When you think of fall symbols, the scarecrow is likely to come to mind. Standing tall in the fields as an icon of agriculture, the scarecrow has become a staple in fall decor and crafts, too! Because of that, making a paper plate scarecrow shaker with children is a perfect project for the fall season. (Oh, and P.S., our moveable paper plate apple craft is also a fantastic fall craft!)
Not only do kids have fun creating their scarecrows, but they have fun playing them as instruments, too! A double-duty project is always a win in our book! So let us show you how to make this easy fall craft for kids.
Supplies Needed to Make a Scarecrow Shaker
As with all projects on Paper Plate Fun, the supplies listed are the ones we used to create this project. Feel free to substitute supplies for things you already have on hand!
- Two paper plates
- Dry pasta, beans, or beads
- Scissors
- Glue
- Yellow construction paper
- Construction paper in the color of your choice
- Red and black marker
- Pom pom
- Optional: leaf cutout
- Optional: patterned scrapbook paper
How to Make a Paper Plate Scarecrow Craft
This project is very simple and comes together quickly! It’s a great fall craft that can be modified to fit the ages of the children making it, too. This is a wonderful preschool scarecrow craft!
Step One
First, place a small amount of dry pasta (or dry beans or beads) on a paper plate. The pasta is what shakes around and makes the beautiful music (wink wink), once this craft project is complete.
Step Two
Place a thin line of glue on the inside edge of another paper plate, and press the two plates together. 
Step Three
Set the paper plate instrument aside to dry. While it’s drying, cut a hat shape out of a piece of construction paper. Depending on the ages of the children making this project, it may be helpful to draw the hat shape for them, or to have it cut out ahead of time.
Embellish the construction paper hat with “patches” of patterned paper and a fall leaf or flower.
Step Four
Now it’s time to create the scarecrow’s hair! Cut strips of yellow construction paper in varying widths and lengths to make his or her straw hair. (A fun alternative for the scarecrow’s hair would be to use dollar store raffia cut up! That looks like real straw.)
Step Five
Glue the strips of yellow construction paper onto the paper plates, making sure to place the “hair” wildly, like a real scarecrow! 
Step Six
Now, glue the hat on top of the hair. 
Step Seven
Finally, draw the scarecrow’s mouth and eyes, and add a cute little pom pom nose for a fun touch. 
Once the glue has totally dried, this scarecrow is ready to SHAKE! Shake it like a tambourine and scare all those crows away! 
Make sure to check out our Paper Plate Kids Crafts Gallery for more fun paper plate craft projects!
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