Small Pot, Big Personality: How to Make a Mini Scarecrow

Fall decor doesn’t have to be big to make a statement—sometimes the smallest crafts bring the biggest smiles. This mini scarecrow made from small flowerpots, a few humble craft supplies, and a whole lot of personality, is the perfect mix of rustic charm and playful personality. He’s pint-sized, shelf-friendly, and just dramatic enough to keep your pumpkins company.

Whether you’re decorating a mantel, kitchen counter, or classroom nook, this DIY is easy, adorable, and totally tween-approved (especially if they get to name him something ridiculous).

Supplies You’ll Need:

  • 2 small terracotta or plastic pots (2–4 inches)
  • Hot glue gun + glue sticks
  • Raffia, straw, or yarn (for hair and “stuffing”)
  • Buttons, googly eyes, or my printable scarecrow face
  • Permanent marker (if you’re not using the printable)
  • Burlap ribbon
  • Beads
  • Twine

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Head of the Scarecrow

Take one of your small pots and wrap a strip of burlap ribbon just below the lip. Glue it down.

Next, glue your “hair” (raffia, straw, yarn—whatever’s giving scarecrow realness) around the inside edge of the pot’s opening. This gives him that classic tousled look, like he just woke up in a cornfield.

Set the head aside to let it dry and contemplate its future as a fall icon.

2. Make the Body

Flip your second pot upside down—this is the torso.

Glue bits of scarecrow stuffing (raffia, straw, yarn) so they peek out from the rim. Think “fringe jacket meets farm chic.”

Cut a piece of twine for the arms. Add a bead to each end and tie a knot so they don’t escape. (Beads = hands. We’re working with what we’ve got.)

Lay the twine across the top of the body pot and glue it down. Boom—arms.

Now cut two more pieces of twine for the legs. Add two beads to each, tie knots at the ends, and glue the legs inside the pot’s opening, toward the front. This way, they’ll dangle adorably when your scarecrow is sitting on a shelf, silently judging your fall candle collection.

3. Assemble & Decorate

Stack your scarecrow: glue the head pot right-side up on top of the body pot (which is upside down). Yes, it’s a little topsy-turvy—but so is parenting, so we’re embracing it.

Use a printable face, draw one yourself, or glue on cutouts for eyes, nose, and a stitched smile. Crooked is charming. Perfect is suspicious.

Cut 2–3 small squares of burlap ribbon, pull a few strands loose to give them that “I’ve been through things” look, and glue them onto the body as patches. Instant rustic flair.

4. Optional (But Highly Recommended)

  • Add embellishments like faux leaves, a mini pumpkin, or a tiny sign that says “Hay There!”
  • Tuck something under one arm (if he had arms… but again, we’re improvising).
  • Give him a name. “Sir Spiced-a-Lot”? “Patchy McTwinelegs”? The possibilities are endless and slightly ridiculous—just how we like it.

Display Ideas:

  • Perch him on a kitchen shelf next to your pumpkin spice stash.
  • Add him to a fall centerpiece or tiered tray.
  • Gift one to a teacher with a tag that says “Thanks for keeping it together—even when the stuffing’s falling out” or to a neighbor with a little tag that says “Hay there! Just dropping off a little fall cheer.”

Final Thoughts:

This mini scarecrow is proof that good things come in small, slightly lopsided packages. He’s quirky, cozy, and totally customizable. Plus, he pairs beautifully with a pumpkin muffin and a moment of peace before the next tween meltdown.

With a coffee in one hand and a slightly lopsided scarecrow in the other,

💛 Bethany

If your glue gun’s cooling and your patience is running on caffeine, head over to the mom nook for a dose of parenting humor and fall feels. Pumpkin Spice & Parental Advice: Lessons from the Drop-Off Lane