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    Home » DIY » Crafts

    How to Paint Scarecrows on Burlap

    By: Jane · Updated: 20 Jan, '18 · This post may contain affiliate links · 45 Comments

    Sharing is caring!

    I'm back with the tutorial I promised you about how I painted my scarecrows on burlap. The painted scarecrows were used to decorate our fall porch.

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

    My inspiration for these scarecrows came from a visit I made to a well-known craft store in August. I spotted some similar scarecrows but each one was $29.99 and I needed 2 of them! Yikes! So I decided to try my hand at painting them. (As a true DIYer, I took a photo of one of them with my phone!)

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

    To get started, I purchased a sheet of foam board from Hobby Lobby and promptly cut it into 2 pieces that each measured 12 ½ by 26 inches.  The reason I made 2 pieces is that I wanted to make 2 matching scarecrows to fill the space to the left and the right of our front door.

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

    Next I pulled out some burlap fabric from my stash and cut two pieces that were about 2 inches wider on all sides than the pieces of foam board.

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

    This is about how much extra you need on all sides so that you can attach the burlap on the back. Did you notice the wrinkles in the fabric? I did iron the burlap to remove them because I didn't want my scarecrows to have wrinkly faces!

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

    Starting on one side, I pulled the burlap taut and glued it down with both fabric glue and hot glue. I wasn't sure that the hot glue would stick to the foam board so that's why I doubled up on the glue. Turns out you only need hot glue!

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

    Once I got the burlap secured onto the pieces of foam board, I spread out some newspapers because I was ready to paint. Now I need to tell you that I am no artist, but if I have a picture to look at, I can copy fairly well.  So if you look the following photo, you will see my inspiration photo that I used as my guide.

    Painted scarecrows on burlap

    I apologize for this horrid photo! I have been playing around with the settings on my camera and I forgot to change them when I started taking more photos! Oh well. Using some craft acrylics, I painted two large rectangles using a mixture of white and beige. You don't want to put the paint on too thickly because you want the texture of the burlap to show. Then I let that dry for several hours.

    Painted scarecrows on burlap

    Do you see the little scarecrow at the top of this picture? I used him as a guide in choosing my colors because I knew that I was going to put him on the front door wreath and I wanted everything to coordinate. Using my picture as a guide, I just freehanded the details. Often I would add a color of paint and then I would go do something else while I waited for that to dry.  For example, see the reddish orange bands at the top of the scarecrows' heads? First I painted that section and after it dried, I went back and traced a quarter with a sharpie pen to make the circles. Then I painted in the circles with white paint.

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

     I decided that the scarecrows needed hats so I just cut one of Leo's straw hats in half. Actually, he said it was ok because the hat was too tight on him!

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

    Here's one that is almost finished. See what I mean about him needing a hat?

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

    Much better! I just hot glued some raffia onto the scarecrow, added a little ribbon onto the hat, and then hot glued it on, too.

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

    Here's a closeup of this one's face. More details were added including those rosy cheeks and the stitch marks on his nose and mouth!

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

    You can see how painting on burlap gives the scarecrows a rustic look. If you want to try to paint your own scarecrows, you could just right click on any of my photos, download, and print them to use as a guide. I promise, it wasn't hard at all!

    How to paint scarecrows on burlap

    Here you can see how the scarecrows add so much fun to our front porch display-perfect for our country home!

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    1. sue

      October 01, 2015 at 11:09 am

      So cute--Love it

      Sue

      Reply
    2. Barbara

      September 15, 2015 at 11:27 pm

      It may be 2 yrs since you posted this but I'm so glad I found it. That is just adorable and I think I can paint those scarecrows! You're a true inspiration!

      Reply
    3. Lucy

      August 25, 2015 at 1:27 pm

      Very Clever! I love your scarecrows! They are adorable!

      Reply
    4. Trish

      October 14, 2014 at 5:10 pm

      I collect Scarecrows during this time of the year, so it was wonderful finding your tutorial. You are amazing!!

      Wish me luck!!

      Reply
    5. judith perez

      September 28, 2014 at 8:28 am

      Thanks a bunch for that great idea! I just bought a similar scarecrow at that hobby store, but now I know how to create one for our porch!

      Reply
    6. Kathleen

      September 01, 2014 at 8:36 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing! This is just adorable....beautiful work!

      Reply
    7. Michelle

      September 01, 2014 at 8:33 pm

      These are just adorable!!! I saw them at HL this week, snapped a pic and worked on my own, too!!!!! Great minds think alike! 🙂

      Reply
    8. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living

      August 17, 2014 at 8:20 am

      Omigoodness Jane, these are just adorable!!

      Reply
    9. maria cabrera rivera

      March 29, 2014 at 10:54 am

      How I get the instruction for paint the scarecrows on Burlap. Thanks

      Reply
    10. Linda

      October 09, 2013 at 6:51 pm

      Wow! These scarecrows are fantastic!! What an awesome tutorial as well. Thanks!

      Reply
    11. Vickie

      September 30, 2013 at 2:23 pm

      That is so cute-and easy too. I love the addition of the hats!

      Reply
    12. Lorraine Swindol

      September 28, 2013 at 8:54 pm

      Thank you SO much for the tutorial. Love your scarecrow and porch!!! I am going to try to make a snowman using the same concept. My Christmas Open House theme is burlap and lace. I will send you a photo IF it turns out. THANKS for the tutorial.

      Reply
      • Trish

        October 14, 2014 at 4:56 pm

        I am dying to know how your snowman turned out, Lorraine Swindol. If possible, can you give me some feed back? I was considering doing the same thing. (Great minds think alike)

        🙂

        Reply
    13. Gail H

      September 27, 2013 at 4:58 pm

      Absolutely love these scarecrows! Cute, cute, cute!

      Reply
    14. Mary

      September 24, 2013 at 5:53 am

      Jane, I adore your scarecrow canvases! They look so professional, you're an artist and I love the texture painting on the burlap added! The addition of Leo's hat is icing on the cake!

      Reply
    15. Kathy

      September 23, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      Jane,
      These are just adorable! Thanks for the tutorial. So fun!!

      Reply
    16. Marti

      September 23, 2013 at 5:26 am

      Thanks for the scarecrow tutorial! You're the best!

      Reply
    17. Debbie

      September 22, 2013 at 6:38 pm

      I am in love! I may have to copy 🙂
      Debbie

      Reply
    18. Lisa Palmese

      September 22, 2013 at 10:09 am

      That was In Incredible Creative Idea. I Loved it and your Front Porch.
      Beautiful Job
      Thank You
      Lisa

      Reply
    19. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch)

      September 22, 2013 at 9:40 am

      Sooo cute Jane...I love these! You are so smart to figure out how to make your own! Adorable and you can use them year after year. 🙂

      Reply
    20. SheilaG @ Plum Doodles

      September 21, 2013 at 11:00 pm

      They are absolutely adorable, Jane! Their smiles are just too friendly and welcoming to be "scare" crows. 🙂

      Reply
    21. Moni ~ Zu Haus at Home

      September 21, 2013 at 8:13 pm

      So fun and cute!! Thanks for sharing the tutorial....you make it look so easy!

      Reply
    22. Jean WindhamJeanwindham

      September 21, 2013 at 1:38 pm

      The scarecrow is very creative and I love the addition to the fall porch decor. thanks for the tutorial. jean

      Reply
    23. laurie

      September 20, 2013 at 12:29 pm

      You clever, clever girl! These are just soooo cute, and I love the way you used the hat. You ALMOST made me think I could do this, but then reality set in. I cannot draw anything, even if I have something to copy. My brain just isn't wired that way. Very well done, Jane. laurie

      Reply
    24. annie

      September 20, 2013 at 11:22 am

      LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! thank you so much for sharing--i may do this method for painting a witch for my sons girlfriends door! you rock! 🙂

      Reply
    25. Shan

      September 20, 2013 at 10:29 am

      Super-super-cute! I love fall decorating and all the warm, welcoming colors. I can't wait to see all that you are doing for autumn. Keep the pictures and blogging coming!
      blessings,
      Shan

      Reply
    26. Melanie

      September 19, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      Jane, they are so cute and yes they are perfect for your porch! That hat really made them cuter!

      Reply
    27. Donnamae

      September 19, 2013 at 3:16 pm

      He. Is. Adorable! Thanks for the instructions...looks like he'd be fun to make! 😉

      Reply
    28. Cynthia

      September 19, 2013 at 12:41 pm

      These are just too cute for words, but I am sure I can muster some!! I love what you did and the piece of hat is just perfect. Great tutorial and they add so much!!!

      Cynthia

      Reply
    29. Barbara F.

      September 19, 2013 at 12:07 pm

      Love~love~love, just a fabulous fall craft and this tutorial was so clear, I actually believe that I can make one! xo

      Reply
    30. Diane @ The Checkered Apple

      September 19, 2013 at 11:08 am

      Wonderful tutorial Jane and you made it look so easy!

      Reply
    31. Debbie

      September 19, 2013 at 10:01 am

      So cute!!!! They made me giggle! I love all the pic's on how to make them, you are so cool!
      Thank you,
      Debbie from the Northwest

      Reply
    32. Mary Ann

      September 19, 2013 at 8:06 am

      I saw the scarecrows on the home tour, and I'm so glad you showed us how to make them. Now... what about the beautiful wreath on your door!

      Reply
    33. Betty

      September 19, 2013 at 8:00 am

      I love it. Thanks so much for sharing how to make him

      Reply
    34. Helen

      September 19, 2013 at 12:33 am

      Jane, I'm loving the scarecrows and I'm guessing Santa and the Elves cannot be far behind. Love this idea.

      Thanks for sharing,
      Helen

      Reply
    35. Tammy

      September 18, 2013 at 9:02 pm

      This is such a cute scarecrow wall hanging. Love the real hat and straw you added.

      Reply
    36. michelle

      September 18, 2013 at 8:55 pm

      This is going to look so good on my porch. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    37. Jenna

      September 18, 2013 at 8:44 pm

      Great tutorial Jane! I am an artist and I couldn't have done a better job! This is the cutest painted burlap project I've seen and the hat is genius! Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
      Jenna

      Reply
    38. Holly

      September 18, 2013 at 8:19 pm

      Good grief Jane... that is adorable! Love the scarecrows and love your tutorial... pinning and sharing. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    39. priscilla

      September 18, 2013 at 5:29 pm

      Super cute ! Thanks for the tutorial !

      Reply
    40. Gina

      September 18, 2013 at 5:04 pm

      Jane, these are absolutely fantastic! So cute! Thanks for sharing the how-to.

      Reply
    41. Debbie Hooper

      September 18, 2013 at 4:21 pm

      This is so cute! Love your porch!

      Reply

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