How to Decorate Scarecrows

Drive a wooden pole about 1 foot into the ground. The pole shouldn't wiggle once seated. Measure about 3 feet up from the base of the pole and nail a 6-inch wooden stick perpendicular to the pole. This will be a seat for your scarecrow.

Choose clothing for your scarecrow. For a traditional scarecrow, a flannel shirt and old jeans, corduroys or overalls work well. For less traditional scarecrows, like a newlywed couple, pick appropriate clothing from thrift shops or from old clothing you no longer want. Dresses require a small T-shirt and pair of leggings or nylons underneath.

Tie the bottoms of the pant legs and shirt sleeves closed with twine. Closed-toed nylon stockings needn't be tied. Stuff the clothing very tightly with hay. The hay should be packed so densely that it doesn't threaten to come out of the bottom of the shirt or the top of the pants.

Snip a small hole in the seat of the stuffed pants. Slide the pole up through this hole and up through the center of the pants' waistband. Settle the pants on the horizontal wooden stick. Slip the stuffed shirt onto the pole, also, settling it on top of the pants.

Dress the scarecrow, if necessary. A stuffed T-shirt and nylons are easier to stuff than a dress and give a dress form and structure. If your scarecrow requires a jacket, scarf, shawl, belt or skirt, add it now.

Slip boots onto your scarecrow's "feet" and gloves onto its "hands." If the gloves and shoes won't stay on by themselves, use a little hot glue to hold them in place. Allow the glue to dry for about 10 minutes.

Paint a face on a head-sized pumpkin. You may paint a realistic face or create a traditional jack-o'-lantern smile. Allow the paint to dry for at least two hours. Create a permanent decoration by using an artificial pumpkin.

Place a 6-inch square board across the top of the pole. Drive a nail down through the center of the board into the top of the pole. Place your pumpkin on top. If the pumpkin is foam or threatens to fall, hot glue it to the board.

Add a hat to your scarecrow's head. This may be a traditional straw hat, a top hat, baseball cap, knit hat, wedding veil or any other hat that goes with your scarecrow theme.