DIY Shim Scarecrow – Easy Fall Farmhouse Craft

Hey friends, it’s Emily!

If you remember the big shim tree craze from last year, you’ll love this new twist. Today, we’re making an adorable farmhouse-style shim scarecrow that’s perfect for your fall décor. This project is beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and full of rustic charm.

Supplies You’ll Need

• 10–12 standard wood shims (hardware store)

• Hot glue gun & glue sticks

• Acrylic paint: Light Mocha (tan), Toasted Terracotta (orange), Golden Sunset (yellow)

• Sharpie paint markers: Black & White 

• Small piece of fabric for hat & bow 

• Raffia

• Candy corn wood cutout (from Fall Fun Box)

• Crow wood cutout (from Fall Fun Box)

• Spanish moss

• Fall pit berries or other fall style faux greenery

• Sanding block and sandpaper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Build Your Base

Line up 10–12 shims side-by-side to form the body of your scarecrow. Glue them together so they create a flat surface with the wide part at the bottom and can stand upright.

Step 2: Paint the Face Area

Use light mocha acrylic paint to cover the bottom widest section where the scarecrow’s face will be. No need to paint the entire shim board—just the top third is enough. Let it dry, then lightly sand for a rustic look.

Step 3: Make the Hat

Rip a strip of fabric (I love the frayed edges for this project!) and wrap it around the top of the shims to make it look like a hat. Hot glue it in place as you wrap, then trim any excess.

Step 4: Add the Hair

Tuck raffia under the bottom edge of the hat for hair, securing it with hot glue. Trim to your desired length—think of it as giving your scarecrow a little haircut!

Step 5: Paint the Candy Corn Nose

Take the candy corn cutout (from our Fall Fun Box) and paint the center with Toasted Terracotta acrylic paint, the tip white, and the bottom section Golden Sunset. Let dry, then lightly sand for a worn rustic look.

Step 6: Create the Face

Use your black Sharpie paint marker to add two eyes, a squiggly stitched mouth, and detail lines around the nose. Use your pinky finger dipped in blush or a light pink paint to dab on rosy cheeks. Glue the nose in place.

Step 7: Add Bow & Hat Details

Make a small bow from the same fabric as the hat and glue it on the hat brim. I wrapped a few fall pit berries around the hat for extra color, and pinched it along the hat slightly at the top. Hot glue everything in place. 

Step 8: Paint & Attach the Crow

Paint the crow (from our Fall Fun Box) black, paint the beak Golden Sunset. Add a white dot for the eye with an acrylic marker. Sand lightly for a distressed look. Hot glue a small bundle of Spanish moss to the top of the hat, then attach the crow.

Step 9: Add Finishing Touches

Tie another small strip of fabric around the bottom of the shim scarecrow for a cute and balanced design.

Display & Enjoy!

Your DIY Shim Scarecrow is ready to display! This project is perfect for beginners and makes a sweet farmhouse addition to your fall porch, mantel, or entryway table.

Watch this tutorial on YouTube! 

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