How to Make a Scarecrow Mask Craft for Kids

Scarecrow masks can be friendly or menacing.

Scarecrows have been used for centuries to scare birds and other animals away from fields. They have become an iconic image and have been used in horror movies as a symbol of fear. Kids can make their own scarecrow mask to create a Halloween costume. There are two different methods they can use to make the mask. These methods use different materials and vary in difficulty and look. Use the method you think would be appropriate for your child.

Things You'll Need

• Burlap bag
• White crayon
• Scissors
• Paint
• Pencils
• Paper
• Crayons
• String

Instructions

Bag Mask

1. Cut out the bottom of a burlap sack and turn it inside out. Place it over the head to see if its big enough. It should be large enough to fit over the head but leave some room for breathing.

2. Crumple up the bag a few times to wrinkle it. This adds to the look of the mask by making it appear more haggard and rough.

3. Place the mask over the head and find where the eyes, nose and mouth are located. Have a helper make a small dot with a white crayon at the exact center of each eye, the nose and mouth. Hold the mask material taut to avoid getting poked in the eye. Remove the bag and draw the hole lines with the crayon. Avoid making these lines on the stitch lines of the sack.

4. Remove the mask and cut out the holes with the knife. Place the sack on the head to check if the holes match up. Make any adjustments necessary to make them more appropriate.

5. Paint your sack using non-toxic fabric paints several dark colors, such as brown, green or black. Vary the colors and layer them to make the mask look rough. The mask is finished.

Paper Mask

1. Draw a scarecrow mask on a piece of paper. Use a picture of real scarecrow as a guide. You may also wish to use a scarecrow mask pattern from a site like Phee McFaddell. Hold the mask up to the face to make sure it is large enough to cover it.

2. Color the scarecrow mask using crayons. Crayons have a duller look than markers, making them more appropriate for the mask.

3. Cut out the mask using your scissors and cut two holes on the side of the mask. Tie a string through one of these holes.

4. Hold the mask up to the face. Run the string around the back of the head. Cut it off so that it fits around the head snugly. Tie it into the other hole. The mask is ready to use.

References

• Cut Out and Keep: Scarecrow Mask
• Phee McFaddell: Scarecrow Mask