Halloween Costumes in a Flash
Cardboard costumes
by Elizabeth HolthausDid you wait 'til the last minute to costume the kids? No need to worry -- we've got some quick-fix ideas right here.
All you need to make these costumes is a cardboard box, some household items, and a few art supplies.
Robot: Use a small box for the head, with a large space cut out for the face; use a larger box for the body with holes cut out for the head and arms. Other materials: Paint, sparkly stick-ons, aluminum pans with stickers for the control panel.
Television: All you need is a box over the head with the screen area cut out. Works well for the future stand-up comic or the child who knows lots of movies by heart.
Planes, trains, and automobiles: Remove the top and bottom flaps of a box, then place the box around your child's middle and attach with over-the-shoulder ties. Then, with paint, paper plates, tin cans, some additional cardboard, and imagination, your child could be the following:
A race car: Paint racing stripes; add cans, cups, or stickers for front and rear lights. Don't forget the sponsor's names on the side and the personalized license plates (ISCAREU).
A firefighter in a fire engine: Paint the box bright red with ladders on the sides. Use aluminum pie plates for reflectors. A plastic firefighter's hat is a good addition. Your child will be more than happy to come up with the siren sound!
