Garden Scarecrows

~ By Aletha ~

I wonder how many of us think of Scarecrows now in June, I am sure not many as we think more along those lines in September into October. Well I think now is a good time to make one and put it up in the garden for the summer months, or if you do not want to make one yourself and you have young children or grand kids that come over to visit, Wow what a way to get them into the garden. Now what child would not like to make a Scarecrow for the garden where they become the artist and you are the helper?

There are so many types of Scarecrows we can make you could do a theme for the garden, you could do the Jolly Green Giant, or the Wizard of Oz theme, the Bride and Groom theme, if you know someone who just got married, or we can make a Pumpkin one. You say Pumpkins are not ready yet, well I am sure you have those ones you buy in the store around Halloween or if you sew you can make one as a head, you can do clay pots and do a scarecrow that way and do a head and hands and feet with clay pots and you do the rest in clothes. Since summer is coming and kids will be out of school what a wonderful way to get them involved doing something fun and then they can see there hard work and the joy on there faces and if you do this take some pictures.

Homemade Scarecrows can be quite fashionable and eye-catching if you choose bold colors. Here is a plan for those that want to try this:

- Long-sleeved shirt
- Old pair of pants or jeans - preferably with patches
- Old pair of socks or boots
- Gardening gloves
- Straw hat
- Plenty of baling twine or string
- Safety pins
- A pillowcase or pumpkin for the head
- Fiberfill, newspapers, rags, or straw for stuffing
- Pencil, paint and markers for face
- Stakes (optional)

To assemble your Scarecrow, firmly tie the ends of the pants and sleeves on the shirt and stuff them with your choice of stuffing. Stuff the socks and gloves and tie on the ends. Fasten the socks (or boots) and gloves to the pants and shirt on the inside with safety pins (or bent paper clips) then tuck the shirt into the pants.

If you're using a pumpkin for the head, it's best to carve it into a Jack-O-Lantern to take off some of the weight. It will take some wire to fasten it. A pillowcase works better and is far easier to attach to the body. Use a pencil and draw on the face. Follow up with the paint and markers to give him facial features. Then stuff the pillowcase and fasten it to the body with safety pins.

Top off your Scarecrow with a hat. A straw hat gives it a classic look. Fasten the hat firmly so it doesn't blow off on windy days.

You can sit your Scarecrow on the bales, or prop him up against them. Consider attaching him to some stakes with a hammer and nails to have him in an upright position.

Now, give your Scarecrow a name and enjoy. When the season is over, store him in a dry place for next time.

Photo of Seasonal Scarecrows Courtesy of Diane.

         

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