Scarecrow Treat Bags for Your Family Harvest Celebration or Halloween Party

Scarecrows, pumpkins, and autumn foliage provide inspiration for a variety of fall crafts and party themes. If you and your family are planning a harvest celebration or Halloween party this year, this adorable paper bag scarecrow is one craft project you won't want to miss. When I do projects with my children or with kids in my youth programs, I love to create projects that can be used for something afterward, other than simply cluttering the refrigerator door! This cute scarecrow bag is not only fun to make, it also serves a purpose by doubling as a treat bag for party guests at your harvest or Halloween celebration. Kids will enjoy making this project and, even more, they'll love seeing their artwork displayed and shared with others at the party.

Supplies you will need to make this paper bag scarecrow crafts project:

• Brown paper bag (lunch size)
• Googly eyes
• Foam board
• Construction paper
• Marker
• Craft glue
• Scissors
• Clear tape
• Treats to fill the bag

Directions on how to make scarecrow treat bags:

1. Turn the seam side of the paper bag face down and fold the bottom flap of the bag underneath so you have a flat side to decorate. Lay the bag on a flat surface to create the scarecrow.

2. Help the child draw and cut a small triangle from the foam board for the nose. The mouth, hat, and bowtie for the scarecrow should be drawn and cut from the foam board as well. Keep in mind, there is not simply one way a scarecrow should look, so allow the child exercise his or her creativity when choosing the colors and shapes used for this crafts project.

Note: Construction paper can be substituted for creating all these items if you do not have foam board available.

3. Arrange the nose, googly eyes, mouth, and bowtie on the paper bag and decide the way you want them to appear. Use small amounts of craft glue to attach them. Set the bag aside to dry for about 5 minutes.

4. While the glue is drying, measure and cut 1-inch strips of construction paper for the hair. You will need approximately 8 strips, but the exact number will depend on the hairstyle you choose for the scarecrow. (I used 7 strips of construction paper to create the hair for the scarecrow treat bag shown in the photo.)

5. Once the glue for the face and bowtie on the front of the treat bag is dry, show the child how to layer the strips of construction paper to form hair for the scarecrow. Layer them and trim them to any style you choose, and then glue the strips to the front of the paper bag. The scarecrow bag needs to open so you can fill it with party favors and treats, so be careful to only glue the pieces on the front side of the paper bag.

6. Glue the foam hat on top of the hair and hide any spaces not covered by the paper hair. Again, make sure you only attach the hat to the front side of the bag so it will open.

7. Provide your child with markers, ribbon, construction paper, and scrap materials to add any other finishing touches to the scarecrow treat bag. For example, he or she may want to add a flower or small crow to the scarecrow's hat or decorate the bowtie.

8. Open the paper bag and stand it up. Fill it with a few harvest or Halloween party treats such as candy, homemade goodies, and small toys.

9. Fold the top flap over once (facing to the back of the scarecrow) and secure with a small piece of tape.

Make it a family crafts event and create a collection of these scarecrow treat bags. Load them with party favors and special treats and display them to add a whimsical touch to your harvest party or Halloween get-together.

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Recycling crafts for kids
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