How to Make a Scarecrow

Making a scarecrow is fun and a great Autumn activity to do with kids.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old clothes
• Stuffing of choice
• Stake/pole
• hay/straw
• hat
• glue
• pumpkin or pillowcase for face
• Embellishments of choice

1. Choose an outfit for your scarecrow. Tie or sew top and bottom together.

2. Stuff your clothing of choice. You may use hay or leaves as stuffing or you can purchase pillow stuffing or Christmas snow to fill with. Another option is bubblewrap. If you wish to weatherproof your scarecrow, bubblewrap is a good option. Otherwise, you can put your stuffing in plastic garbage bags and then stuff inside the clothing.

3. Place a stake type object through the middle of your scarecrow body, leaving enough exposed to place the head on. (We used half of a small curtain rod.)If you are planning to stake your scarecrow into the ground, you will need to use some sort of actual stake, large enough to suit your needs. The configuration will depend on where and how you plan to display your scarecrow.

4. Drape hay and leaves so that it is hanging in abundance from the scarecrow's hands and feet. Tie off sleeve and pant leg ends (at the same time securing the dangling straws of hay) with rubber bands, zip ties, twist ties or string.

5. Glue leaves, patches or whatever decorative accents you wish to complete the outfit.

6. Affix the head. If you are using a pumpkin, you will need to hollow it so the weight won't cause it to topple. A pillowcase with a face drawn on it with fabric marker or button eyes and nose sewn on also works very well. Secure the head onto the stake. You will want to add the hat and all decorative accents prior to attaching head to body.

7. You may also forego the stake and sew or glue all your pieces together. A plastic pumpkin head is lightweight and the face is pre-decorated, however, you need to be sure you will be able to secure it to the body well enough to withstand windy weather and such.

8. Once you are sure all components are well fastened, bring your scarecrow outside and secure him/her to the place you have designated.

9. Give your scarecrow a name.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a smaller child's clothing is a good way to start if this is your first scarecrow. It is easier to work on a smaller scale and get a feel for what you would need to make a larger one next time.
• Make it fun - let the kids help build, decorate and name your scarecrow.
• The supplies cost us about $4.00 more than the cost of buying an already made scarecrow, but the fun family time and the pride on our daughter's face when she looks at her scarecrow is worth that and more.

[maryanne09]

on 5/26/2009 Great article on How to Make a Scarecrow! 5*'s :o)

[maryellen1001]

on 10/7/2008 cute scarecrow btw! Great job!

[maryellen1001]

on 10/7/2008 great, simple instruction! Thanks. 5*

[psychonurse]

on 10/5/2008 You're right! An excellent family activity for Autumn. Inexpensive,too!
Thanks for the ideas and directions.

[psychonurse]

on 10/5/2008 You're right! An excellent family activity for Autumn. Inexpensive,too!
Thanks for the ideas and directions.