Building Mr. Scarecrow

Materials:

4 x 4-foot piece of lumber, approximately 5-feet long
4 x 2-foot piece of lumber, approximately 4-feet long
Christmas tree stand
4 nails
hammer
pair of overalls
large flannel shirt
hay or raffia
large plastic jack-o'-lantern
bandana
straw hat

1. The 4 x 4-foot piece of lumber will serve as the body of the scarecrow and the 2 x 4-foot piece will become the arms. Start by making a cross by nailing the 2 x 4 about 3/4 of the way up the 4 x 4 with four nails.

2. Pull one leg of the overalls over the 4 x 4, then place the 4 x 4 in the Christmas tree stand and tighten securely (figure A).

3. Put the shirt on the scarecrow, button it up, then pull up the overalls and fasten over the shoulders (figures B and C).

4. Stuff some hay or raffia in the cuffs of shirt (figure D), and place a bandana in one of the scarecrow's pockets. Place a large plastic jack -o'-lantern on the top of the 4 x 4 to make the head (see top photo). Top off Mr. Scarecrow with a raffia hat.