Easy-2-Make Halloween Costume Ideas
With only two short weeks left before Halloween, it might be time to start thinking about a costume! Most people dress up as a vampire or hobo, but if we know our readers, you’ll want something a little more creative — but not so creative you’ll spend all day making it!
So here are some fun costume ideas you can put together in less than 20 minutes with items commonly found around the house or community living center. Boo!
A MISSILE LAUNCHER
This fun outfit can be constructed from two sheets of 1/4” fiberglass, some cherry glue, and 9 rolls of quarter-ply recyclable paper toweling. Measure the fiberglass (in inches) to approximately the height and depth of the person wearing the costume. If the ratio exceeds 2:7, cut a criss-cross pattern into the waist strap. For the missiles, spray the cherry glue evenly across the toweling tubes or use a “Lurastyle” brush. If you or your child wish the rockets to “launch” just use springs or CO2 cartridges (found in any hobby store). But watch out! Those tubes are highly flammable!
MADAGASCAN SPIDER TORTOISE
The most difficult part of the Madagascan Spider Tortoise costume is the distinctive “web”-like shell pattern. The first thing to do is get out your Garnicht’s Tortoise and Terrapin Field Guide and flip to p.990 where you’ll find some very detailed sketches. You’ll notice that the horizontal patterns move in a kind of Z-like line across the top and bottom edges. If you have a computerized sewing machine the .099 Wenzel attachment will help you achieve this. For the vibrant blues and blacks of the shell, use garbage bags.
ELIZABETH CADY STANTON
Many young girls (and a few free-thinking boys!) would love nothing more than to become one of the great heroines of Women’s Suffrage in the United States, Elizabeth Cady Stanton. To convey the dignity and courage of this great woman, it’s best to use authentic, early Victorian meel fabric. You can sew in the “polka”
dots yourself, using pine resin to achieve the slight burnish on the white. If you don’t have time to make your own, a silver wig can be obtained for under $500 at most shops. Add a touch of fun with the “lost dog” sign and tucked-away stuffed animal, if you wish.
FIRE
A fire costume is easy to make and a real head-turner at Halloween gatherings. Simply bleach a king-size fitted sheet, use non-toxic, zinc-based tacky paint for coloration, and a set of 90 watt clearing bulbs. A small generator should fit snugly in a back pocket or attached to one’s belt. Just flip the switch and you’ll be the “flame of the party!”
More Quick Kostume Ideaz!
Jason Bourne - More like Jason BOO-urne!
Indiana Jones - Now THAT’S what I call a precious antiquity!
Snagglepuss - Your friends will be amazed, annoyed!
Taxi Driver - Are you talking to me?! Yes, about a great costume!
Have a great halloween and most of all be safe! The World Health Organization says this year 65% of candy will be tainted with either poison or live insects. Happy trick-or-treating!
