How to Make a Scarecrow

Hints on: HOW TO MAKE A SCARECROW

(Download this Guide - PDF 630kb)

HEAD

There are many ways to make heads but whatever you do it works best with an aperture so the the ‘backbone’ stick can go right up into the top of the head

Here are some ideas:

Large plastic bottle eg 6pt milk container. If covered in a white plastic bag it can then have the features simply applied with a permanent marker pen. It can also be covered with a stocking and some stuffing added to give shape, features can then be stitched or glued on.

Paper mache heads can be made applying paper pieces and glue onto a blown up balloon. When dry it can be painted then eventually lacquered to protect from weather.

FRAME AND POSITIONING

Scarecrows can stand, sit, or hang but whatever you chose you may want to consider if this can be taken in at night for protection.

The frame you choose will depend on the position you need, so sitting my just be stuffed with a ‘Backbone’ pole to link torso and head. If you want it standing it may need a frame with a base to which you can lash the scarecrow.

Shape and structure can be made using wire mesh eg chicken wire.

Or you may just go for the traditional ‘T’ pole and stick it in the ground.

CLOTHES

The clothes will probably be stuffed to give your basic shape so long sleeves give arms and tights or trousers the legs, gloves for hands and shoes for feet.

You may chose to stuff a basic shape using maybe a pillow case with old duvets cut and rolled for arms and legs and then dress it in anything to suit.

A good reason to clear out your wardrobe and recycle!! Otherwise raid the charity shops!

STUFFING

This is when your scarecrow takes shape! Traditionally they were stuffed with straw. This is available from Stoke Fruit farm. It is in short supply and it is probably easier anyway to just let straw poke out from neck, cuffs, and ankles and actually stuff with old newspapers or stuffing from old duvets or something similar. This will need to be tied into polythene bags to protect against the weather.

Other websites with ideas

 

GOOD LUCK!!!