“Oh, LOOK! There’s a scarecrow!” The car slows down and the kids in the back seat jostle to see what their Mom is pointing to. Squabbles turn into giggles. For a few minutes, the scarecrow in someone’s front yard is a welcome distraction after a long day. Every so often, the family would take this route home from school just so they could go by ‘that place with the scarecrow’. Wouldn’t you like to make a scarecrow like that?
What comes to your mind when you think of a scarecrow? Perhaps its the straw-filled decorations you see in the Fall or on Halloween. Maybe it’s Dorothy’s friend from the movie “The Wizard of Oz”. Straw is still the stuff classic scarecrows are made of. But in recent years, scarecrows have become a bit more sophisticated. Some creative individuals are having fun with more human-appearing characters known in some circles as “Garden People”.
A different way to make a scarecrow
If you were out walking the dog and didn’t look too closely, you might mistake the figure in the picture below for a woman out working in her garden. You might even yell out “hi!” as you passed by.
It’s hard not to smile at these charming and whimsical characters. I was certainly enamored the first time I saw “garden people” on Pinterest. With clothing, posture, and props to suggest a certain task, it’s enough to almost bring a scarecrow to life.
Make it a Garden is all about turning ordinary spaces into inviting places. You probably have that spot where even a scarecrow would love to ‘hang out’! My own garden helper– I call her ‘Lady Emily’– is such a pleasure to have around.
This would be a fun project for the classroom, Fall Festivals, Halloween or your own backyard.
Here’s how you can make one like her
Directions for a wood-frame scarecrow
My favorite scarecrow / “garden lady” design is by Len & Barbara Rosen of Our Fairfield Home & Garden. That’s my version in the photo above. The reason it appeals to me is because of the framework. The arms are adjustable and can be positioned to create a variety of poses in a more natural, human-like way.
Barb’s the woodworker and gardener. Her directions are very easy and include a list of each and every item you’ll need to make one yourself. She offers the design free of charge.
To get the Rosen’s “Woodscrap Scarecrow” directions, click HERE
More reasons to like this design:
- simple, easy to understand directions
- requires no major tools.
- materials are cheap and easy to come by (you may already have most of what you need around the house)
- weather resistant
Barb says that: “basic tools and limited carpentry skills are all that’s needed.” That describes me to a “t”. And I still found this scarecrow quite easy to make with basic hand tools around the house or garage. I don’t have a power saw, so I used a hand saw for the few basic cuts of this design. We’re only talking about a 2×4 here. But it requires a bit of energy if you do it that way. Otherwise a power saw makes quick work of the few pieces of wood you’ll need to cut.
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Make a scarecrow for any season
This simple wood-frame scarecrow is perfect for any season or any occasion. All it needs is a wardrobe change!
If you wish, use a simple mop for hair. You can even put a face on the flower pot. Paint it green to make an alien. Fourth of July? She can be Uncle Sam! There’s no shortage of ideas.
- Gardener
- ghoul/Frankenstein
- Depict an occupation
- Depict a celebrity
Scarecrow Fest Cambria, CA
For a terrific source of inspiration, check out the Cambira Scarecrow Festival in Cambria, California. It’s an annual event held the entire month of October.
Conclusion
Scarecrows are whimsical creations that bring enjoyment to others. Especially since you don’t see them too often. But you can fix that by making one of your own and using your imagination to give it that human quality. If you make the Rosen’s scarecrow, send me a pic and I’ll post it on this site for the whole world to see!
Did you enjoy this article? Please share it with others on social media and tell your friends about Make it a Garden. Thanks for stopping by!
More yard decor articles you may enjoy:
Garden Decor ideas for the Country Garden Look
How to Get the Most Out of Your Garden Decor
Great article! I like the link to the Scarecrow Festival. I might try talking myself into making one for Halloween this year. ” )
I also like your use of sunglasses on your Lady scarecrow!
Hi Lorna, thanks for dropping by! I appreciate your feedback and wonderful support. If you make a scarecrow, please send me a pic and I’ll post it with your permission.
So glad you enjoyed our scarecrow lady so much and were inspired to create your own! Len would laugh to see that he made it, though ~ I am the woodworker & gardener at Our Fairfield Home and Garden!
Happy Gardening!
Barb Rosen
You are ONE crafty woodworker and gardener, Barbara! My apologies and I’ll correct my post to give you credit. Thanks for getting in touch. I’ve since added a mop for hair that I spray-painted yellow, and a pair of sunglasses. I call her “miss Emily” and she has two outfits…one for Spring/Summer and one for Fall. I love the human appearance in garden art and the different poses that can be made with your design. I just made one for a friend of mine. This year, gonna try something different and make her more of a mythological figure…fairy or garden goddess…with strings of plastic leaves for hair. I love how versatile it is! Again, I’m thrilled to finally hear from you and give my regards to Len. Peace and happy gardening… Kristen