Scarecrows are iconic symbols of fall and Halloween. These straw-filled figures, traditionally used to ward off birds from crops, have evolved into popular costume choices. If you’re looking to create a memorable and spooky scarecrow costume, this guide will walk you through the steps, from gathering materials to adding the finishing touches.
Gather Your Materials
- Base Clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothing in neutral colors like brown, beige, or gray. A burlap sack or old overalls can work well.
- Stuffing: Straw, hay, or old newspapers can be used to fill out the costume.
- Scarecrow Face: You can create a face using makeup, fabric paint, or even a mask.
- Accessories: Gather items like a straw hat, boots, and a pitchfork or rake to complete your scarecrow look.
- Tools: You’ll need scissors, a needle and thread, and a stapler.
Create the Scarecrow Body
- Stuff the Clothing: Start by stuffing the clothing with your chosen material. Begin with the legs, then move on to the torso and arms. Make sure the stuffing is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Body: Once the clothing is stuffed, shape the body to resemble a scarecrow. Tie or pin the clothing to secure the stuffing and create a more defined shape.
- Add Accessories: Put on the boots, hat, and any other accessories you’ve gathered. Adjust the fit as needed.
Design the Scarecrow Face
- Choose a Face Design: Decide on the look you want for your scarecrow face. Will it be scary, friendly, or something in between?
- Apply Makeup or Paint: Use makeup or fabric paint to create the desired facial features. Consider adding wrinkles, crow’s feet, and a crooked smile.
- Use a Mask: If you prefer, you can use a store-bought or homemade mask to represent your scarecrow’s face.
Add Finishing Touches
- Weathering Effects: To give your scarecrow a more realistic and aged appearance, add weathering effects. You can do this by using paint, tea stains, or even a blowtorch.
- Scarecrow Patches: Apply patches or burlap squares to the clothing for a more authentic look.
- Scarecrow Hair: Create scarecrow hair using straw, yarn, or even rope. Attach it to the head using glue or thread.
Clothing
The foundation of your scarecrow costume is the clothing. Here are some tips for selecting the right pieces:
Color Palette
- Neutral Tones: Opt for neutral colors like brown, beige, gray, or khaki. These colors are classic and evoke the image of a traditional scarecrow.
- Earthy Colors: Incorporate earthy tones like green, rust, and olive to create a more natural and organic look.
Clothing Options
- Overalls: Overalls are a popular choice for scarecrow costumes. They provide a loose fit and are easy to stuff.
- Burlap Sack: A burlap sack can be used as a simple and effective base for your scarecrow.
- Shirt and Pants: A loose-fitting shirt and pants can also work well.
- Patchwork: Consider using patchwork clothing for a more rustic and homemade appearance.
Tips for Choosing Clothing
- Loose Fit: Look for clothing that is loose-fitting and allows for easy stuffing.
- Natural Fabrics: Choose natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or burlap for a more authentic look.
- Secondhand Stores: Check out secondhand stores for affordable and unique clothing options.
- Thrift Stores: Thrift stores can be a great source of vintage clothing for your scarecrow costume.
Remember: The key to choosing the right clothing is to have fun and experiment. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different pieces to create a unique and memorable look.
Additional Costume Ideas
- Rag Doll Scarecrow: Create a more child-friendly version by using colorful fabrics and adding buttons for eyes and a nose.
- Zombie Scarecrow: Give your scarecrow a spooky twist by adding zombie makeup and props like chains and a severed arm.
- Scarecrow Queen: Dress your scarecrow in a regal outfit with a crown and scepter.
Accessories
Accessories can elevate your scarecrow costume from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some ideas to consider:
Headwear
- Straw Hat: A classic scarecrow accessory, a straw hat can be found at most costume shops or online retailers.
- Fedora: For a more sophisticated look, try a fedora.
- Bucket Hat: A bucket hat can add a casual and playful touch to your costume.
Footwear
- Work Boots: Sturdy work boots are a practical and authentic choice for a scarecrow.
- Haystacks: Attach haystacks to your shoes to create the illusion of scarecrow feet.
- Barefoot: For a more rustic look, go barefoot or wear socks with holes in them.
Tools and Props
- Pitchfork: A pitchfork is a quintessential scarecrow tool. You can find them at hardware stores or online.
- Rake: A rake is another classic scarecrow prop.
- Scarecrow Arms: If you’re feeling crafty, you can create scarecrow arms using sticks, burlap, and stuffing.
- Scarecrow Hands: Attach scarecrow hands to your wrists using string or fabric.
Remember: The key to accessorizing your scarecrow costume is to have fun and experiment. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different items to create a unique and memorable look.
Tips for a Successful Scarecrow Costume
- Plan Ahead: Start planning and gathering materials well in advance.
- Be Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own unique touches.
- Pay Attention to Detail: Small details can make a big difference in the overall look of your costume.
- Have Fun: Most importantly, enjoy the process of creating your scarecrow costume!
Face and Makeup
A scarecrow’s face is a key element that can make or break your costume. Here are some tips for creating a truly terrifying or endearing expression:
Makeup Techniques
- Base Color: Start with a base color that matches your skin tone or the desired scarecrow skin color. Use a foundation or paint to create a uniform base.
- Wrinkles and Lines: Use a darker shade of makeup or paint to draw wrinkles and lines on your face. These can be exaggerated to create a more aged or weathered look.
- Crow’s Feet: Create crow’s feet by drawing lines radiating outward from the corners of your eyes.
- Crooked Smile: A crooked or twisted smile can add a sinister touch to your scarecrow character. Use a dark-colored lip liner or paint to create a distorted smile.
- Hollow Cheeks: Apply a darker shade of makeup to your cheeks to create a hollow or sunken appearance.
- Dark Circles: Add dark circles under your eyes to make your scarecrow look tired and worn.
Face Paint Ideas
- Muddy and Dirty: Use brown, gray, and green face paint to create a muddy and dirty look.
- Scarecrow Mask: Paint a mask-like pattern on your face with black or brown paint.
- Stitches: Draw stitches across your face using black or red paint.
- Missing Teeth: Paint gaps in your teeth to create a missing-teeth effect.
Additional Tips
- Use a Stencil: If you’re not confident in your drawing skills, use a stencil to create specific patterns or shapes on your face.
- Set Your Makeup: Use a setting powder or spray to help your makeup last longer and prevent smudging.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks and techniques. The goal is to create a unique and memorable scarecrow face.
Remember: The key to a great scarecrow face is to have fun and let your creativity shine. Don’t be afraid to go over the top and create a truly terrifying or endearing character.
With a little creativity and effort, you can create a truly memorable scarecrow costume. Whether you’re looking for a scary or friendly look, this guide will help you bring your vision to life. So gather your materials, get crafting, and have a spooktacular Halloween!
