I do not use any stiffener.

2 4X4's for legs.

Then make a rectangular box to fit in the area above the legs, nail this down to the legs.

If using shoes, nail them to the bottom of the 4X4's, then nail a "stand" perhaps a 10 inch X 18 inch piece of wood, or two 2X4's.

Whatever you use just make sure the "stand" is sturdy enough to prevend the whole thing from falling down in the wind. Or tie it to something secure like a fence.

Place plants and their containers in box. I like this plan because you can change out the plants and their containers easily.

The jeans will get wet when it rains. The jeans will dry out when the rain stops. This should last at least a couple of years, it will someday get dry rot, depending how much sun they get each day.

Hi, I painted mine with polyurethane after stuffing the legs and waist with plastic grocery bags. I used a 8" pot to keep the waist open. I made sure the legs were spread apart somewhat & I let the pants dry overnight. Then I attached the shoes with hot glue. I took the grocery bags out and put rocks into the shoes and placed bricks in the legs. I put the pot back in and put silk plants in. If I were using live plants I'd take the pot out and water it or put a drip tray under the pot. It did fall over sometimes when it was really windy though so maybe using the wood frame would have worked better. I also didn't like it...it freaked me out because I had it standing next to the door where there was a window and it always felt like someone was standing at the door!! LOL!!

Then I decided to make a planter with kids overalls and hang them. It was really cute and worked out much better!

Here are some pics of what I did

Here is a link that might be useful: Blue Jean Planters

Here is a link I found that might be helpful to you and your troop.

Here is a link that might be useful: Blue Jean Planter Instructions