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Clever Costumes

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-263 -- More Projects »
Each Halloween finds trick-or-treaters young and old searching for just the right costume. Dressing up children to make their ghostly rounds doesn't have to leave the bank account as empty as a jack-o'-lantern's head.

TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham demonstrates how to keep the Halloween costume budget under control by making costumes from items that are typically found around the house.

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Figure A

  • Plain paper grocery bags are the starting point for a couple of inventive costumes. For example, you can create a robot costume by cutting the bag down the center of one of the broad sides, to about the middle of the bottom of the bag. Cut a hole for the head in the bottom, and cut armholes in both sides. Cover the bag with aluminum foil, and attach some caps from liquid laundry detergent bottles on the front of the costume. For the crowning touch, wrap a party hat in foil for a shiny tin man's cap (figure A).
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
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Figure E
  • Another costume that starts with a paper bag is a mask. Just cut out some holes for the eyes and mouth, and have children help decorate their masks. Glue cotton balls onto the mask to create eyebrows and hair (figure B).

  • For a tropical-island look, create a grass skirt by cutting strips up the sides of a green plastic lawn or garbage bag. Cut a hole in the middle of the bottom of the bag to fit around the waist of the child, and use tape to tighten the bag if it's too loose (figure C).

  • Turn a child into a cluster of grapes with balloons. Blow up a lot of purple balloons, then use safety pins to attach to the child's clothing. Attach multicolored balloons for a jellybean costume (figure D).

  • Get hopping and make a bunny costume. Attach a handful of cotton balls to the rear of a pair of white tights. Cut bunny ears out of cardboard, paint them white and pink, and attach the ears to a headband (figure E).

  • Decorate an old sheet, using felt and paint, to make it look like a tube of toothpaste. Add a small bucket on top for the cap.

  • To make a black-cat costume, add a tail made of stuffed black socks to the rear of a black leotard. Add black tights and old pink or black slippers for paws.

  • Use an old vinyl tablecloth to fashion a burrito costume. Use brown yarn for meat, cotton batting for sour cream and red pompons for cherry tomatoes.
    • Resources
    JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts
    Make it spooky ... Make it creepy ... Make it fun! Visit "Booville" at the JoAnn Web site or at a JoAnn location near you for all your Halloween supplies.
    Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts / Jo-Ann Etc.
    Website: www.joann.com
    Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-263
    •Fun Halloween Foods
    •Clever Costumes
    •Halloween Decorating
    •Tip of the Day
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