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Theme Party/ Halloween Costumes- Part One

© Jo Ann Wentzel

We will soon be to the time of year when we are all scrambling for costume ideas. Often, there is little time to put one together. The following costumes can be easy enough for the times your child asks "Mommy, did I tell you we need to dress up for the party tonight."

Today's families have a wealth of ready- made costumes to choose from and some are very good. If your child is interested in being a character from a cartoon or other show, these will prove easiest to use, but when the challenge is of another type. Take a chance, the effort will be rewarding to you both.

With so many new, busy moms already used to purchasing a costume, making one may seem like a waste of time. Be assured you can make costumes and not be a seamstress. I'm living proof of that fact, as my Former Home -EC teacher would attest to if she were around. You can cut, wrap, pin, staple, tie and do some basic stitches if necessary to keep your kids from being embarrassed by a costume that falls apart.

The easiest costumes are often those that tiny children ask for; so start there to learn the basics. Once you have made a few creations, your mind will begin to see costumes everywhere you go.

Witches and Dracula are still favorites of kids at all ages. Using basic clothing items first, search closets, chests, and ragbags for anything black. A witch can wear an adult dress altered to fit, or a long sweatshirt with sleeves cut shorter and fabric gathered for a smaller neckline and at the waist. Hats can be purchased or created from poster board, construction paper, covered with black fabric, or vinyl. You need a large circle with cut out for the head and a cone shape for the top. Depending on material used, you can hot glue it, staple it or sew it together. An old broom with handles wrapped with black or orange streamers could be added. Place a cat cut out or a stuffed one (a real cat might object to their role) on broom or witch's shoulder. She could carry a pot for witch's brew or use that as her candy container for Trick or Treat. Green eye shadow combined with foundation may be a good start for a scary face. Otherwise, every store costume display has make-up for sale. Older kids will get more dramatic with their makeup, adding a few warts, and possibly a crooked nose.

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