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.
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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
