Scarecrow

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Total Time Needed:: 1 Hour

A flock of cute crows roosts on this anything-but-scary costume.

Materials

2 pairs of black toddler socks
Fiberfill batting
Black feathers
Needle and thread or fabric glue
Yellow construction paper
Googly eyes
Yellow pipe cleaners
1 sheet each of beige, yellow, and brown craft foam
Canvas or straw hat

Large calico fabric patches
Denim overalls
Safety pins
Yellow turtleneck
Striped socks
Plaid shirt
Work gloves
Work boots
Self-adhesive Velcro squares

Instructions

To make the crows: Start with one black sock for each bird. The toe will become the head, the heel will be its belly, and the cuff will be its tail. Stuff each sock with batting, then poke the quill of a black feather into the cuff. Fold the cuff around the feather and either stitch or glue the cuff closed.
To make the beak: old a yellow paper scrap in half and cut out a triangle along the fold line (when you open the beak it should be a diamond shape). Glue the fold of the beak and a pair of googly eyes to the toe of the sock. Thread half a yellow pipe cleaner through the heel of the sock, then shape each protruding end into a foot. Glue wing feathers to the sides of each bird.
To make the straw: Cut three 4-inch-wide strips out of the beige craft foam: two that are long enough to fit around your child's wrists, and one that will fit comfortably around his neck. Next, cut a wavy edge along the top of all the foam strips to give the straw an uneven appearance. Then fringe the top of each, leaving the bottom inch intact, as shown. Make straw for stuffing and decorating the scarecrow by cutting thin strips of all the craft foam colors.
To alter the clothes: Glue wisps of straw onto the hat. Arrange the calico fabric patches on the knees and front pocket of the overalls and safety-pin them in place.
To assemble the costume: Have your child put on the turtleneck, striped socks, and flannel shirt. Next, slip on the gloves, patched overalls, and work boots and roll up the overall cuffs. Wrap the straw bands around his wrists, ankles and neck and attach them with the self-adhesive Velcro squares. Stuff the extra straw into the pockets of his overalls and shirt. Finally, pin each bird by its belly to the hat, overall pocket, shoulder and glove.