactly what I wanted.
Nov 26, 2024 · Lardennois
We're already looking forward to bringing this project to life.
Nov 26, 2024 · Diana H*
Fast download and the description was easy to understand.
Nov 24, 2024 · Gisela K*
Will make a nice exterior decoration, or interior.
Nov 23, 2024 · Marie
All good, thank you — no problems at all.
Nov 20, 2024 · Andrea S*
Quick to download and put together.
Nov 19, 2024 · Lene
Great to download as a PDF. There are a ton of pages you need, but it's worth it.
Nov 18, 2024 · Lena B*
Great pattern, very easy to follow!
Nov 16, 2024 · Cynthia
Obviously this is an awesome and fun DIY project. I had a few questions and got answered by the seller super quick. I really enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the seller's plans and layout for this project. Absolutely everything you need is included in the download. I had a few large scraps leftover from the 4x8 plywood and will be making another small tree or a small animal. It would be great if the seller had taken the scraps into account and provided another small outline to use. I used color in my project instead of the plain white shown in the sample pics, and I'm very happy with the results. I did use white paint on the back of the deer to help bounce the string light onto the trees. Everything is secured with ¾" rebar so hopefully it will stand up to the winds here in Northwest Indiana. 10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nov 11, 2024 · Christopher
Loving this lovely Christmas idea. Everything was great, would buy again.
Nov 10, 2024 · Tina M*
Beautiful patterns and easy instructions!!
Nov 9, 2024 · Liette
Amazing! Very, very happy with my purchase.
Nov 8, 2024 · Michael l*
Super stoked! Thanks for making these templates, Semih!
Nov 7, 2024 · Jay
Really great to use, thanks!
Nov 7, 2024 · Eric G*
Delivery was fast and the pattern was just as described!
Nov 5, 2024 · Cecilia
File was easy to use and download.
Nov 4, 2024 · Jennifer
Had a hard time figuring out how to print the template, but I love this!
Nov 4, 2024 · Katelyn
Went really great, got instant replies to my questions. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Oct 30, 2024 · Yvonne B*
Excellent product, easy to print!
Oct 29, 2024 · Steven
Printed the pattern out and it's beautiful — just need to cut it into the wood board now, but I think the result will be great, the drawings are already very nice. Best, Karine.
Oct 29, 2024 · Olivier c*
Downloaded beautifully. Thank you so much. Very detailed pattern. Can't wait to make them.
Oct 24, 2024 · Teresa
I wanted actual stencils for the project.
Oct 23, 2024 · William K*
Good overview, everything well explained.
Oct 22, 2024 · Christiane S*
Great printout, great instructions. So excited to have this decoration in our yard this year.
Oct 8, 2024 · Jennifer
Can't wait to cut them out!
Oct 7, 2024 · Becky
Everything is perfect, received quickly.
Oct 3, 2024 · Josee
Beautiful design. Fast shipping. Satisfied.
Oct 1, 2024 · Dorely
Easy to understand, really great!
Sep 30, 2024 · Yvonne S*
Extremely fast download, easy to follow instructions.
Sep 25, 2024 · Cassie R*
Really simple — just print and cut out.
Sep 20, 2024 · Natalie N*
Great woodworking patterns. I can't wait to make these items.
Sep 10, 2024 · Mona
Great product, worth the money.
Aug 22, 2024 · Shannon
These were instantly available for download, all printed perfectly, and made the templates easy. Thank you, it's perfect.
Aug 1, 2024 · Meghan
Outstanding — easy to follow and order.
Apr 2, 2024 · Ronald
Good job, keep up the good work!
Mar 26, 2024 · Shawn C*
Beautiful design! Looks great in our outdoor Christmas display.
Mar 25, 2024 · William H*
Super helpful, and great products.
Mar 6, 2024 · Rich G*
You can download it right away.
Feb 29, 2024 · chad J*
Nice designs and easy to use.
Feb 20, 2024 · Little
The files were easy to use.
Feb 20, 2024 · Chelsea
Loved the download, made a great addition for the holidays.
Feb 19, 2024 · brad b*
As described, thank you :)
Feb 17, 2024 · Jim
Beautiful result... highly recommend!
Feb 17, 2024 · denis d*
Great patterns, just needed to print and lay them out on plywood — thanks!
Feb 16, 2024 · Jason T*
Great experience with this item.
Jan 23, 2024 · Wendy H*
Love the style of the trees. Smooth transaction too!
Jan 18, 2024 · Lori S*
Simply spectacular, it looks beautiful!
Jan 15, 2024 · Carmen A*
Patient seller, very kind.
Jan 8, 2024 · amblard
Patient seller, so kind.
Jan 8, 2024 · amblard
Item matches the description, nothing to complain about!
Jan 3, 2024 · GARNAVAULT C*
Loved my Christmas display!
Dec 28, 2023 · Paula S*
The digital download was easy to access and once downloaded, the image looked great.
Dec 27, 2023 · Jessica G*
We're currently working on it.
Dec 26, 2023 · Jose U*
Recommended. Easy to follow instructions.
Dec 26, 2023 · Rhonda R*
Looking forward to trying it for upcoming projects.
Dec 24, 2023 · Michele B*
Delighted with my purchase, thank you!
Dec 20, 2023 · Laetitia C*
I got a bit mixed up with receiving the order, but everything was lovely anyway, and super fast in every situation.
Dec 14, 2023 · Elisa B*
Exceptional customer service. The seller was very helpful with adjusting the scale to American paper size, and quick to respond to any questions. Would definitely recommend — item was exactly as described.
Dec 10, 2023 · Brooke E*
Super easy to put together. Looks fantastic!
Dec 8, 2023 · Sarah T*
Great for Christmas decorations.
Dec 5, 2023 · nicole a*
Great. Easy download. Will buy again.
Dec 3, 2023 · Jill M*
The item matches the description.
Nov 30, 2023 · Esperanza M*
Turned out great, easy to use. My printer had a hard time keeping up with all the sheets — I had to keep changing the paper — but I think that's on my printer, not the product. They look amazing!
Nov 29, 2023 · Mylah H*
Wish it were one big piece to copy, but I'll get it done.
Nov 27, 2023 · Cynthia J*
Fast delivery, and the outline is easy to cut.
Nov 24, 2023 · Ariane K*
Great work, doing it this weekend!
Nov 23, 2023 · Frode M*
Perfect download, and the finished product has been a big hit in the neighborhood.
Nov 19, 2023 · Zach D*
Delivered as a PDF within a minute.
Nov 19, 2023 · Eveline K*
Great pattern, matches the description.
Nov 17, 2023 · Weil
Easy and awesome idea — thank you!
Nov 15, 2023 · Talin M*
All good, happy to buy again!
Nov 13, 2023 · Beate K*
Thank you so much, it's much more than I expected.
Nov 12, 2023 · Liliana A*
Can't wait to try this out ASAP.
Nov 11, 2023 · Christopher M*
Love, love, love this pattern!
Nov 9, 2023 · Michelle K*
Awesome, would highly recommend — so easy to follow.
Nov 9, 2023 · tiffany p*
Great product, easy and fast download.
Nov 8, 2023 · Donald C*
Great, even though some of the patterns don't quite line up perfectly, I highly recommend.
Nov 7, 2023 · Dievart c*
Good, good, very good, good.
Nov 5, 2023 · Jasmin D*
I kept this design close to life-size: it stands 162 cm (5'4") tall and 127 cm (4'2") wide.
3 SVG, DWG, and DXF Format CNC Files: The three CNC files carry the same content — I prepared them in three formats purely for compatibility with different software. You don't need paid software to open them: LibreCAD (free, open-source) and QCAD (free community edition) both run on Windows and Mac and are lightweight, easy-to-install options. If you want a Windows-only option, Autodesk's own free viewer DWG TrueView is available (it doesn't run natively on Mac). That said, if you're having it CNC-cut, you don't need to open the file yourself — just hand it off to whoever's doing the cutting; you can also ask them for a small scale adjustment if you need one.
1 PDF Format Templates File: A template sized for A4/US Letter for hand-cutting.
1 PDF Format Readme File: All of these steps are also written out in the README file, so you've got it as a reference on hand.
I recommend MDO (Medium Density Overlay) plywood for this — its resin-coated, smooth surface holds paint very well and stands up to weather and scratching; it's genuinely made for jobs like signage and yard decor. If you want to keep the budget tighter, ACX plywood is a solid alternative — its waterproof glue and smooth face are enough for most outdoor projects. I wouldn't recommend marine-grade plywood: it's the most durable option, but it can cost 3-4 times as much as standard plywood — that premium makes sense for boats or anything in constant contact with water, but it's more than a yard ornament needs.
You need just 1 panel to complete this design. In imperial, that's a 4×8 ft panel at 19/32 in. thickness; in metric, a 1.2×2.4 m panel at 15 mm thickness.
For the plywood stake: the length of your nail or screw matters — it shouldn't exceed the combined thickness of the stake and panel together (roughly 30 mm / 1-3/16 in.), or the tip will poke through the front. A 3/4"–1" (19-25mm) exterior-rated stainless screw is a safe choice.
For the telescoping PVC pipe: Home Depot carries Schedule 40 PVC pipe in many diameters from 1/2" to 4". Exactly which two sizes will nest together can vary slightly by brand — I'd recommend physically test-fitting two sizes in the store before buying. Cantex-brand PVC pipe clamps come in matching diameters for fastening the pipe to the panel.
For wall mounting or leaning: you'll need a keyhole plate and a wood spacer to hold the panel off the wall; Home Depot carries ready-made keyhole hardware kits (brands like OOK and Waddell).
I recommend starting with an exterior primer and finishing with exterior paint — most products call for 2 coats. This one panel's surface comes to roughly 30-32 sq ft (2.8-3 m²), which typically works out to well under a gallon of primer and under a gallon of paint — a quart of each is usually plenty. The exact amount depends on the coverage listed on your chosen product's label — worth checking before you buy.
Decor like this usually only spends about a month outdoors during the holiday season, then sits in storage the rest of the year. For that kind of use, a combined exterior "paint + primer in one" product is also a solid option instead of separate coats — it's more economical (one product, usually just a single coat) and still provides enough protection for this short seasonal exposure.
- Print it — The template package includes a single file that works for both A4 and US Letter paper sizes. It's designed to fit both sizes properly, with no scaling issues. In the print dialog, set the scale to "actual size / 100%" and make sure "fit to page" is NOT selected — if it is, the printer will shrink or stretch the file to fit the paper and every measurement on it will be thrown off. The file is already prepared at its own scale, with margin built in for small differences between paper sizes.
- Assemble the pages — the template arrives as a multi-page pattern split across A4/US Letter sheets. First, carefully cut along the trim lines at the edge of each page with scissors or a craft knife — these lines are there so the edges line up exactly when the pages are joined, without any overlap. Once the edges are trimmed, follow the letter-number grid printed on the pages to line up the correct sheets, then tape the edges together to form the full-size pattern.
- Transfer the pattern onto the plywood — two methods:
- Spray adhesive: a "repositionable" spray like 3M Super 77. Apply a thin, even coat to the back of the paper and press it down without bubbles or creases. After cutting, the paper peels off easily with mineral spirits.
- Double-sided tape: you can do the same with tape — use a "residue-free, removable" type. You don't need to cover the whole surface, just strips along the edges and inner corners.
- Cut it — follow the line with a jigsaw using a narrow blade; don't force the saw, and make small relief cuts before sharp corners. Make sure to clamp the plywood securely to your workbench.
Once the cutting is done, sand the surface. Start with 80-120 grit on the edges and any rough spots, then move to 150-220 grit for a smooth, paint-ready finish. A random orbital sander speeds things up on the broad flat areas; the curved edges, antler tips, and branch detail come out cleaner sanded by hand. For a single panel, plan on well under an hour, depending on how much detail work you want to put in.
If you're using separate primer and paint: apply the primer in thin, even coats — 2 coats is usually enough — then follow with 2-3 thin coats of exterior paint, letting each coat dry before the next. If you went with a combined "paint + primer in one" product instead, a single coat is usually enough; add a second if you notice any uneven coverage. Whichever product you use, pay particular attention to the edges — that's where plywood picks up moisture most easily.
You can put the plywood offcuts left over from cutting the figures to good use. Cut one piece with one end pointed — that's your stake. Set the flat end against the back of the figure and fasten it with a nail or screw; the length of the nail or screw shouldn't exceed the combined thickness of the two overlapping plywood pieces, or the tip will poke through the front. Once the stake is fastened, drive the pointed end into the ground. If the soil is hard, wetting it beforehand makes this easier.
For a more permanent setup: fasten a PVC pipe to the back of the figure so it runs down toward the ground when the panel is standing — a couple of pipe clamps are enough to secure it. Then drive a second, slightly wider PVC pipe into the ground to create a fixed sleeve. All you need to do at install time is slide the figure's pipe into that sleeve; taking it out at the end of the season is just as easy — the sleeve stays put in the ground, so you're not driving a new stake every year.
If staking into the ground isn't an option, you can mount the figure to a wall or a fence. For the cleanest result: attach a keyhole plate to the back, and add a wood spacer a few centimeters thick underneath it — this holds the figure slightly off the wall, which keeps moisture from building up and, if you want to add lighting behind it later, leaves room for the light to spread. All you do at the wall is slip the screw head into the keyhole slot. If you want something simpler, you can just lean the figure against the wall and weigh down the base slightly.
If you don't have soil to stake into and there's no wall or fence nearby, a weighted sign base is a practical third option — the kind sold for sidewalk signs and event banners. These usually work as a slotted or clamped stand: slide the panel's bottom edge in, then fill the base with sand or water for ballast. Match the base's rated capacity to the panel itself, not just its weight — a tall, flat silhouette catches wind like a sail, and this figure (162 cm / 5'4") needs a base built for that height. In an open, wind-exposed spot, I'd still run a couple of thin guy-lines from the panel down to the ground even with a weighted base — the base keeps it from tipping over, the lines keep it from rocking and slowly working the base loose over a season.
If you'd like, you can add an LED strip behind the figures for a nighttime effect too. The spacer you used for wall-mounting comes in handy here — the gap it leaves between the panel and the wall gives the light room to spread out from the edges.
What kind of LED: go with a 12V, outdoor-rated strip with an IP67 waterproof rating — IP65 only handles light rain/splashing (fine for covered spots under an eave), IP67 is the safer choice for full exposure in an open yard. Warm white (3000K) gets closest to that amber glow in the reference photos.
How much you'll need: based on this figure's own outline, roughly 8-10 meters of strip (usually sold in 5-meter reels, so about 2 reels). That's a rough estimate — it depends on how much of the silhouette you want lit.
How to mount it: since these silhouettes have curved, organic outlines, a rigid aluminum channel won't follow the shape — stick the strip directly to the wood using its own adhesive backing instead. For extra hold in outdoor conditions (cold weather weakens adhesive tape over a season), lay down a strip of stronger outdoor-rated double-sided mounting tape (3M VHB or similar) first and press the LED strip onto that, then add a small flexible mounting clip every 15-20 cm along the run for a mechanical backup that doesn't rely on adhesive alone. A thin bead of clear silicone sealant along both edges of the strip adds a further layer of grip and weatherproofing, especially useful right where the strip turns a tight curve.
Power supply: the strip doesn't plug straight into an outlet — you need a transformer (LED driver) that steps 220V down to 12V, and it needs to be outdoor-rated (IP65/IP67) too. You can work out the transformer's wattage by multiplying your total strip length by the watts-per-meter figure printed on the strip's packaging.
Powering it outdoors: plug the transformer into a GFCI-protected, weather-resistant (WR-rated) outdoor outlet, and use an "in-use" cover that stays closed even with something plugged in. If you need an extension cord, choose one rated for outdoor use (UV- and water-resistant).
Will rain or snow be a problem: an IP67-rated strip is safe in rain and snow, but any end you cut is always exposed and breaks the waterproofing — every cut end needs a bead of silicone or a waterproof end cap, or the strip's IP rating doesn't mean anything in practice.
If running a full LED strip system is more than you want to take on, a couple of solar-powered spotlights staked into the ground in front of each figure give a similar uplit look with no wiring, no transformer, and nothing to plug in. The trade-off is real, though: solar panels need several hours of direct sun to charge, so shaded spots under eaves or trees will undercharge, especially given how short winter days already are. Cold weather also cuts battery capacity and runtime — expect noticeably less light on the coldest nights of the season, right when you're most likely to want it. If your display sits somewhere with decent daytime sun, this is genuinely the easier route; if it's mostly shaded or you're somewhere with harsh winters, the wired strip holds up better. Either way, an inexpensive outdoor timer on the wired setup — or just relying on the solar spot's built-in dusk sensor — means you're not walking out to flip a switch every evening.
Yes. If you're cutting by hand, just change the scale percentage in your printer settings — selecting 80% shrinks the design, 120% enlarges it. All dimensions change proportionally, so the sizes I listed no longer apply once you rescale; you can measure the printed result with a ruler to confirm the new size. If you're having it CNC-cut, you can ask whoever's doing the cutting to apply the scale adjustment directly.
Yes — this is a standard, platform-wide Etsy feature. The download link doesn't expire; you can re-access your files anytime from the "Purchases and Reviews" page in your Etsy account, with no limit on how many times you download.
Of course — I make every plan myself, and you're welcome to reach out to me directly through Etsy with any question, before or after your purchase. I stand behind every design I share.
No — these files are for personal use only. Selling what you make from them, or using the design or files for any other commercial purpose, isn't included in this purchase.
I don't offer refunds once the files have been downloaded — this is standard practice given the nature of digital goods. That said, if you run into an actual problem with the files (won't open, something's missing), reach out and I'll help sort it out.
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