A traditional scarecrow is basically a crossed figure
that
has been dressed and stuffed to add volume.
Feel free to improvise on this basic design, based on what you have on
hand. For example, while we suggest pieces of timber, lengths of
plastic or metal pipe will work just as well. Straw, wadded fabric or
even newspaper will do
for stuffing.
What you will need:
- Two pieces of timber (one slightly longer than the other) alternatively
two pieces of timber (one slightly shorter than the other)
- Nails or screws and string or wire.
- Pantyhose, tights or a small flour bag for the head
- Needle and thread or stapler.
- Straw, or other material for stuffing
What to do:
- Attach the two pieces of timber together to form a cross.
Make
sure that the arms are not too long for a shirt or jacket to be put on
later.
- If you are using stockings for the head, cut off the legs
and
put one inside the other for extra strength.
- Stuff it into the shape of a head. Tie the head loosely at
the
neck end.
- Paint a face on with acrylic paint or permanent marker, or
stitch features with wool or thread.
- Slide the head onto the short end of the vertical pole,
then,
attach the head to the body by tying tightly with string or wire.
- Pumpkins, balls, gourds, masks or cut-out discs may also
be
used for heads.
- From here, use your own creativity.
- Drape any clothing onto the poles
- Stuff and tie off at the wrist, ankles and waist.
- Attach strands of wool, straw or other fibre under a hat.
- Tie gloves to the outstretched ends of the crossbar.
- Experiment with any materials you can find.
- Using a broom handle, make a deep hole in the ground for
the
scarecrow pole to stand in.
- Once your scarecrow is in place, stamp the earth down well
to
hold it firmly in place.
Your scarecrow probably won't keep birds out of your
garden,
(who would want to anyway?), but it will delight passers-by.
 
DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE THE CHILDREN
THE WHOLE POINT IS TO HAVE FUN
Entry form for Scarecrow Competition
(pdf file)
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