Scrap Wood Pumpkin Riser

Lay the four 2x4 face boards side by side, edge to edge, as if they were one wide panel. Flip the assembly and place the backer strips across the back.

Attach the backers to the back of the face boards with 2" screws and glue (1-1/4" or longer brad nails also work). This is what turns four loose boards into one rigid panel.

Trace a pumpkin outline across the top edge of the assembled panel, keeping it roughly symmetrical — step back and eyeball it before cutting, since a lopsided outline is what makes a freehand shape look rushed.

Cut carefully with the jigsaw, then sand every cut edge smooth.