When I first checked out the list of themes for the Get Your DIY On link party challenge, my mind immediately began spinning about the project possibilities! For some themes, the ideas came easily, but for others– like “Spooky Outdoor Decor”– I was stumped. I usually don’t go the spooky route for Halloween, and my experience with that type of outdoor decor was extremely limited. So when a friend asked me to create a scarecrow for our MOPS kids to use for an activity, I jumped at the chance to create some of my own spooky outdoor decor. {I realize that scarecrows aren’t really all that spooky, but the name itself includes the word “scare,” so I think it counts. ;)}
I had never made a scarecrow before, so I started perusing the web for ideas and came across the method of making a scarecrow frame over at Creative Homemaking. I made a few tweaks since I wanted my scarecrow to be child-sized, and I came up with this:
Okay, who am I kidding? Handy hubby did all of the actual cutting and nailing of the 2x3s, but I came up with the measurements I wanted, so that’s gotta count for something, right? 😉
Next I swiped some clothes from baby C and some boots from big C, and my scarecrow was looking good… except he needed a head. To create the head shape, I wrapped newspaper around the top piece of my frame until I had the look I wanted, and then I used duct tape to secure it in the back.
Next I cut a big circle out of burlap (about 28″ across, it definitely does not have to be perfect) to cover his face.
I secured the burlap around his “head” with a small piece of rope, drew a face with Sharpies, and gave him a little tuft of yarn hair using this simple tutorial.
Then all I had to do was add his hat, and my little guy was ready to go!
I tried to put him to work guarding my new shiny black bench before I handed him over to the MOPS kiddies, but he mostly just stared off into space. 😉
Most of the time I think scarecrows are pretty creepy, but I think my little guy turned out kind of cute! {It figures, the week I’m supposed to make a creepy project I end up with cute instead! Oh well!}
Make sure to come join my little scarecrow and link up your Spooky Outdoor Decor this Sunday at 7 pm EST! If you want some more inspiration, check out my co-hostesses’ creative projects:
Mummy Candles by April, House by Hoff
DIY Halloween Door Hanging & Porch Decor by Krista, The Happy Housie
Spooky Outdoor Halloween Tour by Christy, Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer
Mummy Front Door Decor by Mandy, The Hankful House
Do you go the creepy or cute route for Halloween? Or do you do a little of both?
I link up at these fun parties!
Cindy Eikenberg says
October 17, 2013 at 7:05 amAbby, what an adorable little scarecrow and I just love his darling little face! Pinning! Thanks for sharing and hope you have a happy Thursday!
justagirlabby says
October 17, 2013 at 10:49 pmThank you so much, Cindy! You are so sweet. Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Christy says
October 17, 2013 at 8:46 amAbby, he is absolutely adorable and he has the sweetest face! I told you I had enough spooky for both of us 🙂 Have a great day! XO
justagirlabby says
October 17, 2013 at 10:48 pmYou totally do! Love it! Thank you, Christy!
~Abby =)
Mandy Hank says
October 17, 2013 at 10:45 amHe’s really cute Abby! And he looks so good next to your new bench 🙂
justagirlabby says
October 17, 2013 at 10:48 pmThank you, friend! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Dee says
October 17, 2013 at 11:46 amThis is so cute, Abby! Yesterday, I found overalls that my little guy has outgrown, and I knew I could use them again–thanks for the inspiration!
Dee 🙂
justagirlabby says
October 17, 2013 at 10:47 pmThanks, Dee! Yes, it’s a perfect project for old overalls! Have fun making your scarecrow!
~Abby =)
Ciara @Teaspoon of Life says
October 17, 2013 at 3:46 pmAbby these scare crows are so cute! I always enjoy DIY projects and this one seem like something I could handle! I am definitely pinning this! 🙂
justagirlabby says
October 17, 2013 at 10:46 pmYou can definitely handle it! This one was easy peasy! (Especially bc hubby built the frame for me! 😉 Have a wonderful weekend, Ciara!
~Abby =)
Ciara @Teaspoon of Life says
October 20, 2013 at 10:58 amThank you Abby, Yea I think I could probably do it! You have a nice Weekend too! 🙂
[email protected] at home mom says
October 17, 2013 at 5:11 pmyour scarecrow is adorable, he is too cute and looks great against your painted black bench 🙂
wish you a great weekend Abby! 🙂
justagirlabby says
October 17, 2013 at 10:40 pmThank you, Ingrid! He was a fun little guy to put together! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
JaneEllen says
October 17, 2013 at 6:24 pmYou are such a stinker, never made a scarecrow before. Then you are even more of a genius and more talented. Your scarecrow is awesome, I’ve seen lots but yours is by far a hoot. Love his face and he’s doing great job of protecting your awesome bench.
I was a scarecrow a few years ago when a few of us at SS dressed up as Wizard of Oz folks. We had so much fun. The only thing we didn’t have was a witch but she cancelled at last minute on us. They have a big thing in downtown Grand Junction for Halloween. Lots of fun for all ages. We walked around all day in our costumes and even got our photo in the weekly free paper. Our boss took photos of us the next day. It was really hard for me to have to leave there, was working under a Federal put seniors back to work program.
You need to go into business making things like that. You are so good and your imagination is incredible. Happy days ahead
justagirlabby says
October 17, 2013 at 10:39 pmThank you, Jane Ellen! What a fun group costume idea! Sounds like you guys were a hit! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Barbara says
October 20, 2013 at 1:15 pmThis scarecrow is so adorable! It is a great idea and looks fairly simple to make, too. We stuffed some old clothing to make our scarecrow. He is sitting on a wicker chair on our front porch, looking out over the mums and pumpkins.
justagirlabby says
October 21, 2013 at 3:01 pmOoh that’s a good idea too! Thanks so much for stopping by, Barbara! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
Toni Leake says
October 20, 2013 at 8:41 pmHow cute! I will have to keep this in mind for next year decorations…looks very easy to make. Thanks for sharing.
justagirlabby says
October 21, 2013 at 2:58 pmThank you, Toni! Yes, he was very simple to make! Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)