I know it may be a bit early, but around this time of year I begin thinking about crafting a spectacular Halloween costume. Not that I go anywhere fancy or do much that day, I still like to dress up so I can hand out candy to all four of our trick-or-treaters in something other than my spiffiest set of lounge wear.
Pretty much each year I end up making something for a costume. So now I have a heap of masks; a pile of head pieces, including a feathered mini top hat; a small collection of flamboyant jewelry; and one nearly done steampunk ray gun. Pew pew. |
| Made this one following a YouTube video by KlairedelysArt |
This eclectic collection of costume accessories makes it easy to throw a quick costume together, but one day I dream of making a full head-to-toe Halloween costume. A fully lined, fully loaded, "Wow, you look just like so-and-so!" kind of costume found at comic book conventions and Renaissance fairs. I'm a master modifier but a complete newbie when it comes to making a full costume.
Whether I decide to create a single piece or a full costume this year I know the library and the internet are there to help inspire and educate me. I use tutorials found online and historical costume books like the series Dressing a Nation found at the library to keep my costume ideas going. I will even consult YouTube for makeup tutorials, on which you will never encounter a shortage of Halloween makeup tutorials.
One year I even learned a new needle craft by following a tutorial on the website known as Instructables. I was looking for a new mask and came across a tutorial for a tatted mask, written by an instructor who goes by TotusMel. The mask was lacy and beautiful, and I had to do whatever I could to make one, which meant learning how to tat. I checked out books on tatting from the library, I found other tutorials by TotusMel and on other websites, and after learning the basics I tackled the big project. Her tutorial was great and by the end of the whole process not only did I have an incredibly cool mask but I also learned how to tat!
Are you as excited about Halloween and dressing-up as I am? How do you prepare for Halloween? Do you buy your costume? Do you modify your everyday clothes with props and accessories? Have you ever entered a costume contest? Or, have you set aside the fun of dressing-up for gasp not dressing-up?!
I have some grand costume plans floating around in the ol' brain box just begging to be made and a lot of stuff in my costume bag o' tricks to play with but if I make something new or encounter a new trick to add to my bag, I'll keep you informed.
Until then, stay crafty!
Malia and Kaye
These masks are gorgeous. Clearly, you need to take this costume show on the road to Etsy!
ReplyDelete