Halloween Bat Storm

• Bat template 
• Printer and plain white paper
• Scissors
• Craft foam or construction paper (one 9" x 12" sheet yields 2 standard bats; for larger bats, use 12" x 18")
• Monofilament
• Pushpin

1. Download bat template and print out on plain paper. If you want to make different size bats, try reducing template to 60 percent or enlarging it to 150 percent. Cut out.

2. Cut a 9"x12" sheet of craft foam in half the long way to make two pieces, each 4 1/2" x 12".

3. Fold one piece in half the short way, so it measures 4 1/2" x 6". Crease. Place template along crease and trace onto foam. Keeping craft foam folded, cut out bat shape, cutting through both layers of craft foam.

TIP: If you’re having trouble keeping foam in place while you cut, staple the outside corners together. Unfold.

How to hang bats:
• Use a pushpin to make a hole in craft foam and feed filament through hole. Tie one end in a double knot so it won't slip back through hole.
• One filament through center of bat will make it hang evenly. Place a hole closer to the head, and the head will hang higher than the body.
• To bring the wings closer together, make a hole in each wing and use one piece of filament (double-knot it on both ends) as a crosswire.
• To make the wings hang downward, make a crosswire, then turn bat over and attach a second piece of filament to the body.

GREEN TIP: Don't throw away scraps of craft foam―it makes great box filler for shipping.