Published: October 26, 2007 03:48 pm            

Scare up some fall fun

Whole family can lend a hand in making a scarecrow

Whether you use him to put the fright into trick-or-treaters or just as a decorative statement for the fall season, making a scarecrow is an activity the whole family can pursue.

Taking basic directions found online (such as the following from iParty’s Web site, www.funatiparty.com), use some creativity to put your own twist on your creation.



What you’ll need

Basic tools, like a hammer and screwdriver, nails or screws, string or wire.

Paint, markers, pieces of felt or foam.

Two pieces of wood (one slightly longer than the other).

Straw, hay, leaves, newspapers, plastic or paper grocery bags.

Clothing suggestions: old jeans, pants, overalls, shirt, hat, gloves and other accessories.

Pumpkins, large gourds, a T-shirt or burlap bag can be used for the head.



Build a skeleton

If you want your scarecrow to stand, you’ll need to give him or her a skeleton. You can make this out of two wooden pieces.

The skeleton should have one piece that is about 6 feet in length and another that is about 3 feet in length. Attach the pieces together to form a cross. Drill a hole in the middle and screw it together.



Stuffed shirt

You’ll need to stuff the shirt and pant legs until they are full for your scarecrow to hold its shape. Pull the shirt onto the cross beam and stuff newspapers, leaves or straw into the shirt. If you want to use straw for hands, tie small bundles together and stick them into the sleeves and button them shut. You can also use mittens or gloves for hands (you’ll need to attach them to the shirt and be sure you’ve stuffed them first.)

Put the overalls or pants on — the center of the skeleton/stake should be inserted into one of the pant legs. There needs to be enough wood at the bottom of the pant leg to stake your scarecrow in the ground. Tie the bottoms of the pant legs. You can add straw, boots or shoes.



A good head on his shoulders

You can use several different items for a head, such as a pumpkin or a gourd. But if you’re looking for an inexpensive way, try this:

Stuff a plastic grocery bag with newspapers, tie it shut and then pull an old T-shirt over it and tie it shut. Next, paint it with acrylic craft paints. Attach it to the top of the cross beam, and button the shirt up around the neck and add straw.



Accessorize

You can sew a hat onto the head of your scarecrow if you are using a pillowcase or burlap bag. If you are using a pumpkin, jack-o-lantern or mask, you can glue an old hat to the head. Other options are to accessorize with a wig, scarves, ties and/or an old pair of shoes. Tuck the bottom of the pants into a pair of shoes once your scarecrow is staked up.



Finishing touches

Dig a hole in the ground to stake your scarecrow. Stick the bottom of your skeleton (the stake) into the hole and pack dirt in around it. You may want to use additional wood for support or use hay bales to help hold up your scarecrow and provide an even more festive setting. Other additions to the setting such as corn stalks and pumpkins make for a festive fall scene!



The Joplin (Mo.) Globe

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.