For an alternative to pumpkins (carved pumpkins rot quickly), try a Halloween jack-o'-lantern made from a gourd!
Note the red scarf used for the garden scarecrow in the picture above: Wrapping a scarf around his neck is an easy way to work some color and style into the ensemble. Unlike the other garden scarecrows pictured thus far, this one wears gloves -- a convenient extra if you're not satisfied with how the hands come out (just cover them up with the gloves!).
In terms of support, this garden scarecrow sits on a bench, whereas the figures in the prior two pictures stood and were supported by poles. Having your garden scarecrow sit down eliminates one extra step in making a scarecrow; and since he's not tied to a pole, it also makes him more transportable, should you decide to change his location mid-way through the Halloween decorating season.
In the next photo, we'll look at a less conventional material used for the scarecrow head....
