How to Make a Moving Scarecrow
Whether to scare pests out of gardens or to serve as crafty yard decorations, scarecrows are fixtures in rural America. On occasion, however, you may want a scarecrow to be both ornate and functional. To do this, you can make a moving scarecrow. Because you will be relying on the wind to move the scarecrow parts, you’ll need to employ some non-traditional materials and building techniques. When done right, you’ll have a scarecrow that is one of a kind.
Inflate a large balloon and tie a knot at the end. Keep in mind that the balloon will be the base form for the head of the scarecrow. Color is not important as the balloon will be popped in a later step.
- Whether to scare pests out of gardens or to serve as crafty yard decorations, scarecrows are fixtures in rural America.
- To do this, you can make a moving scarecrow.
Mix the paper mache paste as directed on the package. Layer newspaper strips that have been soaked in paper mache over the balloon. Allow the paper mache to dry completely.
Pop the balloon. Seal off the head's opening with tape and insert a piece of wire that has been bent in a corkscrew shape.
Paint the head of the scarecrow with features. Cover the head with a coating of shellac to protect the painted features from weathering.
- Mix the paper mache paste as directed on the package.
Form a cross shape with two pieces of wood. Use a longer piece as the vertical part. The shorter horizontal piece will be the arms, and should be positioned near the top of the longer pole.
Attach the scarecrow head to the top of the wooden pole using a hammer and nails. The corkscrew wire on the base of the head will allow the head to move in the wind.
Dress the scarecrow using old jeans and a flannel shirt. Stuff the arms and legs of the clothing with straw, craft batting or hay. Tie the ends of the arms and legs with string to keep the stuffing in place.
- Form a cross shape with two pieces of wood.
- Tie the ends of the arms and legs with string to keep the stuffing in place.
Cut pinwheels from aluminum cans. Use tin shears to cut the aluminum can into a pinwheel shape that will rotate in the wind. Attach one tin can pinwheel to the end of each dowel rod, and push the dowel length into the arms of the scarecrow. The movement of the pinwheel will cause movement of the arms to scare away unwanted birds and animals.
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Writer Bio
Geoff Hineman has been a professional writer since 2001. His work has appeared in Dodge Magazine, The Ann Arbor Paper and online. Hineman holds a Master of Arts in writing from Northern Michigan University.
