Friday, October 8, 2010

Creative Kids Costumes~Over The Years...

I find that just running in to a store and buying a cheap costume in a bag is really hard for me to do.  I get really excited when I come across something...like a mask...and create a whole costume around it.  It really isn't that hard and it is fun to get your child involved in the process.  I hope you get some ideas from costumes we have designed and thrown together over the years!  It has been great fun!  Costume this year will be a "Spunky Alice In Wonderland".  We are hitting the thrift shops for a unique dress, adding stripped stockings, ect...  Should be interesting and we need to get busy shopping!
 Raven Princess (above) was centered around this feathery mask.  Items used...black old velvet dress cut up (even if it is too small, you can use parts of it), cheescloth (hurry sells out fast), and black netted spider fabric (fabric store), we added a black crow for her to carry too.  This was fun to create!
 Headless...cannot take credit for this one but thought it to be so fabulous and realistic!

 Spider Princess and Ghost.  Again, used black spider fabric, spider hat from dept. 56, black dress, black jewelry.  For the ghost we used lots of cheescloth hanging over a white fabric that I cut up and made a whole in the middle to hang like a poncho.  Cute ghost stockings we found at a store.  I entwined spiders and bats throughout white spider webbing and drapped over costume.  Black and white makeup on face for eerie effect!  Having a missing tooth helps!  Just don't pull one out for the costume!


 The tiger costume, below, was store bought and came in one of those dreaded bags!  This was before I realized I could actually create a costume.  Still adorable though!  Bat girl (right) I made from a black leotard.  I cut purple felt and used fabric glue to adhere it to front and insets for ears.  I used silver fabric glitter to add sparkle and detail.  I also purchased black velvet and cut out bat wings and used the glue to add it across back and arms so when she opened up her arms she had wings!  Also added a black feathered boa around neck line.  Cute spider stockings we found at a store.  Super cute!


Spider Fairy was easy using pieces we picked up here and there.  Mask, wings, and wand we found at iparty store.  Used a swag of purple whispy fabric to make a sash then hot glued glittery spider to front.  Old black dresses that I could distress by cutting ragged edges.  Black stockings and boots we already had too.  Came out great! {Wreath in background I made, another story!}

Pippi Longstocking was a last minute decision.  Floral wire in braids gives the effect that her braids are sticking out on their own.  Freckles made with brown eye pencil across nose and cheeks. Dress and stripped stockings we already had!  
This Japanese Princess costume, I love!  My daughers idea completely!  However, we purchased the umbrella ($5.00) and dress ($15.00) in China Town here in Boston.  Hair up in little pony tails and eyeliner for effect.  Stockings and boots we already had!  Very happy with how it turned out!

Finally, Butterfly Girl.  Wings and mask from iparty store.  Black dress cut in jagged edges and black leggings.  We did use little colorful butterfly's in her bun.  Also sparkly makeup and a pretty clip on glittery butterfly for the dress.  That's it and it was easy!  

I hope I have inspired you NOT to buy a costume in a bag! Hee-Hee!  Have fun!

Happy Weekend!
~jamilyn
{Photo's property of Living It At Home taken via me}

Saturday, September 25, 2010

"Creepy Elegance"....I've Gone Batty!

Are we really here again...already?  Yes, start your planning now!  Just a friendly reminder to get movin'!  Every year {after the wonderful Halloween night has passed} I say, to myself, I am going to do better next year or do more or start earlier!  Fall is my favorite time of year and with it comes all the splendor of decorating for the season.  This bat project was relatively easy and didn't require too much commitment.  Kind of a last minute project I jumped at.  I think it gave me the desired affect I was looking for to decorate my front door (yes, that is my front door and my daughter).  I call it "creepy elegance".  Even though it is only September 24, I feel like I am behind in my planning.  Especially when you are looking for material for your blog!  I am determined to enjoy myself and not stress over how much I decorate this year.  If you would like to try to make these bats, please go here for my instructions.  Come join me and let's get creative!  My favorite thing to do...
"Gone Batty" photo property of Living It At Home

"Gone Batty" photo property of Living It At Home
Since I am in Halloween mode now, I am going to try and do a weekly post on decorating for Halloween or the Fall season.  I am going to see how it goes!  It is such a beautiful time of year here in Massachusetts!  I hope you are enjoying gorgeous weather wherever you may be!  I am looking forward to seeing all the beautiful leaf colors!
If you would like to share your Fall or Halloween projects please link up!  I would love to see them!
Stay tuned for more!
xojamilyn