October 17, 2007

Costume Drama

You've only got a few precious Halloweens (before Johnny wants to be a Power Ranger and Suzie starts gushing over gaudy princess getups) when you can dress them in the adorable costume of your choosing – or at the very least, have some influence over the decision.

Now all you need are some ideas, which fortunately we've got. With just two weeks left, put these clever, no-sew disguises together yourself quickly, without spending much time or money – and definitely without purchasing a sequined tiara.

Little Stinker
This cuddly skunk will be welcome in any neighborhood.
Start with a black hooded sweatshirt and pants. Cut a stripe out of white faux fur or felt, or use a feather boa; adhere to hood and back of sweatshirt with fabric glue. Cut an oval out of the same material and glue to front of sweatshirt. (If using a boa, coil and adhere.) Cut triangular ears out of felt or fur and glue to hood. Cut a tail out of black faux fur or felt and line the underside with white material. Attach tail to waistband of pants with a safety pin. On child, pin tail to back of sweatshirt so it stands up.

Ghostly Garb
For an older trick-or-treater, this is a fun twist on the white-sheet ghost.
Purchase a roll of white tulle from a fabric store. Create a cape: Measure your child's height from base of neck to ankles and double it. Cut several lengths of tulle to this size. Cut a hole in center of each large enough to slip over child's head. Create a hood: Cut several pieces of tulle large enough to drape over head. On child, tuck layered hood underneath cape layers and attach with safety pins. Since tulle tends to be scratchy, dress child in pants and a turtleneck or hooded sweatshirt underneath the costume.

Elvis Impersonator
Put your little crooner in a costume fit for The King.
Cut a deep V in the front of a white jumpsuit or sleeper (preferably one made of velvet or velour). Cut an oversize, '60s-style collar out of felt and adhere to jumpsuit with fabric glue. Create designs on jumpsuit with gold fabric paint or glue on circles and stars cut from metallic foil paper. Draw lamb-chop sideburns on child with black eye pencil.

Tuesday's UrbanBaby Daily: Pack Rat

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