Fall Fun for Kids: DIY Handprint Scarecrow Paper Craft with Free Template

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If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to welcome the fall season with your little one, this Handprint Scarecrow Paper Craft is perfect! Not only is it an adorable fall craft for kids, but it’s also a beautiful keepsake that captures your child’s tiny handprint in a way you’ll treasure for years to come.

Whether you’re looking for a handprint craft, decorating for a fall scarecrow theme, or just enjoying a cozy afternoon with some crafty morning fun, this project ticks all the boxes.

Handprint Scarecrow Paper Craft

There’s something magical about handprint crafts. They capture a moment in time, tiny fingers, unique shapes, and all. This craft is extra special because it doubles as a great fall decoration and a keepsake craft you can display year after year.

Here’s why kids will love it:

• They get to dip their hands in paint (always a win for sensory play).
• It’s a fall-themed handprint project that allows them to practice fine motor skills while cutting, gluing, and assembling.
• The finished scarecrow’s head is bright, happy, and ready to bring autumn cheer.

And here’s why you will love it:

• It’s budget-friendly and uses simple supplies.
• It makes a beautiful keepsake for your scrapbook, fridge, or seasonal display.
• It’s an easy handprint scarecrow activity that works for preschoolers, toddlers, and early elementary-aged children.

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Supplies Needed To Make a Handprint Scarecrow Paper Craft:

• Construction paper or cardstock in tan, orange, yellow, and white
• Brown paint
• Scissor
• Glue sticks
• Black marker to draw outlines and details
• Free template (you can use our free printable PDF or hand-draw your own)
• Optional: extra colored paper for background decoration, like pumpkin shapes or leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create your DIY scarecrow masterpiece.

1. Make the Handprint

First, paint your child’s hand with brown paint and press it down onto white cardstock or construction paper. This handprint will be the base of your scarecrow’s head. Let it dry completely before moving to the next step.

Pro Tip: If you want to skip the paint mess, trace your little one’s hand on the paper instead. But honestly, the painted handprint makes the craft even more charming.

2. Cut Out the Pieces

Using the template (or free printable), trace the scarecrow’s hat, hair, eyes, cheeks, and patch onto the appropriate colored paper. Cut them out with scissors.

For the hat: Use tan or brown cardstock.
Hair: Use yellow strips of paper (curl or fold slightly for dimension).
And the patch: cut a small pumpkin-orange piece for that stitched look.

3. Outline with Marker

Now it’s time to give your pieces a definition! Use a black marker to outline all the parts—the hat, hair, eyes, and patch. This makes your scarecrow art pop.

If you want that classic stitched smile, use a black marker to draw it across the palm section of the scarecrow.

4. Assemble the Scarecrow

Glue the yellow hair strips to the back of the hat. Add the orange patch to the hat for a fun pop of color. Then, attach the hat to the top of the handprint.

5. Add the Face

Glue the eyes and cheeks to the scarecrow’s head. Then draw the smile using your black marker. This step turns it from a painted handprint into an adorable scarecrow craft.

6. Display Your Masterpiece

Your DIY scarecrow craft is now ready! Hang it on the fridge, place it on your wall as part of your autumn craft display, or use it as a great fall decoration alongside fall books and other fun fall items.

Fall Craft Ideas For Preschoolers

Ideas for Making It Extra Special:

• Fall Books Pairing – Read a fall scarecrow story before making your craft to get the kids excited.
• Pumpkin Add-ons – Cut out small pumpkin shapes to glue around your craft.
• Keepsake Touch – Write your child’s name and the year on the back so you can look back on it later.
• Classroom Project – Perfect for preschool or kids’ crafts during the fall season.
• Halloween Twist – Make it part of your Halloween crafts for kids display by adding spooky hats or themed patches.

Fall Handprint Craft Ideas

This scarecrow isn’t just another paper craft. It’s a fall craft that blends creativity, sensory play, and fine motor skills. Plus, when you’re done, you’ll have a beautiful souvenir that celebrates your little one’s growth and personality.

It’s also a fun fall activity that fits perfectly with themes like:

• Fall handprint crafts
• Kids Halloween
• Autumn craft
• Scarecrow craft for kids
• Fall handprint keepsakes

Crafty Variations

Here are some of the best ideas to make your scarecrow craft for kids even more unique:

• Add googly eyes for a playful touch.
• Use yarn for the hair instead of paper strips.
• Turn it into a greeting card by gluing the finished handprint scarecrow craft onto folded cardstock.
• Create a fall handprint crafts wall display with scarecrows, pumpkin art, and autumn leaves.

Fall Crafts For Kids

When you learn how to make this DIY scarecrow, you’ll see why it’s such a hit. The combination of paint, colored paper, and fun assembly makes it feel like a mix between a puzzle and handprint art.

Plus, it’s not just a craft idea—it’s a fantastic fall activity that celebrates the colors and warmth of autumn.

The kids will love showing off their finished scarecrow’s head and adding it to your seasonal decor. And for you, it’s another beautiful souvenir to hold onto.

More Handprint Crafts:

Discover more fun and creative handprint projects you can make with kids:

• Printable Turkey Handprint – A festive and colorful turkey craft using your child’s handprint.
• Handprint Flowers – Bright and cheerful flower art made from painted handprints.
• Thanksgiving Handprint Poem Printable – A heartfelt poem paired with a keepsake handprint for Thanksgiving.
• Handprint Owl Craft – A cute and whimsical owl design created from handprint cutouts.

Whether you’re planning a keepsake craft for preschool, searching for Halloween crafts for kids, or want a fun fall project to enjoy at home, this scarecrow handprint craft is a must-try. With its mix of handprint art, bright colors, and a touch of fall scarecrow charm, it’s one of the best ideas for a fantastic fall afternoon.

So grab your paint, colored paper, scissors, and glue, and make a scarecrow handprint craft that will bring smiles all season long. This diy scarecrow craft is proof that sometimes the simplest projects make the sweetest memories.

Make a Handprint Scarecrow Craft

Yield: 1 Handprint Craft

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Celebrate fall with this adorable Handprint Scarecrow Craft—perfect for preschoolers and young kids! Using your child’s handprint as the base and the free printable scarecrow template, kids can create a charming autumn character while developing fine motor skills. It’s a fun seasonal activity and a keepsake you’ll cherish for years to come.

Print

Materials

• Construction Papers
• Brown Paint
• Scissors
• Glue
• Marker
• Free Scarecrow Template

Instructions

1. Create and Cut Out the Handprint
   Start by having your child place their hand on a white sheet of paper. Trace around it and carefully cut out the handprint shape—this will be the base of your scarecrow.
2. Trace and Cut the Template Pieces
   Use the provided scarecrow template pieces. Trace each part onto the appropriate colored construction paper (e.g., hat, hair, face patches), then cut them out.
3. Outline for Definition
   Using a black marker, outline each of the cut template pieces to give them a finished and detailed look.
4. Assemble the Scarecrow
   Begin putting the pieces together. Glue the main facial features and accessories in order, following the guide or sample image.
5. Attach the Hat and Hair
   First, glue the hair pieces to the back of the hat. Then, add the orange patch to the front of the hat. Once that’s assembled, attach the entire hat section to the top of the handprint cutout.
6. Add the Face
   Draw a smile on the scarecrow using a black marker. Then, glue the eyes in place just below the hat.

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