Halloween is a time that kids look forward to. They plan for months what kind of costume they will wear. As parents you can help them decide by either taking them to the store to pick out a pre-made costume, or you can work together to make a great homemade costume that will be like no other!
Many people get intimidated when they think of creating a costume - it must be hard right? Not a bit! Costumes can range from extremely simple to very elaborate, so depending on your creative skills you can find something that is in your range of ability.
First of all you need to decide what you want to create. Explore websites and craft books with your children and check out your options. If you live close to a fabric store or a large department store with a craft section, take a look at the pattern books to find something that will work. Most costume patterns are very easy to follow using simple stitches and maybe some glue. Some of the cutest costumes I have made were made of felt. Simple sewing and a hot glue gun helped me make an adorable ladybug and a handsome candy wrapper! Fleece fabrics and felt are great materials for costumes. They are both very easy to work with and durable.
You don't have to have sewing skills to make a homemade costume. Some very creative costumes can be made by using things you have in your home. An old pair of pants paired with a flannel shirt can be the beginning of a fun scarecrow costume. Make bands of raffia 'straw' on elastic wristbands to put around the wrists and ankles. Use some old make up to draw 'stitching' on the child's face and add a straw hat. This scarecrow looks better than any store bought costume!
Older kids love dressing up in retro clothes, so dig into the back of your closet and find clothes from the 80's or 90's. Put your daughter's hair up in a fluffy side pony tail and flip up your son's collar on his pastel polo shirt. They will be a cute preppy pair! An old pair of jeans can become part of a punk rocker and a flowing skirt and some heavy costume jewelry can become a gypsy.
Use your imagination and you will find that you can make very creative and unique costumes. Your kids will have a blast helping you make the most memorable costume they will ever have!