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Dressed To Thrill and Chill

While dressing up in costume is half the fun of Halloween, getting Halloween costumes ready is just as exciting. Anyone with a little cash can go buy a costume, but it takes time, creativity and patience to craft one with your own hands. From the cute to the obscure and frightening, assembling a Halloween costume is an opportunity to show off your creative skills. Using the tools and materials we have on hand is a good way to show our kids how to recycle old things to make something new. Mother Nature would definitely approve!

Rummaging around in closets and forgotten trunks, the attic and the far corners of the basement can provide heaps of materials for your Halloween costume project. From old suits and high heels, to cast off curtains and crates of craft materials you can create a costume that is unique and fun. Don’t forget household things like duct tape, glitter, glue and yarn when gathering supplies, too. Of course, once you’ve emptied the box, it can be used, too.

Once you have a pile of stuff to sift through, consider the different things that each piece could be used for. Most things are versatile and could lend themselves to a variety of looks. The suit could be the basis for anything from a zombie (add a mask or make up) to the President of the United States. Old curtains can transform a young girl into an Egyptian princess, or wicked witch. It all depends on your fabric pattern, your sewing skills and your ability to add and subtract until you get the look you want. Halloween costumes made from home have a special quality.

Don’t shy away from make up, too. Masks are fun, but can become hot and sweaty underneath. Many times, they end up being carried by mom or dad. A few simple make up tricks can put whiskers on your tiger, or a scar on your little pirate. Start with a foundation, then use eye lash pencils, or eye liner to make definite markings. Many toy stores and party supply stores also carry stage make up. Don’t worry, at the end of the evening, it all washes off with a little cold cream. Just be careful not to get it around the eyes.

Creating your own Halloween costumes will create lasting memories with your children, and help them have a sense of accomplishment as well.