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by: Allen Foster, BestReviews Staff

by: Allen Foster, BestReviews Staff

Fall is a magical time. The leaves change color, the air turns brisk, hot apple cider and bonfires trend and scarecrows arrive.

If you’ve never ventured beyond pumpkin carving because you are not sure how to craft a scarecrow, that changes today. Our DIY expert Beth Allen, founder of HIP Chicks (Home Improvement Project Chicks), shared the easiest way to make a DIY scarecrow. And the best part of it is that your kids can help.

In this article: Barndance Hat, Adjustable Suspenders and Neckerchief.

While it wasn’t something we would recognize as a scarecrow, ancient Egyptians used wooden frames draped in nets to help protect their crops. When startled by farmers hiding in the fields, birds would fly into the netting and become trapped. Often, they would also become a meal.

It wasn’t until ancient Greek farmers began carving wooden figures to look like Priapus that the modern scarecrow was born. According to mythology, Priapus was cursed by a jealous Hera to be so ugly just the mere sight of him scared away birds.

With other ways to protect crops from birds today, scarecrows have become a symbol of the season. While they can be designed to look scary for Halloween, these decorative items represent the entire fall season, from the first harvest through Thanksgiving.

While making your own scarecrow might seem a little overwhelming, our DIY expert assures you it is fun and easy and can involve the whole family. Allen has broken the process into two sections: building the frame and making the scarecrow.

The frame is what holds the scarecrow. While many other articles say to use wood or lash two posts together, Allen said to consider PVC pipe and fittings: yes, the same type of materials that you use for plumbing. “If you’re using wood and you’re trying to screw and nail things together, it’s a little bit harder to get your kids involved,” Allen reasoned. “Using PVC is easy. And it’s a way to get the kids engaged.”

This is where your creativity comes into play. Consider this section a springboard and give your imagination permission to adapt these guidelines when building your scarecrow. For example, you could use a burlap bag for the head and add gloves and boots.

When shopping for PVC, you may notice some offerings of furniture-grade PVC. All this means is the pieces are specifically made to be seen. They have a richer pigmentation, there is no writing on them and the edges may be rounded for better aesthetics. Also, this type of PVC is designed to endure direct sunlight better. Since the frame for your scarecrow will be hidden from view (and sunlight) for the most part, using furniture-grade PVC is an option, not a necessity.

If you have a garden and want to protect your crops, a scarecrow is an option. However, you can’t just stick one in the ground and expect it to scare away birds for the entire season. There are a few tricks to getting the most out of your scarecrow.

1Formufit 1 in. by 5 ft. Furniture-Grade PVC Pipe

These durable PVC pipes are ideal for your scarecrow’s frame. They are UV-resistant to hold up better when outdoors.

Formufit 1 in. Furniture-Grade PVC Cross Fitting

This is the cross piece you need for the center of your scarecrow frame. Again, it is UV-resistant for durability.

There are several ways to cut PVC pipes. However, this ratcheting model is the best way to get a precise, clean cut.

3M Pro Grade Precision Fine Sanding Sheets

Sanding is optional. You want to do it to give your pieces a better fit. If you are going to sand, this fast-cutting fine paper is an excellent option.

Oatey PVC Primer and Cement Combo Pack

To make your frame permanent, the PVC will need to be primed and glued. This convenient combo pack has everything you need to do exactly that.

Most of us do not have a neckerchief lying around. If you want to add a little personal flair, this offering comes in red, blue, black or white.

You need a tough rubber band to tie off the opening, so the straw doesn’t fall out. These heavy-duty options are suitable for the task.

Home Accents Holiday 20-inch Straw Bale

If you do not have straw, you cannot fill your scarecrow. This sun-baked straw has a beautiful rustic color.

While you can use rope or twine to hold your scarecrow’s pants up, suspenders are a much more fashionable option.

Bloem Dayton Tall Plastic Planter

Just flip this affordable plastic planter upside down, draw a face and your scarecrow now has a personality.

U.S. Toystore Barndance Hat

This fun toy hat can be a good, affordable option to top off your creation.

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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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