Elaine Mitchell is a textile artist who loves scarecrows. She first began to create these quirky characters nearly ten years ago as props for a theatrical performance. After the play Elaine displayed the scarecrows around her home. When people started to drive by for a look, she knew she was onto a winner.
Over the years Elaine has custom made scarecrows for every situation and has sent them across Australia. As well as the traditional, straw stuffed field scarecrow, she has made feminine scarecrows for cottage gardens, seated scarecrows, stage scarecrows and miniature scarecrows.
While Elaine specialises in complicated designs, scarecrows are easy to make and fun for children.
They are a great example of recycled art. With a little imagination, wonderful personalities emerge from the odds and ends lying around the house – old sticks, clothes, raw fleece, ribbon, paper bows and sheoak cuttings.
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Further information
Elaine’s made to order scarecrows cost about $100 each. Her studio, The Scarecrow Patch, is open by appointment, phone: (03) 5249 1350.
From October 2nd Elaine’s theatrical company, Theatre of the Winged Unicorn, will present Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Pocket Patience’ at the Temperance Hall in Ceres. For dates, bookings and general enquiries, phone: (03) 5249 1350.
The 2nd Kurrajong District Scarecrow Festival is taking place from September 25th to October 5th at Kurrajong Heights, NSW with prizes awarded for best scarecrow. For entry forms and more information, contact Craig Laffin, phone: (02) 4573 1072.