How to make scarecrow heads
Scarecrows have been used for centuries to protect crops from birds and other unwanted pests. These iconic straw figures not only serve a practical purpose, but also add a rustic charm to any garden or field. If you’re looking to create your own scarecrow head, look no further! Here, we’ll guide you through the process of making a scarecrow head that is both effective and visually appealing.
Step 1: Gathering materials
To start, gather the necessary materials for your scarecrow head. You’ll need a burlap sack or a similar fabric, straw or other filling material, a permanent marker or paint for the facial features, twine or rope for securing the head, and scissors for cutting the fabric.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling creative, you can also use old clothing and other accessories to dress up your scarecrow head!
Step 2: Shaping the head
Next, begin shaping the scarecrow head. Take the burlap sack or fabric of your choice and ball it up into a round shape, approximately the size of a human head. Once you’ve achieved the desired shape, secure it by tying the twine or rope tightly around the base to hold everything in place.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Scarecrow Heads
Scarecrow heads are essential for creating lifelike scarecrows that keep birds and other unwanted pests away from your garden. Follow these simple steps to create scarecrow heads that will not only protect your crops but also add a touch of charm to your garden:
- Start by gathering the necessary materials. You will need a burlap sack, newspaper, twine or rope, straw, scissors, and a marker.
- Take the burlap sack and stuff it with newspaper until it is firm and round. This will serve as the base of the scarecrow head.
- Using the marker, draw a face on the front of the burlap sack. Get creative – you can make the face friendly, menacing, or anything in between!
- Cut several pieces of twine or rope and tie them tightly around the top of the burlap sack, leaving enough excess to hang the scarecrow head if desired.
- Split the straw into small bunches and tuck them into the twine or rope loops. Make sure the straw is evenly distributed around the head to create a full and fluffy appearance.
- Continue adding straw until the entire surface of the burlap sack is covered. Use scissors to trim any stray pieces of straw for a neater look.
- Use additional twine or rope to attach the scarecrow head to the scarecrow’s body. Make sure it is secure and won’t easily come loose in strong winds.
And there you have it – a scarecrow head that is ready to be used to scare away those pesky garden pests! Feel free to experiment with different materials and designs to create scarecrow heads that suit your personal taste and style. Enjoy your beautifully protected garden!
Materials and Tools Required
Before you begin making scarecrow heads, you will need to gather the following materials and tools:
- Old pillowcases or burlap sacks
- Scissors
- Permanent markers or fabric paint
- Hot glue gun
- Glue sticks
- Assorted buttons, sequins, or beads for eyes and decorations
- Yarn or string for hair
- Old or scrap clothing for the body
- Pole or stake for mounting the scarecrow head
- Stuffing material such as straw, hay, or old clothing
Make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools before starting to make your scarecrow head. Once you have everything ready, you can proceed to the next step.
Choosing and Preparing the Base
When it comes to making scarecrow heads, choosing the right base is essential. The base will form the structure of your scarecrow’s head, so it needs to be sturdy and durable. Before you begin, consider the material you want to use for your base.
One common option for a scarecrow head base is a plastic foam ball. These balls are lightweight and easy to work with. They can be found at craft stores in various sizes, allowing you to create the perfect size head for your scarecrow.
Another option is to use a large stuffed animal head. This can give your scarecrow a more realistic and lifelike appearance. Look for a stuffed animal that is the size and shape you desire for your scarecrow’s head. You can remove the stuffing and attach it to a pole or stake to create the scarecrow’s body.
Once you have chosen your base, it’s time to prepare it for the scarecrow’s head. If you are using a foam ball, you may need to cut a hole in the bottom to attach it to the stake or pole. Use a sharp utility knife to carefully cut a small hole, making sure it is the right size for the stake.
If you are using a stuffed animal head, you may need to remove any excess stuffing and create a way to attach it to the stake. Use scissors or a seam ripper to carefully remove the stuffing, leaving just the outer fabric. Then, use a needle and thread to sew the fabric to the stake, ensuring it is securely attached.
Taking the time to choose and prepare the base for your scarecrow’s head will ensure a strong and stable structure. This will help your scarecrow withstand the elements and last for seasons to come.
Create the Face and Details
After you have stuffed your scarecrow head with straw or newspaper, it’s time to add the facial features and other details. This is where you can get creative and give your scarecrow its own unique personality.
1. Eyes and Nose
Start by attaching buttons or googly eyes to the face of your scarecrow. This will give it a more lifelike appearance. You can use craft glue or a hot glue gun to securely attach the eyes. Next, attach a carrot or a wooden dowel for the nose. If you want a more traditional look, you can also use a burlap sack or a cloth to form the nose.
2. Mouth and Teeth
Add a mouth to your scarecrow by sewing or gluing on a piece of fabric in the shape of a smile. You can use embroidery thread or yarn to sew on the mouth. For the teeth, you can cut small pieces of white material or use pre-made plastic teeth. Attach the teeth to the mouth using craft glue or a glue gun.
Note: If you want to make your scarecrow look more menacing, you can create a frown or even sharp teeth.
Finally, you can add other details like eyebrows, freckles, or even earrings to your scarecrow’s face to give it more character. Be creative and have fun!
Assemble and Stuff the Scarecrow Head
Once you have all the necessary materials ready, it’s time to assemble and stuff the scarecrow head. Follow these simple steps to create a perfect scarecrow head:
Step 1: Begin by stuffing the socks or stockings with straw or other stuffing material. Make sure to create a round shape that will resemble a head. Leave some space on top to attach the head to the body later on.
Step 2: Once you have shaped the head, use string or rubber bands to secure the open end of the sock or stocking. Make sure the stuffing is tightly packed to maintain the desired shape.
Step 3: Take the fabric you have chosen for the head and place it over the stuffed sock or stocking. Wrap it around the head and secure it using safety pins or a needle and thread. This will give a covering to the head and make it look more like a scarecrow.
Step 4: Attach the eyes, nose, and mouth to the head using a glue gun or fabric glue. You can use buttons, beads, or any other materials you prefer for these features. Get creative and make a unique scarecrow face.
Step 5: Finally, attach the head to the scarecrow body by inserting a dowel or wooden stick into the top of the stuffing and securing it firmly. This will act as a neck and help keep the head upright.
Make sure the head is securely attached to the body and does not wobble. Once everything is in place, step back and admire your handcrafted scarecrow head!
Add the Finishing Touches
Once you have completed the main structure of your scarecrow head, it’s time to add the finishing touches to give it that extra touch of realism. These final details will help bring your scarecrow to life!
1. Facial Features
Add facial features to your scarecrow head using whatever materials you have on hand. You can draw or paint on eyes, a nose, and a mouth, or you can use buttons, beads, or fabric scraps to create these features. Get creative and give your scarecrow a unique expression!
2. Hair and Hat
To give your scarecrow head some hair, use straw, twine, or yarn. Simply attach strands of your chosen material to the top of the head, making sure to cover the entire area to create a full head of hair. If desired, you can also add a hat by sewing or gluing it to the top of the head.
- If using straw, cut pieces to your desired length and attach them using a hot glue gun or by sewing them in place.
- If using twine, wrap it around a piece of cardboard or your hand to create bundles, then attach the bundles to the head.
- If using yarn, cut and attach strands individually or loop them around the head.
Remember to fluff and arrange the hair to give your scarecrow a realistic and textured appearance.
3. Clothing and Accessories
Dress up your scarecrow by adding old clothes and accessories. Choose clothing items that will fit the size of your scarecrow and give it personality. Straw hats, gardening gloves, and old jackets are great choices.
To attach the clothing to your scarecrow, use safety pins, hot glue, or thread and a needle. Make sure the clothing fits snugly on the scarecrow and is secured in place. Don’t forget to add any additional accessories like a belt or a scarf to complete the look.
Your scarecrow is now complete and ready to stand guard over your garden or field! Enjoy the autumn season with your new homemade scarecrow.
Placing and Maintaining Scarecrow Heads
When it comes to properly placing and maintaining scarecrow heads, there are a few key steps to keep in mind. By following the tips below, you can ensure that your scarecrow remains effective and appealing to scare away unwanted birds and pests.
1. Choosing the Right Location: Find a spot in your garden or field that is clearly visible from all angles. Ideally, it should be placed in an area where birds and pests are likely to frequent. Strategic placement will maximize the scarecrow’s effectiveness.
2. Securing the Head: Use sturdy materials to securely fasten the scarecrow head to the body. This will prevent it from falling off or becoming dislodged in windy weather. Consider using wire or strong twine to attach the head to the pole.
3. Regular Maintenance: It is important to check your scarecrow regularly to ensure that it remains in good condition. Repair any damage, such as loose stitching or broken features, promptly. Additionally, be sure to regularly inspect the pole and base to ensure they are secure and stable.
4. Varying Positions: Birds and pests may eventually become accustomed to the scarecrow if it remains stationary. To prevent this, periodically change the position of the scarecrow’s head. This will create the illusion of movement and help maintain its efficacy.
5. Consider Additional Deterrents: While scarecrow heads alone can be effective, consider using additional deterrents to enhance their effectiveness. Hanging reflective objects like aluminum foil or CDs nearby can disorient birds. Planting strong-smelling herbs or flowers can also help deter pests.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your scarecrow heads are placed and maintained properly. This will help protect your crops and garden from unwanted visitors, allowing for healthy and thriving growth.
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