Junk Book Review: Creative Scarecrows
Yard people aren’t just for the fall anymore. And today’s yard figures have jobs other than scaring away crows. They entertain, amaze and function as pieces of art.
Creative Scarecrows: 35 Fun Figures for Your Yard & Garden by Marcianne Miller with Merry Miller isn’t a new book (published in 2004), but it’s still very much available. I found a copy at my local library.
There’s so much to adore in this book. One of my favorites is the Fence-Post Peekers (pictured below). The scarecrow on the cover is the Stovepipe Hat Rocking Man. The titles are very descriptive, so I’ll throw out a few more: Wild Triangle Woman, Hubcap-Retro Trellis Man, Waterfall Woman, Aluminum Mermaid, Moss Angel and Copper-Pipe Man & Poodle.
Many of the scarecrow plans allow you to reuse items you may have on hand, but I look at the instructions and photos as more of a source for inspiration. You can adapt the yard people to fit your needs and available materials.
And don’t let the name of the book fool you. This isn’t a simple publication of 35 scarecrow recipes. You 
also get numerous images from scarecrow festivals around the world.
Don’t forget when you’re cleaning your closet this spring — save worn pants, long-sleeved shirts and dresses for your yard folks. Even if you want a traditional scarecrow that pops up in the fall, it’s not too early to start planning now.
Let me know if you buy this book or check it out from the library. I’d also love to see any yard people you’ve made.
Book images taken by Peggy Rowland.
Tags: creative scarecrows, fence post peekers, fun figures, junk book, lawn figures, save old clothes, scarecrows, yard peopleRelated Stories
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4 opinions for Junk Book Review: Creative Scarecrows
Noreen Crone-Findlay
Apr 25, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Neat book, Peggy! I really like the one with the stove pipe hat on the left hand side of the cover.
Fun!
Peggy
Apr 25, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Thanks Noreen. I enjoyed the book. It’s left me wanting to make yard figures.
Eileen
Apr 25, 2008 at 5:02 pm
How clever! It’s making me rethink those worn clothes I planned to throw out because they were too ragged to donate.
Peggy
Apr 25, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Thanks for stopping by Eileen. I like to get rid of clutter, but I also like to have things like old clothes on hand when I need them. I have to find a balance in my small apartment.
But, yes, this is the perfect use for clothes too far gone to donate.
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