Coffee Can Scarecrow

Recycle your empty coffee cans into adorable fall decor! I’ll show you how to make my coffee can scarecrow, worthy of a place on your mantel or front porch.

Why this project works

Because, recycling! I’ve always loved turning items into something new and fun. You might even have most of the items on hand.

Aside from buying the little hat, most crafters will be able to scrounge up buttons, felt, twine, and raffia!

Helpful Project Information:

• Age Level: 7 and up
• Mess Factor: Low (glue)
• Level of Difficulty: Easy-Medium
• Time to Complete: less than 20 minutes
• Cost Estimate: Approximately $12.00 each (depending on the cost of the hat)

Craft supplies you will need

How to Make a Coffee Can Scarecrow

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this project. Please scroll down to simply print out the instructions!

1. Put lid on coffee can. Cover coffee can with tan felt using craft glue.

1. Place coffee can on its side and use instant grab glue or E6000 to pipe on the mouth. Cut twine to fit on the glue smile and press in place.
2. Cut remaining twine into one-inch pieces. Use instant grab glue to attach to the smile in a stitch type fashion.

1. Cut a triangle from orange felt and use instant grab glue to attach to the face above the smile.
2. Use instant grab glue to attach two buttons for eyes.

1. Stand coffee can up and pipe a generous amount of craft glue onto the coffee can lid. Cut raffia into 18” lengths and place on top of lid, covering the lid (be sure the raffia lines up properly with the facial features!). Let dry.

1. Glue the hat onto the raffia hair.
2. Glue 2 silk flowers to the hat.

That’s it, you’re finished! You can display your new scarecrow on your porch or deck, as a centerpiece for your holiday table, on a shelf, side table, or fireplace mantel. 

Expert Tips & FAQs

• You can use any size coffee can. Just eyeball the buttons for size. You might like really small buttons depending on your preference.
• Makes a great centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
• To size the hat, the dome should be around the same diameter as the can.
• If you don’t have a coffee can, use an oatmeal container!

I’ve always loved scarecrows. They add such fun whimsy to the fall season. Great for decorating!

More Scarecrow Crafts

• Paint Stick Scarecrow
• Paper Bag Scarecrow
• Reversible Scarecrow Snowman Sign
• Cardboard Tube Scarecrow
• Craft Stick Scarecrows

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My original coffee can scarecrow from 2010. This one uses a full sized coffee can. The new photos show it can also be made with a smaller coffee can!

Print Project

5 from 1 vote

Coffee Can Scarecrow

Don't put that coffee can into the trash. Grab some craft supplies and turn it into an adorable coffee can scarecrow!

Prep Time10 mins

Crafting Time20 mins

Total Time30 mins

Age Group: Adult Crafts

Project Type: Fall

Author: Amanda Formaro

Supplies

• Coffee can
• 2 sheets tan felt
• Small scrap of orange felt
• 2 large mismatched buttons
• 18 ” twine
• Instant grab glue
• Raffia
• Small straw hat
• 2 silk flowers

Craft tools

• Scissors

Instructions

• Put lid on coffee can. Cover coffee can with tan felt using craft glue.
• Place coffee can on its side and use instant grab glue to pipe on the mouth. Cut twine to fit on the glue smile and press in place. Cut remaining twine into one inch pieces. Use instant grab glue to attach to the smile in a stitch type fashion.
• Cut a triangle from orange felt and use instant grab glue to attach to the face above the smile.
• Use instant grab glue to attach two buttons for eyes.
• Stand coffee can up and pipe a generous amount of craft glue onto the coffee can lid. Cut raffia into 18” lengths and place on top of lid, covering the lid (be sure the raffia lines up properly with the facial features!). Let dry.
• Glue the hat onto the raffia hair.
• Glue 2 silk flowers to the hat.

Expert Tips & FAQs

• You can use any size coffee can. Just eyeball the buttons for size. You might like really small buttons depending on your preference.
• Makes a great centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
• To size the hat, the dome should be around the same diameter as the can.
• If you don't have a coffee can, use an oatmeal container!