Scarecrow Hat

$5 - $10 (based on 2016 prices)

Makes one hat

I made this prop to accessorize my costume for 2016’s haunt. Because I used materials I already possessed (my only purchase was the hat itself from a second-hand store), I was able to keep the cost relatively low.

• One standard-size straw or wicker hat
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat black
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat brown
• One to two yards of jute rope
• One to two yards of dark-brown twine
• Four aged bones (learn how to make them here)
• Two severed fingers (learn how to make them here)
• One severed ear (learn how to make it here)

1. Dishevel the hat by tearing holes into the crown and mangling the brim. The extent of the damage depends on how tousled you want the prop to appear. If you plan to use the hat as part of your costume, ensure that the length of your mutilation does not make it un-wearable.

2. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, give the hat a dusting of black and brown paint. You want to create the illusion of age and dirt, so a random application will produce the best results. If you are adventurous, you could try burning the brim to add further details.

3. Tie the rope around the hat to form a band and trim the excess. For visual appeal, I left the strands rather long and frayed their ends to give them a worn appearance.

4. Determine where you want the bones and body parts to rest on the hat. Once you have done so, tie strands of twine to the rope in the areas you have selected and use the twine to attach these items, knotting the ends, trimming the excess, and gluing the knots for reinforcement.

5. Once you have attached all of the body parts, hot glue the rope into place (it is easier to do this after securing the severed appendages rather than following step three).

6. You could add additional elements, such as frayed raffia or plastic insects, to give the prop more character.