Definition of a scarecrow
That which frightens or is intended to frighten without doing physical harm. Literally that which - scares away crows, hence the name scarecrow.
Everything about Scarecrows
Scarecrows have been in our history for centuries. The first finding about scarecrows were back in the 1500's and even back to the ancient times of the Romans and Greeks when putting what they called harvest Gods out to watch over the fields was the norm. People from Japan even made scarecrows out of oily material and fish bones and attached it to tall wooden stakes to help protect their rice fields. So as you can see, putting scarecrows on stakes has long been in practice for many years and in many different countries.
Scarecrows first started out
as a means for farmers to protect their crops and gardens from the harm that birds such and the crow, could do. Birds could do a lot of damage by eating up the fruits, vegetables and grains that the farmers had planted therefore a means had to be invented to help the crops. So the Scarecrow was invented!
The scarecrow had a purpose
and an important one back in the old days. In this day and time the scarecrow is not only used in our gardens for a practical purpose but it is put there for the whimsical and fun look that it gives our gardens. The scarecrows rough and ragged appearance can be fun and funny or it can be scary in hopes of protecting our food that's growing in our gardens. The Scarecrow is one of the most familiar figures not only in the United States but throughout Europe and many other countries of the world. The scarecrow has worldwide popularity.
Decorating with a Scarecrow
In the fall, when the air is cool and the leaves begin to get crisp, you will always find door steps and front porches protected by the fun scarecrow. It is so popular that seeing a home without a scarecrow is actually unusual. Kids and adults both love to build scarecrows and it has to be one of the greatest family projects that any family could ever think of sharing. In fact many families make the scarecrow part of a yearly tradition when it comes to making them.
Create your own Scarecrow
Making your very own scarecrow to sit on your front porch for the fall season is a very easy thing to do. The main thing you need is old clothes that you don't mind getting wet or stained from the harsh elements outside.
- What to use for clothes: The most common used are blue jeans or bluejean overalls and a old button up flannel shirt. Get yourself a pack of safety pins to help you attach the shirt to the pants so you can stuff your scarecrow really good. You will also need a pair of gloves to attach to the arms and.......Don't forget the straw hat now!
- What to use for stuffing: The most common item to use to stuff your scarecrow is pinestraw that you have raked up out of your yard or even hay. A way to cheat the stuffing process is to save up your 1/2 gallon plastic milk jugs. Wash them really well and use them to stuff down the legs of your scarecrow as a filler between the rest of the stuffing that your using. This method also makes your scarecrow light in weight and easy to move around. If your worried about your scarecrow taking a runner..... then think about filling up the milk jugs that actually sit at the bottom of the pants leg full of water for weight. This will keep his feet in place. Now stuff stuff stuff as tight as you can.
- What to use for the head: There are many different ways to make your scarecrows head. The idea of using a gallon milk jug comes to mind or even a pumpkin or a gourd. Retail stores now sale pumpkin shaped trash bags that you can stuff and decorate your yards with. These trash bags make a easy head for your scarecrow and the face is already there for you. Another simple thing to do is to stuff an old pillow case and tuck it in the neck of the flannel shirt. Don't forget to attach it with the safety pins. Buckets and flower pots also work just great as heads too. Remember to have paint so you can create that famous scarecrow face.
- Helpful Tips: Use string and rope to help you tie off the opening of the arms and legs so the stuffing doesn't fall out. Stuffing will always settle in time so as your stuffing your scarecrow, shake it down several times so it will pack really tight.
- Extra Fun: Having a Mr. Scarecrow is the most common thing to have but for some extra fun.... why not make a Mrs. Scarecrow to go with him. Use your imagination and see what you can come up with.
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Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt
This has got to be my all time favorite scavenger hunt games that I came up with many years ago! This game has a scarecrow theme and not only are you trying to locate items to build a scarecrow but your team actually has to build the scarecrow as well. It's a two race game where your racing to find the items and then your racing to build the scarecrow completely. The first team to find all the items on the list; build the scarecrow and actually get the scarecrow completed and standing; would be the winner. This game is perfect for adults and young adults and even those people on the sidelines get a big laugh at watching the teams try and figure out how to assemble the scarecrows.
Scarecrow Scavenger List ideas
- straw, hay or anything that would work for stuffing.
- head (imagination is needed here) It could be a stuffed head or you could use a pumpkin, cord or pot.
- the wood should be provided and ready for framing if you plan to have your teams actually stand the scarecrow up. If this is to involved for your scavenger hunt, then just have your team build the scarecrow and sit them in chairs, on the door steps or against a bale of hay once they get them finished.
Setting up the game
- The theme of your scavenger hunt is "Scarecrows."
- Pick your teams: Make sure that each team has the same # of team members. Such as 7 and 7.
- Using the Neighborhood: If you live in a housing community where you can go house to house then make sure you alert all the neighbors that your going to be playing a scavenger hunt game. You don't want to make the neighbors mad by having people constantly ringing their door bell.
- Using your yard or inside the house: If you are setting up a scavenger hunt for children you may want to hide the items on the list in your yard and let the teams find the items that way. This would be similar to hiding and finding Easter eggs. If it's raining outside then just simply hide the items inside the house or on the porch and patio areas that are protected from the rain.
- Play it safe: If you are planning on having your scavenger game after dark.... make sure that you provide flashlights for your friends or ask them to bring their own. You don't want your fun party spoiled by someone falling and getting hurt.
- Make Memories: Make sure you document your fun game. Take pictures of the teams racing to finish their game or project so your friends can remember the fun they had for years to come.
- Make the game a yearly tradition: Give your family and friends something to look forward to each and every year. Make a scavenger hunt a fun tradition.
To read more about Scavenger Hunts visit our
written by: Pamela Price Svoboda
Copyright 2004-2007 - Gone-ta-pott.com - All rights reserved.
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Scavenger Hunt Books
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Crow's Feet
The crinkles at the corners of our eyes as we age is called crow's feet. Crow's Feet are caused from years and years of squinting and smiling. In modern times this is treated with botox injections but in years gone by it was treated with honey. Yes honey is a folk remedy from the past.
Honey has been used for many different things and it even dates back to the ancient Egyptians who used it as a beauty aid. Even now you can apply honey as a mask just like they did and let it moisturize your face. Honey is used all over the body to moisturize as well. Just smooth the honey over your skin, leave it there for 20 to 30 minutes then rinse it off with warm water. It will leave your face and skin very soft and moisturized.
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Gingerbread Scarecrows
2 cups of flour
1 1/2 tsp of ground ginger
1 tsp of all spice
1 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of baking soda
1/2 cup of soften butter
1/2 cup of molasses
1 large egg yolk
Icing, food color,gingerbread man cookie cutter, shredded wheat
cereal(to make it look a scarecrow paste with icing on arms,feet and
head if you desire) candy and anything else you can think of.....
Bake at 350 for 8 mins or until firm
In a medium size bowl mix together all dry ingredients (execpt butter)
set a side
In a large bowl beat sugar and butter with a eletric mixer until fluffy
Beat in molasses then egg yolk on low spead..gradually adding the
flour mixture
Divide dough in to to two balls, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 3
hours
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