How to Make Your Own Scarecrow

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

26 Sep 2008 10:21 PM

Thank goodness for scarecrows and pumpkins. As I mentioned in a previous blog they are some of the only seasonal decorations my young daughter can stand to be around without having a full-blown meltdown. Given that she is petrified of gory Halloween décor our home has turned into a haven for happy homemade scarecrows and our porch is a virtual pumpkin patch.

If you are looking to add tame seasonal décor to your home (either because your own children are deathly afraid of fake bloody limbs and screeching plastic bats or you simply want to make your house a welcome site to young trick-or-treaters) the following easy craft project is a great option. The homemade scarecrow doesn't take much time to create; what's more, the majority of the materials needed to craft him can be found around your home.

Pint-Sized Paper Bag Scarecrow

Materials:

1 small paper bag

permanent markers--use the colors of your choice

newspaper

yarn

string

scissors

large safety pins

wooden dowel

tape

old baby clothes

Directions:

Crumple up paper bag to create wrinkles for your scarecrow, then smooth out.

Draw eyes, mouth and other facial features you desire.

Shred newspaper and stuff into paper bag and tie off with string---this will be your scarecrow's head.

Tie off each sleeve and pants leg and stuff with newspaper.

Secure stuffed pants and shirt together with large safety pins.

Use a wooden stick to hold up head by poking stick through neck opening in head and down into the shirt neck opening. (If you plan to stick your scarecrow into the ground it's best to use a mop or broom handle instead. It will protrude through the back of the scarecrow's shirt and can be placed in the ground.)

Dress up scarecrow with an old hat, jewelry, gloves, shoes, etc.

Use the yarn for the scarecrow's hair.

Note: If you want to make a larger scarecrow use a large paper bag for his head and adult's clothes for his body. Another option is to create an entire scarecrow family using different size paper bags.

Related Articles:

Fall Crafts: Making Paper Bag Pumpkins

How to Make a Unique Fall Wreath with Your Kids

Go Batty this Halloween

Homemade Holiday Decorations: Fun with Pinecones

Simple Halloween Crafts: Fun with Paper Plates

Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Decorating Tips For The Children's Thanksgiving Table

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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