Chip Can Scarecrow

I was going through some old photos the other day, and came across one of my favorite fall crafts I made some time ago. You do not need a lot of supplies to make this scarecrow, just some paper, raffia, and adhesive of some kind.   

I color blocked the paper onto the can for the face, shirt and pants.  

I drew on the face with markers, and used a scrap of paper for the nose.  I added small white dot to the eyes after I took the picture.  

I then added some marker details to the shirt and pants. I used two thing scraps of blue paper for the overall straps, and a scrap of orange for his patch. 

The arms are made from a strip of paper about three to four inches long, and the whatever width you prefer.   Fold the paper about an inch on one side and attach it to the body. 

Add raffia to the head and arms 

The hardest part of the scarecrow is to make the hat.   Ball up a piece of a paper and tape it to the top of the head.  It will give the hat shape and dimension.  

Cut a circle out of thin brown paper big enough to make the hat.  If you don't have thin paper, a paper lunch sack will work well.  Have someone hold the paper in place while a piece of string is tied around the hat, to give the hat shape. 

Trim the string if needed.  

Fold the paper hat up around the string to make the brim. 

I found a cute sunflower sticker and added it to the hat, and he was finished.  I love how cute he looks sitting out during the fall.    

 

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How to make Scarecrow and Crow Pumpkins (using Dollar Tree items)

One of my favorite fall crafts that I have made is my Scarecrow and Crow Pumpkins.  I have been making different pumpkins over the years, and have so many now, I call them my Pumpkin Gang.  You can see many of the pumpkins in Pumpkin Gang here.

* This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

To start my pumpkins, I painted one of them tan, and one of them black.  Dollar Tree has pumpkins in three colors now, orange,   white, and black.   If you do not want to paint one of the pumpkins, buy one that is already black.   I have linked them to DollarTree.com if you can not find them in stores.  You can currently buy the pumpkins in small quantities.  

Of the two pumpkins, the crow is the easiest to make.  You will just need some google eyes, black and orange craft foam, and some black feathers, all of which you can find at Dollar Tree.

I used the largest google eyes in the package on both the crow in the scarecrow.  I then painted the triangle nose, and the cheeks.  I watered down the red paint a bit so it would seem a bit muted. I used a sharpie to make the smile.  

I made the hat out of some burlap I had on hand, but the Dollar Tree has some of the cutest autumn, and Halloween fabrics.  I especially love their sunflower fabric.  I cut two half circles out of the fabric, after making sure they were wide enough to cover the top of the pumpkin. I did a quick whip stitch around the curves to hold the pieces together. 

To make the hat fit a little better, I rolled the edges up a couple of times.  

I found it was easier to add the straw/raffia after that hat was on the scarecrow. I stuffed it under the hat, and glued where it was needed.  

The final touch was to add a Dollar Tree sunflower!  

These two are so easy to make, and a perfect addition to your fall decor. 

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New Dollar Tree Fall Items are here!

While this year is flying by, and technically it is still the middle of the summer, it is fall at the Dollar Tree. If you love the fall, you will want to start checking your local stores because there are so many new adorable items this year. 

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links

I took these pictures over the course of two back to back days. I stopped by the Dollar Tree the first time this week on Wednesday afternoon.   I spoke to one of the employees I knew as she was just starting to put out the new fall items that they got on this week's truck.  There were several things that I would like to get, because I knew they would sell out quickly but due to a few big bills being due this week I knew I had to restrain myself.   

The Farm Fresh calendar was one of those must have items.  While my main store had already sold out of them, a smaller lesser known store nearby still had a few.

I also picked up this Farmhouse one. 

If you come across this wooden truck, grab it immediately!  When I was in the store on Wednesday they only had 5 or 6 left.  Today when I had to go back to pick up a couple of unexpected items they were already all gone. Also gone, but not pictured were the pumpkin wreath forms. 

 

When I was at the store on Wednesday, this aisle was mostly empty, as it was just  beginning to be stocked. Twenty four hours later, it was filled with craft supplies and lots pumpkin decor. 

These velvet pumpkins were quite pretty. The mauve and the burgundy pumpkins were my favorite. If those colors are not your style, they were available in six (possibly more)  different colors. 

These velvet pumpkin floral picks were also very nicely made.  

If you are not a fan of velvet, they also had these gingham pumpkins.  This is another item that will sell out fast.  They were not even out yet on the first day I was there, and just a day later there were only a few pumpkins left in the box. 

This entire wall was school supplies the day before, so I was surprised to see it completely different today. I am loving all the fall decor signs and yard stakes this year, especially the wooden trucks and metal wagons.

These pumpkin metal yard stakes were quite stunning in person. It is hard to believe they are only $1. They also had 

metal sunflowers that will look great in any garden/yard. 

Another favorite item of mine was this blue farmhouse pumpkin truck. 

  

Underneath the signs were these large felt shapes. They can be used as decor, placements, anything you can think of really.

The sunflower is new this year. I think it will sell out quickly. 

Always check all the endcaps when you are in the store.  I found this endcap in the back by the cleaning supply wall. There were so my pretty florals here. 

The purple Dahlias were large and gorgeous!!  They come in many other fall and Halloween colors. 

On another endcap I found all kindsw of monogram items.  They had pumpkins, mason jar signs, ceramic pumpkins and even metal tins with a variety of different letters. 

There was so much to see and this is just the first wave of products. The Dollar Tree releases their holiday items in several waves over the course of  several weeks.  Halloween items are arriving in many stores this week as well. You can expect to start seeing a lot more in all stores as we go through the month of August.  

I will share a pro Dollar Tree shopper tip with you.  If you would like to see what will be arriving in stores, be sure to check out their website online.  You can see many of the fall & harvest items to watch for here.

Many of the Halloween items are also online. You can see all things Halloween here, and the Halloween crafting supplies here.   There are also several craft and party ideas to check out on the website.  Another pro tip, if you are need several of the same item or you cant find what you are looking for in your local store, you can buy your items on the website and have it shipped free to your store.  While some items you have to buy by the case, also be sure to check out the smaller quantity area where you can often buy just a few items.  (I have done this several times, like with the elusive Easter bunnies and the hanging baskets in the spring) 

What kind of items to you like to buy for fall and Halloween? 

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Brand New Fall/Autumn Dollar Tree Finds (see before they arrive in stores)

As you know the Dollar Tree is my favorite place to shop for so many reasons.  One of those reasons is the great deals you can get on party items and decor  for only $1.   One of my favorite times of the year to shop the Dollar Tree is in the fall and holiday seasons.   The Dollar Tree tends to start putting items out a few months in advance, and does three waves.  Currently we are in the last wave of summer and 4th of July season, but in early to mid July you will start to see the early wave of the fall and autumn items.  Fall floral has already arrived in many store.  

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

 Some of the early fall and autumn items are already available online. If you are a crafter or want to guarantee to find one of the must have items, ordering  online may be the way to go.  I have ordered a few times online, and both times I was very happy with how easy it was.  Another bonus, many items can be shipped free to you local store.

Here are some of my favorite new finds... 

How adorable are these Crafters Square mini truck ornaments.  They are perfect for fall crafting or an year round Christmas Tree.  They come in a 4 ct pack. If you would like to order them now, instead of waiting until they arrive in the store, you must order a  case. Since they are small in size, they come in a case of 48.  You can check more information about  them out here.

I LOVE these horizontal harvest signs. I plan on getting all of them, but I especially love the Thankful & Blessed red truck sign.  If you buy these online they come in a case of 24.  You can find more about them here.  

These metal hanging harvest pumpkin signs come in a case of 36. I love the new colors and plaid pattern they have added this year. You can find more info about them here.

Oh wow! I will definitely be picking up some vertical hanging harvest signs.  They are just shy of 2 feet long.  These are available in a case of 24.  You can see more information about these gorgeous signs here.

How cute is this little guy?!  I think he is adorable! He is available online now in a case of 24.  You can see him up close here.

I am also definitely going to pick up some of these long harvest handing signs.  Which is your favorite?  I can't decide between the Welcome sign and the one with all the fall activities.  They come in a case of 24. The info on these signs can be found here.

 I am also loving these plaid pumpkin shaped wall decor.  It looks like plaid will be a fad for a bit longer.  They come in a case of 24.  If you want to see more info on these, you can find it here.

The fall craft supplies are starting to appear online as well.  While I did not see anything brand new this year, they did have a lot of great supplies available. If you missed on out on the 3D pumpkin wreath form, it is available now.  You can see all of the fall craft supplies currently listed here.

 

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Easy DIY Fall Wreath - Feature of the Day

A wreath like this at the store would easily cost $30 or more.  What if I told your that Luv a Bargain's 11 year old daughter made it in less than 15 minutes. I love all the fall colors and it really is a lot easier to make than you might think.  I see a trip to the craft store this weekend.   Thank you so much Sherri (and your daughter)  for linking up this great craft to Dare to Share!

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Fall Leaf Bowl - Feature of the Day

I love this idea of making a DIY Fall Leaf Bowl from dollar store items by Luv a Bargain. They are easy to make, and a pretty way to dress your table.  I am working with a friend to decorate for a retreat, and this idea will make some awesome candy bowls.  Thank you so much Sherri for linking up this terrific craft to Dare to Share!

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DIY Fall Cork Coasters - Feature of the Day

Looking for a fun fall craft or gift idea?  Steph from A Time for Seasons shared how she made  fall shaped cork coasters.  What is great about this craft is you can customize them for any season, and older kids can make them too. They could make a good teacher or hostess gifts.  Thank you so much Steph for linking up your great idea to Dare to Share!

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Indian Corn Candle Holder - Feature of the Day

I had to find out more when I saw this Indian Corn Tea Light Holder made from a wine glass by Crystal of Make It Easy Crafts.  She shows us a great tutorial on  how she made this very festive, and very unusual fall craft.  You can see how to make it on Make It Easy Crafts here.   Thanks so much for linking up to Dare to Share Crystal!

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