Simple Scarecrow Doll

Do you collect dolls? Do you enjoy making simple dolls that arent costly? Then youll love a fun project where you turn a small, craft-type broom into a scarecrow doll. Hes not too big but he sure is adorable! Purchase a 6" straw broom from a craft store to make the scarecrow. Start by laying the broom on a flat surface and separating the straw into two equal sections to form the legs. Tie a piece of twine or raffia around each "ankle" to keep the straws separated.

Cut a small bundle of raffia to make the arms. The bundle should be about as big around as one of the legs and should be 6" long. Separate the bundle into two equal piles. With one pile lying horizontally, place the broom handle on the straw, allowing it to stick up above the straw about a quarter-inch. Lay the second bundle on top of the broomstick so that it aligns with the first bundle. Tie a piece of twine or raffia around the two bundles, at each end, to form the "wrists". Slide the arms down, apply some glue to the handle, then slide the arms back up again.

Make pants for the scarecrow by laying him on the chosen fabric and tracing around the pants area. Cut the fabric to be about a quarter inch larger, all over, so theres plenty of room. Glue the pants down the sides and along the inseam. Make sure the pants are short enough so that some of the broom straws protrude from the bottom. Cut a square of cloth to be about 4"x4". Fold the material in half to form a triangle. Cut a small half-moon shape from the center of the fold to make an opening to slide in the broom handle. Slide the fabric over the broom stick. Tuck the points of the shirt into the pants, front and back. Cut two narrow strips of fabric that matches the pants. Glue these over the shirt to make suspenders. Now cut another narrow piece of the same fabric and glue it around the scarecrow to make a waistband. The waistband should hide the ends of the suspenders, front and back, as well as the area where the shirt meets the pants. Make the head from a Styrofoam ball. Paint it beige with tempera paints. Draw on a Raggedy Andy-type face then glue raffia on the head to make hair. Create a hole in the bottom of the ball, add a little glue, then position the head on the broomstick. If you want, glue on tiny buttons and even a small bow tie. Make a small hat by covering a bottle cap with felt. These scarecrow dolls can stand nearly anywhere as long as they lean up against another object, such as a lamp, a small appliance or a wall.