Tips and ideas for making a scarecrow
Here are a few basic tips on making a scarecrow, together with a few links to some useful sites on the Internet that may provide you with some additional inspiration and ideas. Remember the theme is:
'The Best of British'
'The Best of British'
Traditionally the scarecrow is a life-size figure, in human form, made from hessian and old clothes stuffed with hay or straw and placed outside to discourage birds. Nowadays scarecrows, or model figures, are created in many forms and using a variety of materials. There are many famous and regular, annual festivals held around the world such as Kettlewell (North Yorkshire), and Wilmslow (Cheshire)
Scarecrow making tips
Free standing scarecrows need a frame. This is a simple structure of a long piece of 2x4inch wood approx 6 to 7ft in length and a 4 to 5ft piece of 2x1 inch for a cross piece for arms. If arms are to hang loose the crosspiece should be about 2 to 2’6inchesin length. Straw is the natural material for stuffing the scarecrow, but hay, old rags and bubble wrap can be used. Avoid using newspaper as it loses its shape when wet or even damp. The body can be made from hessian or calico but it is equally easy to use a shirt or long sleeved t-shirt and old tights for arms and legs. Place the shirt over the top end of the frame threading the sleeves over the crosspiece and leaving the head support projecting. Staple or bind the cuffs and bottom of the shirt with twine. Stuff the shirt with appropriate filling. Stuff tights and thread them into the arms. If you want the arms and legs to bend, stitch across the elbow and knee joints. If the scarecrow is to be outside put the stuffing in plastic bags/sacks or use bubble wrap. To make the legs, attach the stuffed tights to the bottom of the shirt. Leave the wood exposed; the legs should hang loose. Gardening or rubber gloves can be used for hands and add wellingtons or other footwear to legs. Dress the scarecrow with old clothes. |
Make a bag or other appropriate head shape. Use waterproof pens or fabric paint for the face. If scarecrow is to be outside, appliqué mouth and eyes to the head. Stuff and attach over the head support. Stitch or bind in place. For hair use a rag mop, old wig, wool or other suitable material. If a hat is to be added make sure it is wired, pinned or stitched in place especially when the scarecrow is to be placed outside.
Scarecrows may be fastened to walls, windows, rafters, trees or be freestanding, sitting or prone! They may be displayed alone or as part of a group. The display may include other items or flowers to enhance the display.
If the scarecrow is standing outside ensure that the wooden upright is long enough to sink the bottom foot of it in the ground. The scarecrow’s legs should reach the ground to give the impression that it is standing up. Ropes can be attached for extra stability. Please note some scarecrows may be brought inside at night for security reasons.
Freestanding scarecrows inside, will require a means of support or propping up as appropriate.
Soft bodied scarecrows/models (without a wooden frame) can be be displayed sitting or hanging from trees, roofing or on the walls etc.
Links to other sites for more ideas and tips etc.
Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival
Make Scarecrows
Royal Horticulture Society
Wiki How
Wikipedia
Scarecrow entry form
Scarecrows may be fastened to walls, windows, rafters, trees or be freestanding, sitting or prone! They may be displayed alone or as part of a group. The display may include other items or flowers to enhance the display.
If the scarecrow is standing outside ensure that the wooden upright is long enough to sink the bottom foot of it in the ground. The scarecrow’s legs should reach the ground to give the impression that it is standing up. Ropes can be attached for extra stability. Please note some scarecrows may be brought inside at night for security reasons.
Freestanding scarecrows inside, will require a means of support or propping up as appropriate.
Soft bodied scarecrows/models (without a wooden frame) can be be displayed sitting or hanging from trees, roofing or on the walls etc.
Links to other sites for more ideas and tips etc.
Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival
Make Scarecrows
Royal Horticulture Society
Wiki How
Wikipedia
Scarecrow entry form