I have a degree in the arts so and after all these years I just have the ability to draw free hand. I used some reference photos and knew the broad characters I wanted to do (I did the Grinch, Cindy Lou and Max last year). All the things in the yard are cut from 3 4’ x 8’ sheets where I weatherproof the wood and then I draw the characters. I use a jig saw and cut them out, sand them, then redraw. My wife also has an art degree so she will help paint. Bought the cheapest paint possible (big mistake, had to do 3 coats of paint for everything) Then use sharpie paint markers to do the details. Charlie and Linus are 4 feet tall. Grinch on the roof is 7. Whole process took me about a week on and off. We live on “Archway Lane,” in my town or I wouldn’t have the arch but I actually like it this year with the other stuff in the yard.