How to Make a Scarecrow

Traditionally, scarecrows were set up in gardens and fields to keep unwanted birds -- particularly crows, away from the crop. Now people are making scarecrows for their annual autumn Halloween decorations. Instructions are easy!

Homemade scarecrows can be quite fashionable and eye-catching. Choose bold colors and set up a display with corn stalks and bales of hay. Get creative, get the kids involved, use your imagination and make a scary scarecrow! The more menacing he looks, the more of a conversation piece he will be.

Supplies for Your Homemade Scarecrow

* Long-sleeved shirt
* Old pair of pants or jeans - preferably with patches
* Old pair of socks or boots
* Gardening gloves
* Straw hat
* Plenty of baling twine or string
* Safety pins
* A pillowcase or pumpkin for the head
* Fiberfill, newspapers, rags, or straw for stuffing
* Pencil, paint and markers for face
* Stakes (optional)

Assembly

To assemble your scarecrow, firmly tie the ends of the pants and sleeves on the shirt and stuff them with your choice of stuffing. Stuff the socks and gloves and tie on the ends. Fasten the socks (or boots) and gloves to the pants and shirt on the inside with safety pins (or bent paper clips.) Tuck the shirt into the pants.

If you're using a pumpkin for the head, it's best to carve it into a jack-o-lantern to take off some of the weight. It will take some wire to fasten it. A pillowcase works better and is far easier to attach to the body. Use a pencil and draw on the face. Follow up with the paint and markers to give him facial features. Then stuff the pillowcase and fasten it to the body with safety pins.

Top off your scarecrow with a hat. A straw hat gives it a classic look. Fasten the hat firmly so it doesn't blow off on windy days.

You can sit your scarecrow on the bales, or prop him up against them. Consider attaching him to some stakes with a hammer and nails to have him in an upright position.

Now, give your scarecrow decoration a name and enjoy. When the season is over, store him in a dry place for next Fall.

Farmer Costume

Homemade Farmer / Farmgirl Costume

 farmer costume is probably one of the easiest ones to put together with little advance notice for Halloween. When you think of an old-time farmer, you probably conjure up the common cliché -- an older guy with a flannel shirt, overalls, and a straw hat.

It should be noted that many farmers don't fit the stereotype any more (as far as hair and clothing) but it's exactly that stereotype that will make you instantly recognized as a farmer (or his wife, or his daughter.) Don't confuse the farmer with the cowboy, the two are different as far as styles go. Farmers are not usually "western." If you want a western style, consider being a rancher.

Clothing

Some of the clothing you will need to be a farmer may already be in your closet. If not, try to find the clothing well-worn and possibly faded. Look around for ideas. Borrow if you need to or look to buy it "used." This adds authenticity and saves you money.

Your long-sleeved shirt should be flannel. Primary colors work best, such as red, blue, or yellow. A plaid shirt is suitable and easy to find. Most of these shirts have buttons down the front and are typical to a farmer.

Denim overalls are ideal but if you can't find any, go with a worn pair of jeans with suspenders. Add patches accordingly. In addition, you can put a handkerchief partially in your pocket, leaving part of it visible. Or, you can utilize a bandana but keep in mind, it is leaning towards the western/cowboy style if you tie it around your neck.

Your shoes should be black or brown work boots. Again, worn and dirty-looking is preferable. Just make sure they're comfortable because chances are, you'll be standing and walking quite a bit.

Woven straw hats are popular for work because they allow the head to "breathe." They come in different styles but you'll probably have to wear what you can find. An American-style hat will actually look the best. Make sure that your hat is not in perfect condition. Beat it up a little and bend the brim up. For a more modern look, wear a bill cap with an implement brand or dealer logo on it instead.

Hair

Messy, wind-blown hair is difficult to avoid if you're a farmer. The haircut is usually simple and choppy (another stereotype.) If you don't want to wear a wig, consider using your natural hair and changing the style. If you're female, you can put it up into ponytails or pigtails. Don't put them too high if you're wearing a hat as this will interfere with placement.

If you're male, you may consider growing out some funky sideburns in advance. You might want to refrain from shaving and wear a "five 'o clock shadow," which is characteristic to a farmer, who works long days in the field.

More Costume Ideas

Exorcist Costume

Homemade Exorcist Costume

Regan, the character played by Linda Blair in the movie the exorcist, underwent a grueling exorcism that left her exhausted, malnourished, dirty and battered.
Keeping that in mind, you should portray this in your hair, facial features and clothing. For a homemade costume, you'll need the following:

Hair

Medium to dark, brown hair or a wig is essential. If your hair is not brown and you can't find a wig, use fanciful temporary hair color that will wash off easily whenever you're ready. You can find it at Walgreen's or discount stores such as Wal-mart. (Do not use this if you're going to be in the rain, it can wash off onto your clothing.) Use hair gel to create stringy bangs and strands of hair. The gel will also darken your hair a bit if it is lighter brown. Your goal is to make your hair appear brown, dirty and un-kept.

Makeup

Some stores sell makeup kits that come in handy, especially for the hard-to-find green goo. If you don't have a makeup kit, try using what you have at home. Start with a clean, dry face. Prepare your face with white makeup. If it feels greasy, you can set it with loose, translucent powder or white powder.

Create dark shadows all around the eyes, with a charcoal or black eyeliner pencil. Rub and blend it in so it looks smudged. Accentuate creases in the face and lips by drawing them in and blending, particularly from the nose to the mouth, which will help re-create Linda Blair's puffy cheeks. Follow your own natural creases when making an appalling expression.

Make realistic fingernail slashes with a recipe for fake wounds or draw them on with the eyeliner pencil and red lip liner. Add homemade fake blood or that from a kit sparingly to the slashes and to your clothing if desired.

Costume and Clothing

Visit your local thrift shop or goodwill for a frumpy, light blue housecoat or robe. One with buttons and not a zipper would look more authentic. Depending on where you'll be walking, you can choose to wear slippers or plain brown shoes.

Eyes

The creepy, bloodshot eyes are key, but not completely necessary. Besides wearing contact lenses, not much can be done here. You can try lining the rims of your eyes with reddish or pinkish liner. Do a trial-run to test for irritation.

Ugly Teeth

Look for fake, stained teeth which are depicted in many scenes in the movie. When I last checked, Wal-mart had some that were just perfect, in the party favors & Halloween section. You'd end up buying a few pairs but they were very cheap. I'm sure you can find a set in other stores as well. They sell quickly so if you find some, get them now.

More Costume Ideas

Fake Blood

Fake Blood Recipes

What's a Halloween costume party without blood for special affects? Fake blood is available in novelty and party supply stores but making it yourself is fun and you'll see more realistic results. Mix up a batch before a party and keep the local vampires in good supply.


Here are some recipes for you to make your own realistic-looking fake blood. Real blood is reddish brown so you may need to alter the amounts of ingredients for the desired affect. Keep in mind, fake blood is messy and some of these recipes may leave stains, so use with caution and allow plenty of time for drying.

Homemade Fake Blood
1 c. Karo Syrup
1 Tbsp Water
2 Tbsp Red Food Coloring
1 tsp Yellow Food Coloring


Mix together in a mixing bowl and you're done. Try adding blue or yellow for a different shade.


Chocolate Fake Blood
1/2 c. Warm Water
4 Tbsp Corn Syrup
1 Tbsp Powdered Cocoa
1 tsp Red Food Coloring

Blend the water and cocoa together and then add the rest of the ingredients. Let the concoction sit for awhile and skim the bubbles off of the top. Add a couple of drops of yellow food coloring if you're not satisfied.


Simple Fake Blood
Clear Corn Syrup
Red Food Coloring
Milk - Optional

However much fake blood is how much corn syrup you'll need. Pour it into a bowl and mix in some red food coloring. Add some blue if you like. Adding a small amount of milk will make the blood appear darker and thicker.


Realistic Recipe
2/3 c. Corn Syrup
1/3 c. Warm Water
5 Tbsp Corn Starch
4 tsp red food coloring
1 Tbsp Powdered Cocoa
2 drops of green or yellow food coloring

Mix the corn starch with the water in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the corn syrup. Add the food coloring slowly, checking for color.

Gravy Blood

This is fairly new and I haven't had chance to test it properly but its looks GREAT!
Gravy Granules
Red Food Coloring
HOT Water

The directions are EASY, all you do is make the gravy up as you would normally but if you feel like it, you can make it a bit thicker, then add the red food coloring. It's up to you how much you add but too much will stain as it will not have been diluted enough.


Cheap 'N' Easy Blood

This is good for spidering:
Plain Flour
Water
Red Food Coloring
1 tsp. of Coffee

Boil the water on the stove, then sieve in the flour, making sure you get ALL of the lumps out. The quantity of ingredients aren't important, it just depends on how much you want. Once you have the flour mixed nicely into the water it should look nice and thick. Next, add the red food coloring.

You will notice that it's a ghastly, bright red colour but don't worry this is why we add the coffee. It is important that when you add the coffee to make sure the mixture is hot, otherwise it wont dissolve, but up until adding the coffee can be done in a ordinary mixing jug or pan.


Palmolive Imitation Blood

You can also make fake blood with Palmolive dish soap, (it doesn't matter how much you put in) it depends on how much blood you want! Add red berry powdered Kool-Aid!

More Ideas for Dressing Up