I think I would make the frames for the bodies out of pvc pipe and just connect them together in the framing with pvc connectors...mom's hands to kids hand and the body of the baby...then cover it up with gloves or straw. Ten it would all be one unit and more likely to stay together.

Join wood to make crosses in the size you want them to be..you can nail the arms up or down or even slanted. I used trash bags inside of the clothing to hold straw and shaped them using rope. You can leave straw sticking out different places. Faces were made of sheets cut to size for the heads, stuffed with paper (to look smooth) and faces were drawn on with acrylic paint..(markers run) To help stablize them shoes were nailed to a square board and the larger scarecrow was sitting down on a bale of straw. I had his legs crossed. I covered the large board with straw also.

When I make scarecrows at Halloween I make them like uglyoodie said.That's seems the best way.

Sounds like you got lots of good ideas above so you must post pics with us when it is over!!!!

I would make a list of all butterfly garden flowers. Go to a Hobby Lobby or Michaels and ask the floral dept. clerk to show you all of the flowers they have that are on your list. It is up to you to make a base for your bodies and have them standing amoungst the flowers (with plant markers naming the different butterfly plants) or have them holding a bouquet or a basket of the flowers. I would also get another couple of packs of butterflys and put them all over your creation. Even a butterfly on the childs nose. Make the childs eyes turn inward (cross-eyed) looking at the butterfly. Make the adult head leaning backwards a bit with a huge laugh and eyes closed (Laughing at the baby enjoying the butterfly). These suttle nuances are what will take your entry over the top!!! Good Luck.

My fave is to use pool noodles for arms and legs. If you want smaller use the pipe foam.We find even these items at garage sales.
Gorilla tape is handy too. I am looking this year for a latex
whole head mask for mine,female.
I know they make Hillary in a whole head mask,THAT would be scary!
OOPS sorry Hillary lovers.

Thanks for the great ideas everyone!!

This is what I have so far, but I really don't like their faces.

{{gwi:181858}}

{{gwi:181859}}

Close up -
{{gwi:181860}}