Have skeletons in your closet?
If so, you may want to turn them into Halloween costumes.
If you want to get into the spirit of Halloween but can?t spend an extensive amount of time or money, get creative. There are many household and inexpensive craft items that can be used to create original costumes.
A pillowcase, dyed brown, cinched around the waist and fringed at the bottom can make for a great American Indian. Craft beads, feathers and a little creativity can make this costume look detailed and authentic, yet takes almost no effort to create.
Blow up a ton of purple or green balloons, pin them (carefully!) to a sweatsuit and you have a unique and easily recognizable costume ? a bunch of grapes.
Dan Maher, the merchandise manager at Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts in Catonsville, said that making homemade costumes is very common.
“A lot of people want to do something quick, they don?t have much experience sewing and want to adapt something,” he said. “People can even take fabric glue, iron-on tapes and bond things to fabric without having to sew a single stitch.”
The local Goodwill is good for last-minute costumes. Rick Smith, the sales director for Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, said that employees often help put costumes together.
“If you wanted to be Dracula, you could probably pick up a tuxedo for anywhere from $18 and up,” he said. “One of our employees even put together a Scarlet O?Hara costume when we received a hoop skirt.”
Scrubs at Goodwill go for about $3. Don a pair of white scrubs and make horizontal stripes with electrical tape. Write a series of numbers above the right breast pocket. Add a pair of fake handcuffs, and you?ve turned yourself into one of America?s most wanted.
Combine trends from the present to create a look from the past. Since stretch leggings, legwarmers and big hair have made a comeback, you probably have already the pieces to combine to make a great ?80s costume. Or go ?60s or ?70s with bell bottoms, a peasantblouse and poncho.
If you aren?t the creative type, buy a few accessories and pair them with regular clothing. A plastic pitchfork, red horns and a red dress or shirt can turn anyone into a sneaky red devil.
