MAGIC
CASTLE
Inspire storytelling while
spreading Christmas
cheer with a whimsical
front-yard installation,
highlighted at night
with a solar spotlight!
Tools & materials
1 Clamp a 2440mm x 1220mm
sheet of 12mm plywood on
a pair of sawhorses and cut
in half with a jigsaw to create
two squares. On one piece,
use a framing square to mark
horizontal and vertical
centre-lines.
2 To draw the towers, mark
75mm either side of the vertical
centre-line and 150mm in from
the edges. Mark triangles for
roofs, and 100mm x 54mmwide windows. Cut around
the towers and along the
horizontal line with a jigsaw.
3 To cut the windows, centre a
54mm holesaw and finish with
a jigsaw. From the offcuts, cut
extra triangle pieces for the
roofs, battlements and a
150mm x 100mm-wide gate.
Smooth around all cuts with
180-grit abrasive paper. Wipe
away dust with a damp cloth.
4 With a roller and brush, apply
primer and two coats of exterior
paint, leaving to dry after each.
Attach extra pieces with epoxy
adhesive. At the back, pre-drill
with a 2.5mm bit to attach three
stakes with two saddle clips
each, pinching closed with pliers
and securing with 12mm screws.
DIY TOOLKIT
2
1
26 bunnings.co.nz |
3
bunningsnz |
4
bunnings
1 Empire 600mm x 400mm steel tradesman
square, $19.90, I/N: 5667112. 2 Ozito ‘PXC’
PXJSS-600 18V jigsaw, $89.98/skin only (battery
and charger sold separately), I/N: 6290477.
3 Loctite self mixing epoxy adhesive, $8.90/14ml,
I/N: 1210127. 4 Irwin ‘Quick-Grip’ 150mm mini bar
clamp, $44/pack of 4, I/N: 5860055. Some
products are not available at all Bunnings
stores, but may be ordered.
GIANT
FLOWERS &
TOADSTOOLS
Use your plywood offcuts
to make these…
Mark 1m x 50mm-wide
stems with leaves either
side. To make flowers,
mark out a 300mmdiametre circle, drawing
petals inside. Use holesaw
offcuts as the centres.
Cut flower shapes
with a jigsaw, then sand
and wipe away dust.
Apply primer and two
coats of exterior paint,
leaving to dry after each.
Position flowers on
the stems, pre-drilling
through the centre to
secure with 18mm screws.
Glue the flower centres
over the screws. Behind
the stems, secure 1200mm
garden stakes with saddle
clips and 12mm screws.
Cut 350mm x 350mm
toadstools. Sand, paint
and install with 300mm
reo bar edging stakes.
Keep in mind…
Choose non-structural plywood
and exterior paint to avoid moisture
and UV damage.
n Use power tools in a ventilated
area clear of distractions and always
wear a mask when cutting and
sanding timber.
n Keep power tools securely locked
away from children.
n
Project and styling Samantha Pointon. Project editing Natasha Dickins. •Timbers vary by region;
contact your local store for further information. Paint colours may vary on application.
nS
afety equipment (mask,
ear and eye protection)
n Quick-grip clamps
n Pair of sawhorses
n Tape measure and pencil
n Jigsaw
n Framing square
n Cloths
n Drill with 54mm holesaw,
2.5mm and driver bits
n Mini roller with spare covers
and tray
n Small paintbrush
n Pliers
n 2440mm x 1220mm
x 12mm plywood•
n 180-grit abrasive paper
with sanding block
n Undercoat primer
n Exterior paint in various
colours (we used British
Paints Atrium Light and
Dulux Mt Maunganui)
n Clear epoxy adhesive
n Three 1200mm plastic metal
garden stakes
n Six 12mm saddle pipe clips
n 6G x 12mm stainless steel
pan head screws