Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prep Your Jar: Grab your clean mason jar. If using tissue paper, tear it into small, manageable pieces (about 1-inch squares or random smaller shapes). Brush a layer of Mod Podge onto a section of your jar. Place tissue paper pieces onto the wet Mod Podge, overlapping slightly, then brush another thin layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal. Continue until the jar is completely covered. If using paint, simply paint your jar orange and let it dry. Let your jar dry completely before proceeding.
- Step 2: Craft the Face: While your jar is drying, cut out two simple circles or ovals for eyes, a small triangle for a nose, and a long, curved strip for a stitched smile from black construction paper or vinyl. Once your jar is dry, carefully arrange these pieces on the jar to create your scarecrow’s face. Secure each piece with a dab of Mod Podge or clear-drying glue. Optionally, use a fine-tipped black marker to add stitch lines to the mouth.
- Step 3: Add Some Hair & a Hat: Take a strip of burlap and wrap it around the rim of your jar lid, securing it with hot glue to create a hat band. Gather a small tuft of raffia or straw for hair and hot glue it to the top of the lid, letting it peek out from under the burlap band. You can also glue some raffia around the rim of the jar itself for more "hair."
- Step 4: Accessorize Your Friend: Tie a piece of twine or a thin strip of burlap ribbon around the neck of your jar like a cozy scarf. Hot glue optional fall embellishments like a small cinnamon stick, dried star anise, or little buttons to the scarf or hat.
- Step 5: Light It Up: Carefully place your battery-operated tea light or fairy lights inside the finished mason jar. Turn them on to illuminate your adorable scarecrow. Position it on your kitchen counter, a bookshelf, or a protected spot on your porch.
Notes
Customize with different colored paper, markers for faces, yarn for hair, or various fabric scraps for scarves. Add embellishments like cinnamon sticks, dried star anise, or small buttons. Ensure Mod Podge layers dry completely (20-30 minutes between applications) for a smooth finish, applying in thin, even coats. Secure all details with hot glue. This is a kid-friendly craft with adult supervision for the hot glue. Store jars dry, indoors or in a covered area, and dust gently. For seasonal storage, wrap in tissue paper in a cool, dry place, and remove batteries from lights to prevent corrosion.