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Growing up, I never wore a store-bought costume. Nor did I wear an elaborately-sewn homemade costume. My strongest Halloween memories are my mom brainstorming a creative costume out of next to nothing. Rarely did my sister and go out trick or treating as the latest trendy character. We were more likely to show up as a television set. My mom's inguenity and creativity had a big impact on who I am. I still love Halloween, and I was tickled by this Halloween Costumes ebook that I found recently.
I've seen many Halloween costumes books. Most have color photos and are sold in the big bookstores. This book is a homemade family affair, like I remember Halloween with my family. It is in pdf format to read or print from your computer. You can download it today. I print the pages that I'll need when I need them.
There aren't many color photos with the costumes, though some have simple diagrams. Some have links to websites to show you the idea. Since you'll be making most of the costumes from items you already have or can easily get, your costume will have its own unique flair. Reading these pages of costumes, I felt like I was listening to my mom and her sisters figure out my costume this year.
There are more than 90 different costumes listed in alphabetical order with a table of contents. They range from people to characters to objects, to plays on words and animals and occupations and more. Just read the table of contents to your kids and you'll be on your way to a happy Halloween.
The costumes are very child-friendly and safe. Many are based on a sweatshirt and pants or leggings. They use simple supplies like posterboard, cardboard boxes, and basic craft supplies like paint, pom-poms, and pipe cleaners. One high-tech innovation that I like is how they suggest taking a playing card to the copy center and having it blown up to blueprint size to make a Queen of Hearts costume. This technique is used in a few ideas and costs just a few dollars. If that's not available to you, they do suggest alternatives.
There are a few extra ideas in this book for last minute costumes, sibling costumes, face painting, papier-mache masks and Halloween treats. Plus, this e-book comes with two extra books. One is on face painting. It includes a few popular designs with step-by-step photos and instructions. The second bonus is Halloween Food for Kids, with recipes and party foods.
If you're looking for a great resource for making easy homemade costumes for your kids, you'll enjoy this book. The Halloween memories from making your own costumes are priceless, and this book makes it easy. Happy Halloween!
From this issue of the AllCrafts Update [http://www.allcrafts.net/news/2006_09_02.htm]
Wendy Litten is the editor of AllCrafts.net, the Crafts Network. [http://www.allcrafts.net] Find crafts projects in holiday crafts, kids crafts, crochet, knitting, dolls, rubber stamps and much more! 25+ craft categories. New free projects added weekly!
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