By Malorie Sellers on October 9, 2012 in
When I was younger, October marked the annual craft store trip with mom to flip through the giant pattern books--and narrow down my top choices for that year's Halloween costume. Playing dress-up was fun--but watching mom work away at the sewing machine to create a costume just for me was always magical. From pirates, to pumpkins, to Jasmine, my favorite Disney Princess, each year produced as many fond memories as it did sugar highs. Whether you're looking to start a similar Halloween costume-making tradition with your children or just hoping to make a killer party outfit, here are a few of our favorite sources of inspiration. Of course, if you don't have the necessary equipment, you'll want to start here, with our reports for best sewing machines and sergers. And if you're really behind the ball, invest in a garment steamer to ensure that the pre-packaged costume you buy from the drug store has a more polished look.
From this paper doll costume to an adorable monkey business costume, FamilyFun.com has an arsenal of Halloween ideas. With last minute ideas, fantasy and scary costumes, and a collection of toddler ideas, you’re sure to find something to fright or delight for trick-or-treating. [Image courtesy of FamilyFun.com]
Parenting magazine has a bevy of creative costume concepts with accompanying step-by-step instructions. Meatballs and spaghetti, chicken, corn on the cob—I’m sensing a theme here. [Image courtesy of Parenting.com]
If you want a clever costume but are hoping to remain environmentally friendly in so doing, The Daily Green has come up with several homemade ideas crafted from recycled materials. For example, an Etch A Sketch. Need we say more? [Image courtesy of The Daily Green]
We love these do-it-yourself ideas from Country Living. Our favorites incorporate boxes, like this hot air balloon. Other out of the box ideas include a sock monkey, Godzilla, a peacock and more. [Image courtesy of Country Living]
The C.R.A.F.T. (Creating Really Awesome Free Things) blog has 29 DIY ideas for groups, couples and solo acts. Think Rosie the Riveter and the Mary Poppins and Bert duo. [Image courtesy of creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com]
Spoonful.com, is a one-stop shop filled with thousands of inspired ideas that bring a little magic into the everyday. More importantly, they have some seriously awesome costume ideas to get you into the crafting spirit. Don’t worry, they provide you with detailed instructions (including time commitment) for each project—so you know what you’re getting into. [Image courtesy of spoonful.com]
Have an iron? Find a chef’s hat and you too, can dress up as an Iron Chef. Real Simple has come to the rescue with this and nine other clever, seriously last minute costume solutions!
Of course it just wouldn’t be right to do any crafting without consulting Martha Stewart. And as can be expected, Martha doesn’t disappoint. From cowboys, to the classic pillowcase pumpkin this is an excellent source for costume inspiration.
If you aren’t on inspiration overload yet, here are a few more ideas from iVillage.com: a bumblebee, box of raisins and of course the ever adorable, Little Orphan Annie.
If you want to take your kids trick-or-treating but really don’t have time to invest in costume creation, check out Etsy and TheBump.com for a wide variety of adorable, and sometimes original, pre-made costumes for purchase. [Photo courtesy of TheBump.com]
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