27 DIY Scarecrow for Garden
Creating a scarecrow for your garden is not just about warding off birds—it’s a fun, creative project that adds character and charm to your outdoor space.
Whether you’re aiming for something classic and rustic or quirky and modern, a DIY scarecrow can be a reflection of your style and the season.
In this post, we’ve rounded up 27 scarecrow ideas that are easy to make.
DIY Scarecrow for Garden
1. Classic Straw Scarecrow
Creating your scarecrow for the garden can be rewarding and nostalgic, bringing a touch of whimsy and tradition to your outdoor space.
The classic straw-filled scarecrow embodies simplicity and rustic charm. Start by dressing your scarecrow in worn flannels and jeans—clothes with a character often found stashed away ay in closets.
A straw hat sits atop your creation, adding to its timeless look. Fill the body with ample hay or straw, providing a sturdy form that braves wind and weather.
For the head, a burlap sack offers an excellent canvas; a painted smile and eyes can give the illusion of a watchful guardian safeguarding your garden’s harvest.
2. Friendly Fall Scarecrow
Transforming your garden with a friendly fall scarecrow is both simple and fun.
Begin with the head by choosing a pumpkin or a piece of fabric; each option offers its charm.
Add details like but eyes and a stitched-on smile, which gives the scarecrow a gentle, welcoming expression.
Dress it in vibrant autumn colors that pop against the earthy tones of your garden.
3. Recycled Clothing Scarecrow
Incorporating recycled clothing into your scarecrow provides an opportunity to declutter and inject a dose of personality into your garden.
Imagine stepping into your closet and giving forgotten garments a new lease on life. Start with a vibrant shirt or patterned dress that stands out against the greenery.
Add character with a colorful scarf or an offbeat hat, lending flair to your garden protector.
The creative possibilities are endless—mix bold prints with subtle hues, and don’t shy away from personality-packed accessories.
4. Tin Can Scarecrow
Creating a tin can scarecrow for your garden is a delightful and eco-friendly project that combines creativity with sustainability.
The concept is straightforward: take an oversized tin can and paint it with a vibrant face. This will serve as the scarecrow’s head.
Next, gather several smaller cans—these will form the body and limbs. Once you string them together, you’ll have a quirky and effective bird deterrent.
The clattering sound of metal against metal is ideal for keeping feathered pests at bay while adding a unique visual element to your green space.
5. Pumpkin-Head Scarecrow
Transforming your garden into a whimsical or eerie corner is simple with a DIY pumpkin-head scarecrow.
Imagine carving a distinct face into a pumpkin to craft the head of your scarecrow. This gives you the flexibility to design it as menacing or charming as your garden requires.
Beyond the crafty aspect, this idea has practical value—once Halloween festivities conclude, the pumpkin’s natural decomposition will enrich your garden soil, offering an eco-friendly twist.
6. Scarecrow Family
Creating a scarecrow family isn’t just about keeping the crows at bay—it’s a charming way to add personality and whimsy to your garden.
Imagine crafting a row of delightful characters, each with a unique wardrobe and expression, standing guard over your blooms.
This idea takes the classic scarecrow and transforms it into a lively ensemble.
You can dress one in denim overalls, another in a floral dress, and perhaps give a mischievous grin to the smallest one.
7. Rustic Wooden Scarecrow
If you’re looking for a scarecrow that stands the test of time and adds earthy charm to your garden, consider going rustic with wood.
Start by assembling the body using sturdy wooden planks. For the head, use a wooden board or opt for a rounded log for added character.
The fun part is painting a friendly, rustic face to give it personality. Outfit your wooden friend with old clothes or a colorful bandana to complete the look.
8. Scarecrow on a Bicycle
Imagine walking through a garden where, amidst the blooms and foliage, a quirky character greets you—perched on a rusty old bicycle, no less.
This playful scarecrow setup isn’t just about warding off uninvited feathered guests; it serves as a garden’s charming centerpiece.
With a straw hat cocked just right and tattered overalls, this bicycle-bound scarecrow appears ready for an adventure, bringing an unexpected, lively twist to any backyard.
It’s not just about aesthetics, though. A stationary bicycle ensures stability, securing the scarecrow even in gusty weather.
9. Fairy Tale Scarecrow
Transform your garden with a touch of whimsy by crafting a fairytale-themed scarecrow.
Picture a scene straight out of a beloved storybook, where characters like Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” or a noble prince bring charm and imagination to your outdoor space.
Begin by selecting a durable frame and padding it with straw or fabric for a solid base.
Then, dress your scarecrow in vibrant costumes, adding fabric and accessories to evoke your chosen character’s signature look.
10. Spooky Halloween Scarecrow
Try crafting a scarecrow that embodies the eerie spirit of the season. Start by dressing your figure in worn-out, dark clothing to create a ghostly silhouette.
Add unsettling touches like a skeleton head for that perfect grimace and use fake eyes to frighten onlookers.
Draping the scarecrow in faux spiderwebs can add an authentic haunted touch.
This ghoulish creation makes an excellent centerpiece for either your garden or front porch, ensuring it grabs the attention of trick-or-treaters.
11. Scarecrow with Flower Pot Head
In a delightful fusion of creativity and practicality, turning a terracotta flower pot into a scarecrow’s head is a whimsical way to enhance your garden.
Imagine taking that unused pot, painting a charming face on it, and then topping it off with vibrant blooms or lush greenery that serve as the hair.
Not only does this add a playful visual element, but it also serves its traditional role in warding off garden pests.
12. Bird-Themed Scarecrow
In the world of DIY gardening, creativity knows no bounds, and a bird-themed scarecrow is a prime example.
Picture this: a scarecrow that not only fends off unwanted visitors but also adds a quirky touch to your garden.
To achieve this, you can dress your scarecrow in vibrant feathers, sculpted wings, and an oversized beak.
The irony of using avian motifs creates a delightful contradiction—protecting your plants by mimicking the very creatures you’re warding off.
13. Minimalist Scarecrow
When envisioning a garden scarecrow, the minimalist approach stands out with its simplicity and charm.
Picture this: a lone wooden post firmly planted in the soil, draped with an oversized shirt or dress that flutters with the lightest breeze.
Atop this structure rests a simple burlap head, void of ornate details—a few well-placed buttons or lines sketched across the fabric serve as eyes and a mouth.
This scarecrow requires little in terms of crafting skills or materials, yet manages to project a rustic elegance.
14. Garden Tool Scarecrow
Consider crafting a scarecrow out of spare garden tools. Start with a rake or hoe to serve as the body and head, and dress it up with some old clothes and a floppy hat for a whimsical touch.
Position additional tools, like trowels or spades, to act as arms or legs. Not only does this approach breathe life into your garden, but it offers a clever solution for tool storage.
Also, it doubles as a creative project for the family to bond over, blending functionality with a touch of quirky charm.
15. Hay Bale Scarecrow
Transform your garden with a charming hay bale scarecrow this season. Start by stacking a couple of hay bales into a torso, which forms the sturdy foundation of your creation.
For its head, get creative with a pumpkin or an artistically painted pot, adding a touch of personality to your scarecrow’s expression.
The arms can be made from sticks or branches, and easily inserted into the sides of the hay bale.
16. Animal Scarecrow
Creating an animal-themed scarecrow is a delightful way to give your garden a unique touch.
These scarecrows aren’t just for fun; they also serve a practical purpose by keeping pests at bay.
Imagine a fox, bear, or cow standing amongst your plants, providing a whimsical guard over your hard work.
By adding clothing and accessories, you personalize each creature, making them as endearing or fierce as you desire to fit your garden’s theme.
17. Pallet Scarecrow
Creating a pallet scarecrow is a clever and sustainable way to add a touch of personality to your garden.
Start by sourcing an old wooden pallet—these can often be found for free or at a low cost. With a bit of creativity, turn the plain wood into a whimsical garden guardian.
Paint a friendly or spooky face on the pallet, depending on your preference, and drape it with some old clothes for color.
Don’t forget to stuff some straw or hay into the sleeves and neck for that classic scarecrow look. Topping it off with a hat adds style.
18. Lady Scarecrow
Creating a lady scarecrow is a delightful and whimsical way to personalize your garden.
Start by selecting a flowy dress or apron to give your scarecrow a feminine charm—something reminiscent of traditional gardening attire works wonders.
Top off her look with a bonnet or a wide-brimmed hat to protect her face from the fictional sun, adding authenticity to her role as a garden guardian.
Enhance her femininity with flowers poised in her makeshift “hands,” adding a touch of elegance and cheer.
19. Scarecrow on a Swing
Creating a scarecrow on a swing isn’t just a delightful garden addition; it’s a fun project that adds personality to any outdoor space.
Begin by crafting a classic scarecrow using old clothes, straw stuffing, and a jute sack for the head. Next, fashion a simple swing using a sturdy wooden plank and strong rope.
Securely attach the ropes to a tree branch or garden frame, ensuring it can support the scarecrow’s weight. Hang your scarecrow, allowing it to sway gently in the breeze.
20. Witch Scarecrow
Transform your garden into a spooky spectacle this Halloween with a witch scarecrow.
Crafting one is simple: start by dressing a basic scarecrow in a flowing black cloak, topped with an iconic pointy hat.
Don’t forget the essential accessory—a broomstick—to give it that authentic witchy feel.
To enhance the eerie atmosphere, place a cauldron at its feet, hinting at mysterious brews bubbling away.
21. Scarecrow with a Lantern
Transform your garden into a charming evening spectacle with a scarecrow holding a lantern.
Imagine a dusk setting, where your solar-powered lantern flickers to life, casting warm glows and gentle shadows among your plants.
This eco-friendly addition brings both personality and practical lighting to your outdoor space.
Look for a rustic-looking lantern or a more contemporary design depending on your garden’s theme.
22. Plastic Bottle Scarecrow
Upcycling plastic bottles to craft a scarecrow is not only practical but also eco-friendly. Imagine transforming those everyday containers into a quirky guardian for your garden.
Start by collecting a few plastic bottles, which will form the scarecrow’s robust body.
Let your creativity shine as you paint them to embody a delightful character, adding a touch of personality to your plot.
This inventive approach not only deters pests but also gives new life to discarded items, merging sustainability with creativity in a fun garden project.
23. Funky Scarecrow
Creating a funky scarecrow is a delightful way to inject some personality into your garden.
Imagine crafting a whimsical guardian using neon clothes that stand out boldly against verdant surroundings.
This playful addition can be further enhanced with crazy wigs, giving it a dynamic, almost animated feel.
Oversized sunglasses complete the look, offering a stylish twist on the traditional scarecrow.
24. Scarecrow with Mittens
Transforming your garden into a charming seasonal showcase, a scarecrow with a scarf and mittens is an inventive way to capture the essence of autumn slipping into winter.
Picture this: your once uncomplicated garden guardian now dons a cozy wool hat, a snug scarf, and mittens, not just spreading warmth in the air but also adding a playful touch to your outdoor space.
These accessories don’t just provide style; they imbue warmth and character to the scarecrow, making it seem almost human as it braves the chill.
25. Pinecone Scarecrow
Transform your garden into a rustic haven by creating a pinecone scarecrow. This DIY project lets nature become an integral part of your garden decor.
Start with a basic scarecrow structure—perhaps some hay-stuffed clothes and a friendly face. Now, introduce pinecones as unique embellishments.
Attach them to the scarecrow’s body, using them creatively as makeshift buttons or adding them as rustic accessories like a hat band or a decorative collar.
The pinecones lend a woodsy charm, blending seamlessly with a garden environment.
26. Scarecrow with Vegetables
Creating a scarecrow with garden vegetables is a delightful way to add some personality to your patch.
Imagine this: instead of the usual straw man, you integrate a whimsical mix of vibrant corn, carrots, and squash.
Each vegetable becomes a character in itself—corn husks serve as hair, a pumpkin transforms into a cheerful face, and carrots make the nose pop.
Using fresh produce not only makes it sustainable but also gives it an authentic feel, embracing that farm-to-garden vibe.
27. Giant Scarecrow
In the whimsical world of garden aesthetics, a giant scarecrow stands as a bold statement piece, combining function with flair.
Picture this: a towering figure constructed from sturdy wooden posts that rise above your beloved plants, donning oversized, colorful garments that ripple in the breeze.
This enormous sentinel doesn’t just keep birds at bay; it transforms your garden into a visual spectacle.
With a simple assembly—wood for bones and fabric for skin—any gardener can craft this majestic protector.
