Children's Cardboard Scarecrow
This project is a wonderful opportunity for your child to create a personalized addition to any garden. It is not only an original piece of art, but also acts as a deterrent for critters looking to dine in the garden.

Materials needed:

• 1 large piece of corrugated cardboard - about 48" tall and wide.
  
• A pencil or marker
  
• An exacto blade or carpet knife
  
• 1 - 2 cans of white outdoor sealant/primer spray such as KILZ
  
• 1 piece of wood to create a stake for the scarecrow - about 3" wide and 48" to 60" tall. (The taller the child, the taller the stake)
  
• Staple Gun
  
• Glue
  
• Various items to decorate the scarecrow:
  
  • Colorful Yarn
    
  • Waterproof Markers
    
  • Puff Paint
    
  • Rick Rack
    
  • Pieces of Material
    
  • Beads
    
  • Mylar Ribbon
    
  • Mylar Balloons
    (NOTE: Both the Mylar balloons and ribbon are recommended as they reflect the sunlight which deters birds from going into the garden and feasting on young seedlings, seeds and plants.)

Instructions:
1. Have child lie down in a funny position on the cardboard and then outline the shape of the child using a pencil or a marker.
2. ADULTS ONLY: Using the exacto blade or carpet knife cut out the shape of the child.
3. Using the white outdoor sealant/primer, spray both the front and the back of the scarecrow as well as the stake for the finished scarecrow, two times - allowing it to dry thoroughly between applications. (Follow instructions on the sealant)
4. After the cardboard is completely dry, have your child decorate the body and face of the scarecrow. Remember to be as creative as possible and to have lots of fun!!! Tie Mylar balloons and ribbon to the scarecrow after it's ready to go into the garden.
5. Allow to dry completely.
6. ADULTS ONLY: Position the decorated scarecrow on the stake and using the Staple Gun - staple the scarecrow to the stake at the top, middle and bottom of the cardboard piece.
7. After securing the scarecrow to the stake, place in the garden.