Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could create your own costumes with little time or money invested? Well you can. In fact, there are numerous costume ideas that can be created yourself for next to nothing.

One of the best ways to spark some imagination for creating Halloween costumes is to keep a box filled with miscellaneous items. For instance, load it up with old clothing, sheets or curtains, pantyhose, fashion accessories, artificial flowers, pipe cleaners and other craft supplies, aluminum foil, yarn, etc. Nearly anything can be used. Instead of traditional Halloween bags for candy, use other items that relate to your costume instead. For example, you can use things like old pocketbooks, pillowcases, garbage bags, baskets, doctor’s bags, small backpacks, or even diaper bags. These, too, can all be stored in your ‘imagination’ box.

Ever since my kids were old enough to trick-or-treat, I have made their costumes. I scour our box of goodies to find whatever I might already have on hand and make a list of the items I will need, which can usually be purchased at the thrift shop or dollar store. I prefer to use make-up or face paint as opposed to masks, and you can easily make your own out of food coloring and corn starch. This is not only safer than using masks, but it’s also cheaper, easier to apply, and comes off just as easily with mild soap and water. A simple cream can be made with one part corn starch and two parts food coloring to create the desired shade for your costume. Apply to the face with your fingers just like foundation. And with a few drops of red food coloring and a little corn syrup, you have some homemade blood for those ghoulish costumes.