Not-So-Scary Scarecrow

This friendly scarecrow is easy to make. Use materials from home, like a nylon stocking, broomstick, old shirt, and ribbon.

DoorMouse in Space, Fri., 5/25 @ 10:30 on NICK

Materials

• 6-in. polystyrene ball
• Broom handle, cut to about 3 feet
• Duct tape
• Nylon stocking
• Black indelible marker
• Pink or red crayon
• Heavy dowel for a cross bar
• Felt in brown, white, orange, and green
• Plaid ribbon
• Real or faux fall leaves and flowers
• Old clothing

Directions

1. Step 1

   Parents use a paring knife to create a hole in the polystyrene ball so it can be pressed onto the end of the broom handle. Do this, and secure with duct tape.

2. Step 2

   Slip the nylon stocking over the ball and trim just below the "neckline."

3. Step 3

   Cut out two large white circles for eyes and two medium brown circles for pupils. Glue the brown circles to the white ones, then glue both eyes to the front of the face. Cut an orange triangle for the nose, and glue it on.

4. Step 4

   Draw the mouth and eyebrows with the marker. For pink cheeks, draw pink or red circles at the outsides of the mouth with the crayon.

5. Step 5

   To create the hat, cut out a 6-inch-round circle from green felt, folding up the front, as shown. For decoration, glue on a faux or real autumn leaf.

6. Step 6

   With duct tape, fasten the dowel cross bar across the top of the broom handle.

7. Step 7

   Little fingers can practice dressing, buttoning, and snapping. Have your child help dress the scarecrow in an old shirt, and if you like a vest, overalls, or other clothing. For a decorative touch, tie a ribbon around the neck and add a flower to the button of the shirt.