My posts may contain affiliate links. If you click though and make a purchase, we might make a small commission, but at no extra cost to you.
Fall is the season for pumpkins, scarecrows, and all things cozy. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how I turned a rusty old bedspring into a rustic scarecrow DIY that brings farmhouse charm to any space. With just a Styrofoam ball, drop cloth, some plaid fabric scraps, and a sunflower, you can create your own whimsical scarecrow that’s perfect for your mantel, porch, or fall display.
Supplies You’ll Need :
- Old bedspring (rusty + crusty is perfect!)
- Styrofoam ball (large enough for a head)
- Drop cloth fabric
- Jute twine
- Hot glue gun & glue sticks
- Laser-cut wood scarecrow face
- Small scarecrow hat (Hobby Lobby, Dollar Tree, etc.)
- Green plaid fabric (for custom patches)
- Sunflower (faux)
- Scissors
Step-By-Step Tutorial
1. Anchor the Head
Start by twisting the top of the bedspring into the bottom of the Styrofoam ball. The spring acts like a screw, giving the ball a sturdy anchor point. Add hot glue around where the spring meets the Styrofoam for extra hold. This step makes a huge difference, because gluing straight to metal is never reliable—using the spring itself keeps everything secure.
2. Add the Drop Cloth Neck
Drape a piece of drop cloth over the Styrofoam ball and let the excess fabric gather around the spring. Tie it in place with jute twine to create a rustic “neck.” The loose, frayed edges add to the authentic scarecrow look.
3. Attach the Face
Glue on your laser-cut wood scarecrow face. I broke the wooden mouth slightly so it would sit flat against the curve of the Styrofoam ball—and it worked out perfectly! The crack gave my scarecrow an even more whimsical grin.
4. Top It Off with Raffia Hair and a Hat
Cut some raffia, and glue it to the top of the head. Then, take a small scarecrow hat and remove any pre-attached patches. Hot glue the hat to the top of the scarecrow’s head, on top of the raffia hair.
5. Add Details & Finishing Touches
Cut a couple plaid fabric patches and glue them onto the hat and the drop cloth “shirt.” Finish the whole piece with a bright sunflower glued to the side of the hat. The extra pop of color really makes the scarecrow come alive! I also added some raffia around his neck as well.
The Finished Look
Your rustic bedspring scarecrow is ready to show off! Place him on your mantel, entryway table, or even your covered porch for a piece of fall décor that’s full of farmhouse charm and whimsy.
📌 Save This Project on Pinterest
Want to remember this project for later? Pin it! Here’s a graphic you can save to your fall DIY board.
More Fall Craft Projects You’ll Love :
I hope this rustic bedspring scarecrow DIY inspires you to look at old junk with new eyes. Sometimes the most unexpected materials—like a rusty spring—can turn into the cutest seasonal décor. 🍂 If you try this project, I’d love to see your version!
Want a Set of Those Scarecrow Faces?? Click the Picture Below!
