See opaque vessel. Open hatch. Remove paper. Read clearly written instructions. Cover desktop with skin. Cut cardboard pattern to contour and outline, using shears. Apply adhesive to desktop. Press and stretch skin to remove wrinkles and prevent buckling as adhesive dries. Trim excess, using knife. Apply goldleaf or other decorative design, using heated die or printing roller and stencil. Cut out inflatable skin figures, such as children and comic characters, for use in parades and carnivals. Punch hole and insert air tube in each component member of figure. Cement tube in place, forming inflatable skin puppet. Inflate puppet and inspect for leaks. Replace clearly written instructions in opaque vessel. Close hatch. Look away.

© 2004 Christian Peet.
Originally published in Cranky