Halloween Costumes for Children
Homemade children’s Halloween costumes can be fun to make if your children help, but you have to consider the cost and time you put into it if the children are not participating and learning how to do it with you. Sometimes it can be more economical to save your time and buy a ready made costume at the prices now available in the shops.
One way to ensure you do not spend excessive time on making a costume from the raw material on up, is to start with old clothes from the family closet or a thrift shop. That way, most of your effort goes into the fun part your children enjoy being part of - making the accessories and getting made up for the part.
Take for example a scarecrow outfit. Somewhere in your family closets there is likely to be a well worn, torn and frayed pair of jeans, and an old shirt. You may even be able to find an old straw hat. From that foundation costume, glue some straw under the hat and around the cuffs of the shirt and pants.
The details could include a bird sitting on the scarecrow’s hat and some creative face painting. The idea is to create a unique and interesting look.
Another similar example is that of a pirate. The essential parts of this Halloween get up are an old shirt, cut down jeans, and a bandana. Again, this costume will rely on the details that you choose to add. Don’t leave out a sword, broad belt, tattoos, and an eye patch. Make-up or face paint can add another fun touch.
A simple witch costume starts with nothing more than a long sleeved turtle neck and a pair of stretchy pants. Just add a long black cape, a tall pointy hat, and whatever other details you want.
Other old clothes can be made into animal costumes depending on the colors you use. Complete the look with mittens, ears, a tail, and the right face paint. If you prefer, you could find some accessories for animal costumes in a costume shop, such as masks, tails, noses, and ears.
For a tiger, for example, some black fabric paint on a yellow outfit could be used to create stripes. A little stuffing under a yellow outfit and you have the beginnings of a plump Winnie The Pooh.
