Thursday, November 03, 2005

Mr. Scarecrow rings the bell!

Run to the $ store. Look for any fall decorations that catch your eye. You might also want to run to MJDesigns and see what they have. And if you were smart like me, you bought anything you could find LAST year at 50-75% off! I even bought some really crappy looking things so I could pull pieces of them off. I figure some stuff I got for only .50 so it was worth it. Once you have your collection of autum themed misc. "stuff", try getting out the hot glue gun and affixing your items to candles. Small glass jars make great votive holders when dressed up with a few pressed leaves and acorns. Fill a bowl or plate with goodies around large pillar candles and use as a centerpiece. If you can't find enough natural material near your home, check out the bulk grain section at your supermarket.
Fall is about harvest, so any grain can be used to add that element to your home. Even cracked corn meant for the bird feeder can look great in a jar as a base for a candle.
Lastly, don't forget the front porch when adding the element of fall!
Ask a local farmer or produce stand owner if you can get some corn stalks, and display them on your porch with a homemade scarecrow. Often you can get hay bales for cheap too!
How to Make a Scarecrow
Use old clothing, or an old pillowcase for the face, stuff most of the body with newspaper or stuffing, then add a little raffia or straw at the sleeve and neck cuffs.

Draw on the face with permanent makers or craft paint. Use one of dad's old "plaid" shirts or run to goodwill or even wal-mart had one last year for $7.00. You can use ANY type of jeans - so look for a pair dad might not wear anymore, or even a pair that son has tons of holes in and are on their way "out". You can then hot glue patches of fabric over the holes like a TRUE scarecrow. These are the "body" you will stuff.
Have fun! Take photos with the kids and the scarecrow! But most of all, build memories!!

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