When we think of Autumn, we think of colder days, pumpkins and scarecrows.  Back in the day, scarecrows were actually used to ward off birds, but nowadays either the birds are getting smarter, or our scarecrows aren’t really that “scary”!  Birds land on them all the time!  So why not invite the birds to visit a friendly scarecrow and have a meal. Scarecrow?  Maybe more like Friendcrow!

You Will Need:

• Wooden birdhouse
• Men’s gardening gloves
• Straw hat
• ¼” dowel
• Drill
• ¼” drill bit
• Paddle bit
• Bird feeders (I’m using one for hummingbirds and one for other birds – birdseed and nectar)
• Bird feeding hanging kit
• 36” wide burlap fabric (1 roll)
• 36” long rope
• Black paint with artist paint brush or large black sharpie
• Wood glue
• Pencil
• Hot glue and glue gun
• Scissors
• OPTIONAL: Tissue paper
• OPTIONAL: Raffia and/or straw/hay
• OPTIONAL: Birdseed and hummingbird nectar

How-To:

1. Set up your bird feeding hanging kit by placing the lawn stakes into the ground. If you need a little extra help getting it in the ground, you can use your weight by stepping on it or using a rubber mallet.
2. If your birdhouse has two holes where the eyes should be, you can leave it (skip to #4). If not, mark on the wood where you would like your two holes for eyes.  These serve as the entry point for your birds.
3. Using the drill and paddle bit, drill two holes for the eyes.
4. Below that, in the middle of the birdhouse, drill a ¼” hole with your ¼” drill bit. Using wood glue, attach a ¼” dowel into the hole. This will serve as the nose for the birdhouse.
5. You can make the smile of your scarecrow with your black paint or a large black sharpie.
6. Attach the birdhouse to the bird feeding hanging kit. You may need to drill a hole in the bottom of the birdhouse to fit over the pole.  The sides of the birdhouse (his head) will rest on his shoulders.
7. Now it’s time to make the outfit for our scarecrow. Add burlap to the arms and body of your scarecrow.  Use a rope to belt the burlap like your scarecrow is wearing a burlap outfit.
8. Take raffia and stuff the burlap to make it look like the body is entirely made of straw.
9. Add the straw hat to the top of the head. Secure with glue if necessary.
10. Hang the bird feeders at the end of the bird feeder hanging kit where each arm would be.
11. At the end of each rod with a men’s gardening glove to make it look like he is holding both birdfeeders. You may need to stuff with tissue paper and use hot glue to make it stay in place.
12. Enjoy your “friend” crow as the birds give it a try!

 Tips:

1. You can use anything you would like instead of burlap to clothe your scarecrow – jeans and a shirt, overalls, etc. Anything you’d like to create your scare/friend-crow!
2. Since this will be outside in the elements, consider doing a coat of polyurethane to any exposed wood sections. This will help keep your scarecrow around for longer.

You can find the Bird feeding hanging kit online or at your local hardware/garden store.  This is made of metal and will stand the test of time (especially if you don’t want him to have any clothes on).

Do you have a fun fall DIY? Share with us your questions and comments below! Remember we want to see your DIY’s so follow us on Instagram and Twitter @paigehemmis & hashtag #DIYplay

If you missed the episode check it out by heading over to Home & Family!

XOXO,

Paige