17 Best Scarecrow Ideas for a Fun Fall Display
They're so cute they might not even scare the crows!
This autumn, as you begin to put out your painted pumpkins and fall wreaths, don't neglect the most quintessential fall decoration of all: the scarecrow! Originally made to scare off crows from destroying field crops, the scarecrow has made its way into hearts as a personable porch decoration. Whether you're looking to ward off unwanted creatures from your fall flowers or simply want a festive fall accent for your outdoor space, the best scarecrow ideas on this list are sure to fit your needs. But before you decide between a scary, simple, or silly scarecrow, you'll want to learn how to build one!
While the scarecrow ideas on this list are unique from one another, the baseline steps to build them are the same in most cases. To start, you'll need to build a frame for your scarecrow by nailing a vertical wooden stake to a horizontal stake at a 90-degree angle. Attach its shirt, then stuff with newspaper or hay and tie the sleeves using twine! Stuff the scarecrow's pants and stick them into a pair of old boots before attaching them to the scarecrow's body. For the head, you can stuff a pillowcase or burlap sack and use buttons or paint to emote his face.
Of course, there are many ways to make a scarecrow, like using a jack-o'-lantern as the head or an old broom as the body, so you can't go wrong! Regardless of how you choose to customize your scarecrow, the ideas ahead are here to help create a seasonal harvest figure that you can use for years to come.
Adorn your outdoor space for autumn with these ideas:
Scarecrow Girl
This scarecrow girl is the picture of fall charm, dressed in denim overalls, a plaid shirt, and a floppy hat tied with bright orange bows. With her cheerful stitched smile and straw-stuffed sleeves, she brings a playful personality to any autumn display, especially when paired with pumpkins and cornstalks.
Scarecrow Family
If you really want to go all out this fall, create a whole family of characters! Make different sized scarecrow bases for each, then finish the look with colorful overalls and floppy hats, and consider adding scarves, patches, or aprons decorated with flowers to make each character unique. It's a whole seasonal scene!
Headless Pumpkin Scarecrow
For a spooky spin on a fall classic, try creating a headless scarecrow with its jagged jack-o'-lantern head held in its hands. This design uses the familiar look of overalls and a plaid shirt stuffed with straw, but the missing head instantly adds a haunting twist.
Bag Scarecrow
A charming paper bag scarecrow is both a wallet-friendly and kid-approved way to welcome fall! With just a lunch bag, some googly eyes, construction paper, straw hair, and a stick to hold it, you can create an adorable scarecrow puppet in under 15 minutes. Lightweight and sturdy, it's perfect for playtime or a cozy porch display.
Get the tutorial at Crafts By Amanda.
Witch Scarecrow
With a carved jack-o'-lantern head, a pointy black hat, and a flowing cloak decorated with bright orange cats, this spooky witch scarecrow is equal parts festive and frightful. It's the perfect way to blend Halloween spirit with traditional fall décor.
Wooden Scarecrows
Wooden scarecrows make an adorable and easy fall craft, perfect for porches, mantels, or tabletops. With just a wooden board, some paint, and a little creativity, you can bring a cheerful scarecrow face to life—complete with a stitched smile, rosy cheeks, and a floppy painted hat.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
Craft Stick Mini Scarecrows
Fall cuteness at its finest! Made with simple supplies such as craft sticks, a wine cork for the head, googly eyes, felt scraps, yarn or raffia for hair, and a mini straw hat, you can whip up these adorable mini scarecrow figures in no time. Scatter them along your sidewalk, stick them in your garden, or place them in potted plants.
Pumpkin Scarecrow
On their own, scarecrows and pumpkins make wonderful outdoor autumn decorations! When combined into one, the festive fall spirit is practically palpable. Instead of using a burlap sack or fabric for the head of your scarecrow, paint a freaky or funny face on a pumpkin and use it as your scarecrow's noggin.
Driftwood Scarecrow
For a scarecrow that goes against the grain, use different-sized pieces of driftwood to make an abstract scarecrow! Paint the 'body' driftwood pieces plaid for the scarecrow's outfit and hot glue straw to the headpiece. Then, attach all the driftwood pieces to a wooden dowel.
Get the tutorial at Sustain My Craft Habit.
Maximalist Scarecrow
This fall, don't stop expanding your personal style with your own wardrobe! Deck out your scarecrow in a colorful straw wig, a bright knit hat, and a spunky homemade outfit using scrap fabric. It's a simple way to add the magic of maximalism to your backyard!
Simple Scarecrow
This minimalist scarecrow is simple yet sweet. To make the scarecrow's outfit, affix burlap fabric to its wooden frame. Then, tie raffia on each end of the dowel and around the scarecrow's waist. It's also a great way to make use of extra jack-o'-lanterns that you carve this fall!
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
Broom Scarecrow
Got an old broom lying around? Cut out some fabric eyeballs, a nose, and a smile, and glue it to the head of the broom. The broomstick takes the work out of building your own scarecrow frame, so all you need to do next is find an old outfit for him and stuff it with straw or hay!
Paper Bag Scarecrow
The best part about scarecrows is that they can be as simple as a paper bag! This foolproof front porch decoration is made by affixing a paper bag to a wooden stick using a ribbon. You can customize the scarecrow's face by cutting out different features and accessories from colored construction paper!
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
Spooky Scarecrow
If you're looking for a spooky scarecrow that's sure to scare any pests away from your plants, opt for dark clothing, like a black cape and witch's hat. Create a frightening face by painting dark, menacing features on a burlap sack and attaching it to the scarecrow frame.
Cute Scarecrow
It may have 'scare' in the name, but this scarecrow is more cute than frightening! This sweet scarecrow calls for a few simple supplies, including wood boards, old clothes, markers, yarn, and accessories.
Get the tutorial at Just a Girl and Her Blog.
Terracotta Scarecrow
If the typical hay and burlap scarecrow isn't up your alley, assemble a collection of terracotta planter pots and use them to create a scarecrow sculpture! Use larger planters as the body and head and stack mini pots together to serve as the limbs. Give it some glasses or raffia hair for a personified effect.
Crow Scarecrow
Put the 'crow' in 'scarecrow' this autumn with these ironic garden protectors inspired by the black bird! Dress your life-sized crow in overalls and a straw hat and place it outside to protect your blooms from their own kind.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
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