Howcast

How to Make a Classic Movie Homemade Halloween Costume for Women

Howcast — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:09:09 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Man up Man up your homemade Halloween costume for women by going as Annie Hall, Diane Keaton’s character in the Woody Allen movie of the same name. All you need are a pair of trousers, a button-down men’s shirt, a wide men’s tie, a vest, and a derby-style hat.
Step 2: Go lightly Grab a little black dress, a pair of elbow-length black gloves, and a multi-strand of pearls, and you can be Holly Golightly, the enchantress Audrey Hepburn played in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Wear your hair in an updo if it’s long enough, with a tiara.
Step 3: Be a princess Be a princess — Star Wars’s Princess Leia to be exact. All you need to play Carrie Fisher’s iconic character is a long-sleeved white dress or tunic, preferably with a turtleneck, and a wide metallic belt. Then style your hair into Princess Leia’s “cinnamon bun” hairstyle and tote a toy machine gun.
TIP: If you can’t find a turtleneck dress or tunic, wear a white turtleneck under a plain-collared dress.
Step 4: Go crazy Go crazy by spending Halloween as Baby Jane, the former child star who torments her paralyzed sister in the horror classic, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? Put on a frilly little-girl dress; don a gray wig styled in banana curls; and complete the look with garish makeup.
TIP: A fake rat on a covered platter is a perfect prop for Bette Davis’s creepy character.
Step 5: Be a diva Be faded silent screen star Norma Desmond of Sunset Boulevard by wearing a sparkly evening dress — or just a fancy dressing gown — and a turban. To complete this homemade Halloween costume, slap on lots of makeup, including false eyelashes, then swan around saying, “I’m ready for my close-up!”
TIP: Asked which Halloween costume for women would get their attention at a party, men gave “sexy French maid” their top vote.

You Will Need

Closet
Stores

How to Make a Scary Halloween Costume from Classic Horror Movies

Howcast — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:05:37 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Be a doll Be creepy killer doll Chucky: Wear denim overalls, a colorful striped shirt, and red sneakers; get a cheap, medium-length red wig, wash it in dish soap, and let it dry by itself so the texture is straw-like; and draw crude stitches on your face with a dark red eye pencil.
Step 2: Go as Leatherface Go as Leatherface, the madman from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, by wearing a plain apron over jeans, a short-sleeved button-down shirt, and a loosened tie. Then draw jagged stitches on a generic rubber mask with a marker and put on a messy wig. Carry a toy chain saw to complete this scary Halloween costume.
Step 3: Elect yourself Prom Queen Elect yourself prom queen by going as Carrie — the ultimate bully victim turned avenger: Wear a long white dress “covered with fake blood”:http://www.howcast.com/videos/27601-How-To-Make-Fake-Blood, and smear some of it on your arms, chest, face, and hair. Wear a tiara and hold a blood-spattered bouquet of flowers.
TIP: A polyester nightgown or slip is an inexpensive alternative to a prom dress.
Step 4: Be a ringer for Samara Be a ringer for Samara, the evil child ghost from The Ring. To make this scary Halloween costume, rub a plain white dress in dirt to get it stained and dingy. Rip it in parts so it’s also tattered. Brush white powder makeup over your face, then smudge brown eye shadow here and there. Wear your hair — or a long wig — wet, uncombed, and parted in the middle so it hangs in your face.
Step 5: Puzzle everyone Piece together a Jigsaw costume from Saw. Create bulging cheeks and a jutting chin out of mortician’s wax, also known as modeling putty. Then cover your face in white makeup, and add a ring of black around your eyes and two streaks of black down each side of your chin. Finish with exaggerated red lips and red bulls-eye marks on your fake cheeks. Wear a white shirt, black jacket, and red bow tie. Happy Halloween!
FACT: The stabbing sounds in Psycho’s infamous shower scene were made by plunging a knife into a melon.

You Will Need

Your closet
Clothing stores or thrift shops
Makeup
Wig (optional)

How to Come Up with Last-Minute Halloween Costumes

Howcast — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:01:19 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make a pageant sash Cut a pageant sash out of white material and write a “Miss” title for yourself. Wear over a long dress and throw on a crown or tiara if you have one.
Step 2: Be a play on words Think of a play on words that’s easy to construct, like wearing a slip that says “Freud” or tossing on a white sheet and carrying a pen and paper to go as a “ghost writer.”
TIP: Google “puns” or “idioms” for ideas of phrases you can play off of.
Step 3: Be the Walk of Shame Smear mascara under your eyes; muss your hair; wear a short skirt and a top that’s either inside out or buttoned incorrectly; and carry a pair of stiletto shoes to be the “Walk of Shame.”
Step 4: Color me death Be every Mac user’s worst nightmare: the spinning beach ball of death. Wear a single muted color and carry around a rainbow umbrella, spinning it at people with a menacing look on your face.
Step 5: Be an animal hoarder Carry a bunch of stuffed animals — or attach them to your clothes — and go as an animal hoarder
Step 6: Be yourself Don’t wear a costume at all — but pretend you’re wearing one so clever that no one’s been able to figure it out. Spend the whole night making people guess, and shaking your head smugly at their stupidity. Halloween joke’s on them!
FACT: Nearly 2 in 5 U.S. adults who plan to dress up for Halloween have no idea what their costume will be less than a week before the holiday, according to a 2010 poll.

You Will Need

Costume materials
Ingenuity
Optional: Search engine

How to Make a Classic Movie Homemade Halloween Costume for Men

Howcast — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:55:14 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Take a risk Go as Joel Goodsen, Tom Cruise’s character in Risky Business: All you need is a pink button-down shirt, white tube socks — and the nerve to go out in your tighty-whities!
Step 2: Be a rebel Be a Rebel Without a Cause. Become James Dean’s character, Jim Stark, by wearing jeans, a white T-shirt, and a red zippered jacket, worn with the collar turned up.
TIP: If your hair is long enough, style it in a pompadour.
Step 3: Go to Casablanca Transform yourself into suave nightclub owner Rick Blaine, Humphrey Bogart’s character in Casablanca. All you need for this easy homemade Halloween costume for men is a trench coat, a fedora, and a cigarette.
Step 4: Be a terror Assume the role of Malcolm McDowell’s character Alex in A Clockwork Orange by wearing white pants, suspenders, and shirt; combat boots; and a bowler hat. Apply false eyelashes, top and bottom, to 1 eye only, and carry a walking stick — menacingly.
TIP: To complete the creepy look, wear a jockstrap over your pants.
Step 5: Be an adventurer Become Indiana Jones with khaki pants, a rumpled safari shirt with one sleeve ripped off, and a brown felt fedora. Carry a bullwhip in case you get in a tussle with any of the preceding characters. Happy Halloween!
FACT: Nearly 20 percent of Americans make homemade Halloween costumes every year.

You Will Need

Closet
Stores

How to Make a Sexy Schoolgirl Halloween Costume

Howcast — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:41:10 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Get a plaid skirt Get a plaid miniskirt. If you want the real deal, order one from a school uniform supply company and have it shortened.
Step 2: Team with a polo shirt Team your plaid skirt with a polo shirt. To make it a sexy schoolgirl Halloween costume, wear one that’s a few sizes too small so it’s snug and shows off a little stomach.
TIP: A form-fitting blazer with nothing underneath or a white, button-down shirt tied at your midriff are other options.
Step 3: Get Mary Janes Wear the classic schoolgirl shoe style — the Mary Jane — but get a sexy, high-heeled version.
Step 4: Wear white knee-high socks Wear your sexy Mary Janes with white knee-high socks or thigh-high stockings.
Step 5: Have girlish hair Put your hair in pigtails or a high ponytail. If your hair isn’t long enough, try styling with barrettes.
Step 6: Carry a prop Carry a schoolgirl prop, like a backpack, a lunchbox, or an apple for the teacher. Just don’t get sent to the principal’s office!
FACT: Every piece of Britney Spears’s sexy schoolgirl outfit she wore in the music video “…Baby One More Time” was purchased at Kmart.

You Will Need

Plaid miniskirt
Polo shirt
High-heeled Mary Janes
Knee-highs or thigh-highs
Pigtails or a ponytail
Schoolgirl prop
Form-fitting blazer (optional)
White button-down shirt (optional)
Barrettes (optional)

How to Make a Zombie Costume

Howcast — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:16:17 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Rip your clothes Make your costume look like it’s come back from the dead. Tear your clothes in a few different places. Then, liberally spread fake blood on them to show that you’ve already enjoyed a few meals of human flesh.
Step 2: Go for the face “Create a shriveled look for your face”:http://www.howcast.com/videos/405598-How-to-Do-Zombie-Makeup; stuff your cheeks with cotton balls and cover the skin with a few thin layers of liquid latex. Keep your cheeks full while the latex dries. Then, remove the cotton and watch as the dried latex wrinkles to make your skin look dead.
TIP: Shave and moisturize any skin before applying liquid latex to make removal easier.
Step 3: Go for the ghoul Apply at least 2 coats of white, water-based makeup to any exposed skin to give yourself a deathly pall. Then, apply light-blue, water-based makeup to any fleshy areas and dark- blue makeup to any portion of your skin you want to look hollowed out.
Step 4: Get wounded Give yourself some gory wounds. Use liquid latex to create raised and torn looking skin. Then, dab purple, red, and brown acrylic paint to color the outside of the gash and spread fake blood inside the wound to make it look fresh.
TIP: You can also enhance your costume with store-bought zombie prosthetics.
Step 5: Walk the walk Perfect the zombie limp — keep one leg straight while dragging your other foot along the ground — and take to the streets. Moan loudly and speak in a halting monotone about your desire for human flesh; being rudely woken up from eternal slumber would make anyone hungry!
FACT: In 2009, 13,597 people in Mexico City set a world record by simultaneously dancing to Michael Jackson’s zombie-themed hit, “Thriller.”

You Will Need

Clothes and props
Fake blood
Cotton balls
Liquid latex
White
light blue
and dark blue water-based makeup
Purple
red
and brown acrylic paint
Razor (optional)
Moisturizer (optional)
Zombie prosthetics (optional)

How to Do Zombie Makeup

Howcast — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:01:44 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare face Prepare your face for the latex by washing the skin, shaving if necessary, and moisturizing.
Step 2: Apply latex Apply a thin layer of liquid latex all over the face. For realistic looking wrinkles, stuff both your cheeks with cotton balls when applying the latex and keep them in until it’s dry — about 15 minutes.
TIP: Speed up drying by using a blow dryer on a low speed, low heat setting.
Step 3: Add a layer Take a single square of toilet tissue and rip it all around the edges. Put one on each cheek. Rip one in half lengthwise and put it on the forehead. Then apply another layer of liquid latex.
Step 4: Create wounds Create a wound by using a toothpick to score a line in the the latex before it’s completely set. Let dry for a few minutes, and then use a toothpick to open up the gash even more, creating a jagged line and curled up edges.
Step 5: Apply white makeup Apply the white cream makeup all over your face.
TIP: Apply green greasepaint lightly with a stipple sponge over the white makeup for a sickly tinge.
Step 6: Add gore Add gore with brown greasepaint on a stipple sponge around the wounds. Then stipple on a layer or purple and red greasepaint and put fake blood gel inside the gash.
Step 7: Finish Add black greasepaint under the eyes for a sunken look. Use the brown, red, and purple greasepaint to add more bruises, as desired. Finish with some fake blood gel oozing from your hairline where your brains have been eaten away.
FACT: The concept of zombies comes from the voodoo religion. The word in Haitian Creole means “spirit of the dead.”

You Will Need

Liquid latex
Cotton balls
Toilet paper
Toothpick
White cream makeup
Stipple sponge
Red
purple
brown
and black greasepaint
Fake blood gel
Hair dryer (optional)
Green greasepaint (optional)

How to Make a Nightmare on Elm Street Glove

Howcast — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 07:45:55 +0000

Instructions

: Children under 10 should not use a utility knife, sharp scissors, or a saw. Older children should be supervised by an adult.
Step 1: Make the fingers Cut the paper towel roll in half lengthwise, then, cut two 1½-inch wide strips from the resulting pieces. Cut these strips into four pieces that extend from the bottom knuckle to the tip of each of the glove-wearer’s fingers, excluding the thumb.
Step 2: Shape the base Cut away two ½-inch wide by 1-inch long strips from one end of the cardboard, so each cardboard piece looks like a T.
Step 3: Shape the tops Round the top edge of each cardboard finger with the scissors and make a 3/8-inch incision lengthwise down the center. Fold and tape the tabs together so their edges overlap, giving each finger a conical top.
TIP: If your cardboard fingers now look like Popsicles, you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Create the back of the hand Cut a piece of silver cardboard that fits over the back of the work glove, excluding the fingers. Lay the cardboard fingers over the glove so the fingers’ bottom strips overlap the silver cardboard by at least half an inch.
Step 5: Complete the basic hand piece Poke a small hole a half-inch up from the bottom of the cardboard finger that goes through both the finger and the silver cardboard. Attach the fingers to the silver cardboard with brass fasteners to make one big hand-piece.
TIP: Make small incisions at the knuckles of each finger for greater flexibility.
Step 6: Prepare the glove Cut the glove’s fingertips off and wrap aluminum foil over each cardboard finger.
Step 7: Paint the hand-piece and glove Paint the hand-piece and glove using a black base coat and a brown topcoat.
TIP: To give your glove a rustier look, add a small amount of dark red paint.
Step 8: Make the blades With a felt-tipped pen, draw four 12-inch knife blades on the Plexiglas. Use the saw to cut them out. Sand the edges until smooth, and add a coat of silver spray paint.
TIP: Smaller children can use silver-painted cardboard blades as an alternative to Plexiglas.
Step 9: Attach the hand-piece, glove, and blades Attach the hand-piece to the glove using the hot glue gun, and the blades to the hand-piece using the superglue. Then, put on the finished glove, and give your friends the fright of their lives!
FACT: The original Nightmare on Elm Street was Johnny Depp’s big-screen debut.

You Will Need

Paper towel roll
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Duct tape
Silver spray paint
Sheet of silver cardboard
Old work glove
4 brass fasteners
Aluminum foil
Black paint
Brown paint
Felt-tipped pen
4′ x 2′ sheet of Plexiglas
Coping saw
Sandpaper
Hot glue gun
Superglue
Dark red paint (optional)

How to Make a Toga

Howcast — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:31:10 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Buy fabric Buy a cotton-blend fabric three times longer than your height. Pick any color, although most togas are white or cream.
TIP: If you don’t have time to buy fabric, use a bed sheet.
Step 2: Finish edges Finish the material with a quick hem on either side. Turn the edges under ¼-inch, pin, and run on your sewing machine.
TIP: If you don’t feel like finishing the edges, leave the material raw.
Step 3: Put on undergarments Put on undergarments, including a strapless bra or tube top and underwear for women and shorts or underwear for men.
Step 4: Pin material under arm Start with the end of your material under one arm, cross it over your chest, and wrap it around your body. Use four safety pins to secure where the material meets.
Step 5: Wrap remaining material and drape excess over shoulder Continue wrapping material around your lower half. When you get to your back, throw the leftover material over your shoulder so it hangs in front.
Step 6: Wrap a belt, secure Make a nice drape over your chest with the fabric and use two safety pins to secure and wrap the excess material around your waist as a belt. Then pin it in place.
Step 7: Add sash Give your toga a tug to make sure it’s secure. Add a colorful sash over your shoulder or around your waist.
Step 8: Add shoes, jewelry, and headpiece Complete your getup with your favorite sandals and, for women, gold jewelry. Men can make a wreath headpiece out of wire and glued-on leaves.
FACT: In ancient Rome, only men were allowed to wear togas.

You Will Need

A cotton-blend fabric
A sewing machine
Lightweight undergarments
Safety pins
A colored sash
Sandals
Gold jewelry
A wire laurel-leaf head ornament

How to Make a Tutu

Howcast — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:31:23 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Measure the waist Measure the waist of the person receiving the tutu.
Step 2: Cut elastic Cut a piece of elastic 2 inches shorter than the person’s waist measurement.
Step 3: Sew the elastic into a circle Overlap the raw edges of the elastic and sew them together to form a circle.
TIP: You can use a sewing machine to sew the elastic together. Use a zig-zag stitch to allow the elastic to stretch at the seam without breaking the stitches.
Step 4: Determine length and cut tulle Determine how long you would like the tutu to be. Cut the tulle into strips that are double the length.
TIP: The number of tulle strips you will cut depends on the waist size of the person wearing the tutu. A good rule of thumb is one strip for every ½-inch of the waist measurement.
Step 5: Fold the strip in half and loop ends Fold a strip of tulle in half and place the looped end behind the elastic. Then pull the ends in front of the elastic through the loop and pull it tight.
Step 6: Repeat process Keep folding and looping until you have completely covered the elastic with tulle strips. Give the tutu to that special someone and enjoy their happy dance.
FACT: French Impressionist Edgar Degas completed more than 600 works showcasing ballet dancers.

You Will Need

Measuring tape
Non-rolling 3/4″ elastic
Needle and thread
75 yd. of 6″ tulle
Sewing machine (optional)

How to Make a Princess Costume

Howcast — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:46:59 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose a dress Decide on a dress that will be the foundation of your costume. Old bridesmaid’s dresses, flowing party dresses with lots of fabric, and flower-girl frocks each make an excellent starting point.
Step 2: Dress up your dress If the dress is plain, enhance it by sewing lace and ribbons to the waistline, sleeves, or hem. If you don’t sew, use safety pins to hold the trimming in place. Add sparkle by gluing on craft jewels.
Step 3: Add a cape Buy a cape or capelet, and decorate it with jewels if you like. Or, if you sew, make your own cape using a sumptuous fabric like velvet.
Step 4: Crown yourself Buy a crown, or make your own from scratch by shaping craft wire around the costume wearer’s head, and then attaching additional smaller pieces of wire, building a series of triangles around the crown. The tip of each triangle should point upward.
TIP: Make sure you use spray paint in a well-ventilated area.
Step 5: Add a scepter Buy a scepter in a costume store and decorate it, or make your own from scratch by painting a plastic or wooden rod gold or silver. When the rod dries, crumple a few pieces of aluminum foil over one end to create the tip of the scepter. Glue a few jewels onto the foil end.
Step 6: Show it off Put on the dress, don the crown, pick up the scepter – and find your prince!
FACT: Real-life princesses are not necessarily the daughters of kings and queens – they can be the daughters or wives of any royal sovereign, including dukes, czars, or princes.

You Will Need

A party dress
Craft or fabric glue
Rhinestones and craft jewels
A cape or capelet
Craft wire
Scissors
Gold or silver spray paint
A scepter
Lace in matching or contrasting colors (optional)
Ribbons in matching or contrasting colors (optional)
Safety pins (optional)
A piece of velvet fabric (optional)
A sewing machine (optional)
A wooden or plastic rod (optional)
Aluminum foil (optional)

How to Make a Black Cat Costume

Howcast — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:03:14 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw and cut out two triangles Draw two triangles on a piece of cardboard and cut them out. These will be your cat ears.
TIP: Find free cardboard boxes at local convenience or grocery stores.
Step 2: Cut and paste the felt Cut out two pieces of felt of the same size and shape as the cardboard triangles and glue the felt onto the cardboard.
Step 3: Glue ears to a headband Glue your two felt and cardboard ears to a black headband.
TIP: Allow the glue to dry completely before putting the headband on your head.
Step 4: Stuff your stocking Stuff the unused black felt into your long black stocking to create the tail. Pin the tail to the back of your leggings.
Step 5: Put on your costume Put on your black leggings with the tail, turtle neck, headband, and black shoes.
TIP: Find inexpensive turtle necks and black shoes at consignment shops.
Step 6: Draw your whiskers and nose Draw whiskers around your mouth with black eyeliner. Draw and color a small triangle on your nose.
Step 7: Put on your paws Pull a black sock over each hand to create your paws. Now you’re ready to pounce!
FACT: The number of feral cats in the U.S. is estimated to be in the tens of millions.

You Will Need

A six-inch by six-inch square of cardboard
2/3-yard of black felt
Glue
A black headband
A long black stocking
A large safety pin
A black turtleneck
Black leggings
Black shoes
Black eyeliner pencil
Two black socks

How to Make a Werewolf Costume: Part 2

Howcast — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:13:12 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Shape the paws Cut small blocks of foam and trim the foam with scissors to resemble paw pads and stubby joints. Paint the paw pads with with black tool dip. When dry, hot glue the paw pads to the fingers and palms of a pair of baseball batter’s gloves.
Step 2: Attach the claws Cut a slit in the foam on top of each finger and hot glue the claws or acrylic nails into them.
Step 3: Make a pattern Make a pattern out of the fake fur to fit the back of your hand.
TIP: To cut the fake fur, place it fur-side down on a hard surface and use a utility knife.
Step 4: Attach the fur Cut out the fur pattern and hot glue it to the back of the gloves, taking care to butt the fur up against the pads. Use the scissors to style the fur.
Step 5: Make the arms Make the arms. Measure and cut two pieces of fur to fit your arm pieces. Then, sew up the seams.
TIP: Try the suit on with the mask periodically to make sure the proportions are correct.
Step 6: Create the feet Trim four blocks into the shape of large werewolf toes. Fit and glue the blocks to the tip of each shoe. Cut a slit and glue a claw or acrylic nail into each toe. Glue strips of fur to the shoes and toes.
Step 7: Shape the legs Build the legs. Trim two large foam blocks into a half teardrop to form the thighs, and two small blocks of foam to cover the knees. Trim two more large blocks to form calf muscles that angle out from your ankles to the backs of your knees. Glue the foam blocks to the to the front of the thighs and back of the calves of thermal underwear or tights.
TIP: Use an electric knife to cut and shape the foam blocks.
Step 8: Cut the clothes Cut and tear the sleeves of an old button-down shirt and the legs of a pair of pants. Cut the torn pants so they fit over the padded knees.
Step 9: Finish the legs Cut strips of fur to cover your legs from the bottom of the pant legs to just past the ankles. Attach the fur to the leggings with low-heat glue and let it dry.
Step 10: Put it on Assemble the costume. Put on the feet so that the leg fur drapes over the tops of the shoes. Next, put on the arms, then put on the over shirt with the torn sleeves. Have a friend fasten the buttons. Finally, put on the head. And spread some Halloween terror!
FACT: Costumes account for more than a billion dollars of total Halloween sales.

You Will Need

Enough blocks of craft foam to cover your hands
feet
and legs
Scissors
Black tool dip
Hot glue
Baseball batter’s gloves
8 large craft foot claws or acrylic nails
Fake fur
A utility knife
10 medium-size craft finger claws or acrylic nails
A needle and thread
A pair of low-top shoes without shoe laces
Thermal underwear or tights
An old long-sleeve button-down shirt
An old pair of jeans or slacks
A helper
An electric knife (optional)

How to Make a Werewolf Costume: Part 1

Howcast — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:05:22 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make the cast Lubricate your face with a generous amount of petroleum jelly or lotion, and protect your hair with a wig cap. Using gauze that’s been soaked in plaster, make a cast of the top half of your face from just above your hairline to the tip of your nose, being careful to avoid your eyes. Construct the sides of the mask from your temples to your cheeks. Let it dry.
Step 2: Make a cast of your chin Make a plaster cast of your chin and jaw from the bottom of one ear to the other and extending an inch under the chin.
Step 3: Create the headband Hot glue strips of craft foam to the inside of the mask on the head and forehead. Sew the elastic into a band that fixes around your head horizontally. Sew another piece vertically from the center of your forehead, to the back of your head. Hot glue the elastic to the mask making sure not to cover the eyeholes.
Step 4: Frame the snout Frame the snout. Bend a piece of wire into a narrow U-shape, leaving a few extra inches at the ends. Use epoxy glue to fasten the ends of the wire to the outside of the cheeks so the wire snout juts out under the nose of the cast.
Step 5: Sculpt the snout Hot glue a block of foam to the top side of the wire running from the tip of the snout to the plaster mask. Use scissors to trim the foam into a rough snout. Bend a second piece of wire into a U, leaving 7 inches of extra wire at each end. Epoxy it to the outside of the chin cast so that the extra wire continues several inches past the plaster.
Step 6: Create the jaw Glue foam to the underside of the wire attached to the chin cast and trim it into a rough jaw.
Step 7: Attach the jaw Bend the extra wire with pliers, and epoxy the wire pieces from the chin to either side of the face so the jaw attaches to the face-mask and matches up with the snout. Then, sculpt a more refined snout over the foam with paper clay, blending it into the plaster face. Sculpt over the jaw with paper clay and let it dry.
Step 8: Frame and sculpt the ears Create two wire frames for the ears and epoxy them to the top of the head. Wrap plaster gauze around the ear frames to form rough ears. Let the plaster dry, and then sculpt paper clay around the plaster and wire to refine the ears.
Step 9: Apply finishing touches Use the paper clay to sculpt details like nostrils, an angry brow, a lip line, and a tongue.
Step 10: Create teeth Using small chunks of white polymer clay, create teeth and fangs for the upper and lower jaw. Line up teeth and surround each group with a thin strip of red polymer clay to create gums. Bake the polymer clay according to the package directions. Then, glue the teeth into place.
Step 11: Prime and paint Prime or seal the mask inside and out. Paint the face and ears the color of your fur, and the tongue red. Then, finish the teeth and nose with a glossy clear coat.
Step 12: Cut out the fur Cut strips of fake fur to match the contours of the mask.
TIP: To cut the fake fur, place it facedown on a hard surface and use a utility knife.
Step 13: Attach the fur Hot glue the fur into place. It should hang just past the bottom of your neck. Trim so that it’s shorter in the front and blends into longer hair in the back. The head’s complete! Now watch “How to Make A Werewolf Costume: Part 2” to finish the look.
FACT: Halloween generates nearly $6 billion in U.S. sales ever year.

You Will Need

Petroleum jelly or lotion
A wig cap
Gauze suitable for plaster work
Plaster
Hot glue
A small sheet of craft foam
cut into 1-inch strips
A needle and thread
A spool of 1-inch-wide elastic
3 feet of sturdy wire
Epoxy glue
Craft foam blocks
Scissors
Pliers
Paper clay
White and red polymer clay
Primer or sealer
Black
red
and white acrylic paint
Glossy epoxy clear coat
Fake fur
A utility knife

How to Make a Where the Wild Things Are Children’s Halloween Costume

Howcast — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:05:01 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Measure the bodysuit Lay the fleece on the ground and have your child lay down on one side of it, leaving a bit of space between their arms and legs. Draw their outline with marking chalk from their neck to their toes, leaving a 1½-inch border around their shape.
Step 2: Cut and sew the fabric Fold the material over in half, cut out the outline, and pin and sew the two pieces together everywhere except at the wrists, ankles, and neck.
TIP: Use a zigzag stitch anywhere the material may stretch.
Step 3: Make a V-neckline Cut out a semicircle for the neck on one side only. From the middle of the semicircle, cut an 8-inch slit toward the belly button; then sew a 1- by 9-inch strip of fleece onto the left-hand side of the slit to create a flap.
Step 4: Add Velcro strips Sew an 8-inch Velcro strip onto the outside of the fleece flap and a matching strip on the inside of the right side of the slit; this creates a closure for the front of the suit.
Step 5: Make the hood Have the child try on the costume so you can measure for a hood: Measure from their mid-forehead to the costume’s back collar, adding 1 inch. Next, measure around the edge of the collar, adding 1 inch. Finally, measure from one side of the collar to the crown of the head. Cut fleece material using these measurements, try it on your child’s head, and trim as needed. Sew it onto the costume, hemming around the front edge.
Step 6: Make mitts Make the mitts: Trace the child’s hands onto pieces of fleece from 2 inches past the wrist up to the first knuckle, leaving a ½-inch border. Lay the patterns over another piece of fleece, cut, and hem the edges.
TIP: The mitts should look like flaps, so that the child’s hands and fingers are free.
Step 7: Create claws Draw claws on a folded 4-inch-wide strip of yellow fabric. Sew along the guides, leaving an opening between the flaps. Trim the outside, leaving a ¼-inch border. Turn them right-side out and stuff with polyester. Create thumb claws the same way.
Step 8: Attach the claws Attach the claws to the mitts using a hand stitch. Sew elastic across the wrist, thumbs, and first knuckles. Then, sew a piece of elastic across the palm of the claws to keep them in place over your child’s hands. Sew the mitts to the rest of the costume, hemming around the wrists.
Step 9: Create feet Hem the ankles. Drape a piece of fleece over your child’s shoe from toe to ankle and cut out the shape. Then, use this prototype to cut out another foot covering. Cut out a circle to go around the ankle, and hem around the edges. Attach Velcro tabs to close the back of the heels.
Step 10: Make foot claws Make foot claws the same way you made hand claws. Sew a band of elastic to each foot flap so they can be secured under the arch of the foot.
Step 11: Create a tail Create a tail by sewing together the two long edges of a 3-inch strip of fur. Sew the tail onto the costume.
Step 12: Make a crown Measure the circumference of your child’s head with the hood on, and add 1 inch. Using these measurements, draw and cut a crown from the gold foil card stock. Sew or glue three 1-inch Velcro squares to the inside of the crown. Glue the ends of the crown together, using a clip to hold together until dry.
Step 13: Add some fur Cut a 2-inch-wide strip of fur the same length as the crown circumference. Sew the fur to the base of the crown.
Step 14: Add the finishing touches Add three Velcro strips to the hood that correspond to the Velcro strips on the crown. Attach pipe-cleaner whiskers to the edges of the hood. Cover four buttons with fleece fabric, and sew them to the front of the costume.
Step 15: Make the scepter Paint the dowel with silver spray or acrylic paint. Cover the Styrofoam ball with aluminum foil and insert the painted dowel at the base of the ball. Wrap a ½-inch strip of gold foil around the fattest part of the ball; attach it with white glue and secure with pins until dry. Cover the top of the scepter with a jewel. Done!
FACT: The monsters in Where the Wild Things Are were based on the author’s aunts and uncles.

You Will Need

1u00bd yards of 72″ wide white fleece
Marking chalk
Scissors
Straight pins
A sewing needle and a sewing machine
1u00bd-inch white polyester thread
u00bd yard white Velcro
A tape measure
Bright yellow cotton fabric
Polyester stuffing
A foot of u00bc-inch elastic
1/3-yard imitation fur
Gold foil card stock
White glue
Paperclips
Gray pipe cleaners
4 1u00bd-inch coverable buttons
An 18-inch dowel or stick
Silver spray or acrylic paint
A 3-inch Styrofoam ball
Aluminum foil
A fake jewel about 1 inch in size

How to Make a Ghost Costume

Howcast — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:16:47 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut brim off hat Cut off the brim of the hat.
TIP: Wear the hat backwards if you don’t want to cut the brim off.
Step 2: Check out length of costume Drape the sheet over the head of the person who’s going to wear the costume. If it’s dragging on the ground, mark a comfortable length with pen or pencil.
Step 3: Mark center of head and eye position Mark the sheet at the center of the person’s head while the sheet is still draped on them. Then, have them poke their fingers from the inside of the sheet to indicate where their eyes are, and mark where the eyeholes will go.
Step 4: Pin ball cap Remove the sheet and pin the baseball cap to the mark in the middle. Add a few more pins to secure the cap in place.
Step 5: Cut eyeholes Cut eyeholes where the eye positions were marked, and circle the edges with black magic marker.
TIP: Draw on a nose and mouth with the marker, too, if you like.
Step 6: Trim length Trim the edges of the sheet to the desired length and put the costume on by throwing on the sheet and pulling on the hat. Now grab your goodie bag, and head out for a night of trick or treating.
FACT: There were 2,077 costume rental and formal wear establishments across the U.S. in 2006.

You Will Need

A white sheet
A light colored baseball hat
Scissors
A pen or pencil
Four safety pins
A black magic marker
A goodie bag

How to Make a Nun Costume

Howcast — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:32:06 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make the habit Make a habit from a long black dress with long sleeves, or a graduation gown.
TIP: For added authenticity, purchase a pattern for a tunic at a fabric store and sew the tunic yourself.
Step 2: Make a belt Tie a piece of rope around your waist as a belt.
Step 3: Make the ring Take a strip of white poster board, and cut it to fit around your head.
Step 4: Finish the veil Cut the piece of black fabric into a large square so that the veil is the length you desire. Hot glue the fabric to the poster board ring to complete the veil.
Step 5: Accessorize Accessorize the costume by adding a crucifix or rosary beads.
FACT: In 2008, an Italian priest attempted to organize a beauty pageant for nuns, but his superiors quickly suspended the event.

You Will Need

A long black dress or graduation gown
Rope
White poster board
Scissors
Black fabric
A hot glue gun
Glue
A crucifix or rosary beads
Tunic sewing pattern (optional)

How to Make a Pirate Costume

Howcast — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:17:54 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Fold the sides of the hat’s brim so that they create a point in the front and staple the sides of the brim in place.
TIP: Wear a red bandana around your head underneath the hat.
Step 2: Cut the bottom the pant legs off just below the knees. Make the cut as jagged as possible, and pull at the loose threads to create a tattered look.
Step 3: Wear an oversized white shirt with long sleeves and a collar.
Step 4: Add a wide black or brown belt with a large buckle.
Step 5: Don a pair of tall brown or black boots to wear with the costume.
Step 6: Accessorize with costume jewelry, a hoop earring, a stuffed parrot for your shoulder, an eye patch, and a sword to give your pirate costume character.
FACT: In 2008 there were 293 pirate attacks worldwide.

You Will Need

A hat with a wide brim
A stapler
Black or brown drawstring pants
An oversized white shirt
Black or brown boots
Costume jewelry
A hoop earring
A stuffed parrot
An eye patch
A toy sword
A red bandana (optional)

How to Make a Great Witch Costume

Howcast — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:03:14 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Shop for used clothes Comb through thrift shops and used clothing stores for a calf-length black dress, a black cloak or shawl, and black pointy shoes.
TIP: If you don’t want to buy a dress, just take a large piece of black fabric and cut a hole in the top for your head.
Step 2: Tear hemline Cut or tear the dress’ hemline into jagged strips.
Step 3: Visit a costume shop Go to a costume shop for horizontally-striped stockings — green and black or red and black will stand out best — and a witch’s hat. You can also find your face paint here.
TIP: Make your own witch’s hat with some black poster paper.
Step 4: Apply face paint Apply an even layer of white face paint or make up, then add brown and green smudges. Now smear black face paint or mascara around your eyes.Complete the look with black lipstick.
Step 5: Add warts Add a couple of warts by painting peppercorns green or black and applying to your face with non-toxic glue.
Step 6: Turn your teeth gray Chew some black licorice or black jelly beans until your teeth turn gray.
Step 7: Make a broomstick Tie a bunch of real twigs to a broomstick and you’re off! If you’ve got a black cat, take him along for the night.
FACT: The word “witch” comes from the Saxon word “wicca,” meaning “wise one,” because witches were believed to have the ability to foresee the future.

You Will Need

A long black dress
Black cloak or shawl
Pointy black shoes
Striped stockings
A witch’s hat
Face paint or makeup
Black lipstick
Peppercorns
Green or black washable paint
Glue
Broomstick
Black poster paper
Black cat

How to Make a Transformers Costume

Howcast — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:05:09 +0000

Instructions

: Children under 10 should not use a utility knife or sharp scissors, and an adult should help older children.
Step 1: Prepare the torso box Find a tall, rectangular moving box that will fit over your upper body. It should be long enough to reach to your waist and wide enough to go from armpit to armpit. Cut off the open flaps; then, cut circular holes on each side for your arms and a hole on top for head. The armholes should fit snugly around your arms.
TIP: Ask your local grocery store, bike shop, appliance store, or furniture shop for boxes. They’re often willing to give them away.
Step 2: Make the arms You’ll need two small boxes for each arm: one for the shoulder and bicep, and one for the forearm (use just one box on a small child). Shoe or tissue boxes work well. Cut holes in the tops and bottoms so your arms can fit through. Again, make sure the armholes are snug.
Step 3: Make the leg boxes For the legs, choose two long and narrow boxes – one for each leg. They should cover the distance from your knees to your ankles. Make holes on opposite ends that are just big enough to fit your feet through when you pull them on. The cardboard should sit firmly against your calves and ankles.
Step 4: Construct the headpiece Find a box that is just large enough to fit around your head. Remove the bottom of the box and try it on. The headpiece should almost reach the torso box resting on your shoulders. Take it off and cut out holes for the eyes.
TIP: Paint two ping-pong paddles in a solid color and glue them upside down on each side of the head box. They make great antennae.
Step 5: Decorate your costume Spray paint the cardboard boxes in colors that correspond to your favorite Transformer. Use the tempera paint and duct tape to add patterns and decorations, and glue the plastic wheels from a toy truck to the outside of your leg boxes.
Step 6: Dress in your bot’s colors Put on a turtleneck, sweatpants, and gloves that match your character’s colors.
Step 7: Put on the costume Put on the costume, starting with the leg pieces while you can still bend down. Then, put on some dark or black shoes. Have a friend lower the torso box onto your upper body, and place the arm boxes over your arms, affixing them firmly into the armholes. Finish by putting the headpiece in place. Now all that’s left to do is transform and roll out!
FACT: In 2009, engineers completed the first test flight of the Transition Roadable Aircraft, a two-person plane that can transform into a car in less than 30 seconds.

You Will Need

Cardboard boxes of varying sizes
A utility knife or sharp scissors
Spray paint and tempera paint
Duct tape
Tires from toy trucks
A hot glue gun
Super glue
A turtleneck
sweatpants
and gloves that match your Transformer’s colors
Dark or black shoes
A friend
Two ping-pong paddles

How to Make Bunny Ears

Howcast — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:07:12 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make the headband Measure the head of the prospective bunny-ear wearer, and then cut a piece of poster board long enough and wide enough for a band that wraps around the head. You may have to glue strips of poster board to each other to make a long enough band. Glue the ends to each other to make a circle.
TIP: You can use a plastic headband in place of a homemade one.
Step 2: Draw the ears Sketch two bunny ears of whatever size you like on the gray felt and cut them out. They should be at least 7 inches tall. Then cut two identical thinner and shorter ears out of pink felt.
TIP: Not an artist? Type ‘bunny ears template’ into a search engine and you’ll find outlines you can trace.
Step 3: Attach the pipe cleaner Using the glue gun, attach the pipe cleaners to the headband where you’d like the ears to be, or wrap them securely a few times around the headband so the cleaners are standing straight up.
Step 4: Glue an ear to the pipe cleaner Glue a gray piece to the back of a pipe cleaner with the glue gun. Once it has dried, glue a pink piece on top of the gray piece and the pipe cleaner, making sure the pink and gray pieces meet at the base of the ear.
Step 5: Do the other ear Repeat for the other ear. Cut the ends of the pipe cleaners so they’re hidden inside the felt.
Step 6: Get hopping Put on the ears, bend them using the pipe cleaner if you’d like, and get hopping!
FACT: Rabbits regulate their body temperature through their ears, which release heat when they get too hot.

You Will Need

Measuring tape
Scissors
White poster board
Glue
Pen or pencil
Pink and gray felt
Two white pipe cleaners
A glue gun and glue sticks
A plastic headband

How to Make a No-Sew Superhero Cape

Howcast — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:06:48 +0000

Instructions

: Irons and scissors can be dangerous. Never let your child apply iron-on adhesive or cut fabric unsupervised.
Step 1: Measure your child First, measure the width of your child’s neck. Then, measure his back from shoulder to shoulder, as well as the distance from the back of his neck to the floor.
Step 2: Create the pattern Tape several pieces of newspaper together. Using your marker, a ruler, & your measurements, outline the cape pattern onto the paper. It’ll look like an inverted small trapezoid—the collar—on top of a larger trapezoid—the cape. Check that the top of the larger trapezoid reaches across your child’s shoulders, and that the collar goes around the neck.
Step 3: Cut out the cape Pin the two pieces of felt together, and pin the cape pattern to it. Carefully cut out the felt around the edge of the pattern.
TIP: Use glitter felt for an eye-catching look.
Step 4: Fuse the felt Read the manufacturer’s instructions, and use iron-on adhesive to fuse the two pieces of felt together.
TIP: If you don’t have an iron, use machine-washable fabric glue.
Step 5: Iron the edging Cut enough edging to go around the perimeter of the cape. Use iron-on adhesive to attach it to the felt.
Step 6: Add the tie Cut two slits where the cape meets the collar, and lace the ribbon through them to make a cape-tie.
TIP: For a more secure cape-tie, attach Velcro to the ribbon.
Step 7: Decorate Decorate the cape with beads, buttons, sequins, ribbon, or pieces you cut from leftover felt. Attach them with fabric glue, and let them dry.
TIP: Use machine-washable iron-on letters to spell out a superhero name on the back of the cape.
Step 8: Save earth Tie the cape on your favorite superhero, and watch as he fights crime and saves the world!
FACT: An Ohio company created the Storm Defender, a superhero cape for dogs that supposedly lessens their fear of thunderstorms.

You Will Need

A ruler
A tape measure
Fabric pins
Several sheets of newspaper
Tape
Fabric scissors
A marker
1 yard of machine-washable felt in a bright color
1 yard of washable felt in a contrasting color
Washable iron-on adhesive
An iron
An ironing board
Metallic iron-on edging
1 yard of washable ribbon
Washable fabric glue
Embellishments including sequins
buttons and washable ribbons
Velcro (optional)
Machine-washable iron-on letters (optional)

How to Come Up with the Best Halloween Costume

Howcast — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:01:34 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Try a play on words Try a play on words. While puns are usually the territory of the damned, a clever turn of phrase can inspire a witty, unique costume.
Step 2: Pull from current events Pull from current events. Use celebrity gossip, politics, movies, local news items, or other cultural happenings as your inspiration.
TIP: Make costumes that personify nonhuman events like weather systems, newsworthy animals, and economic trends.
Step 3: Go as a group A group costume can save you and your friends from the pressure of coming up with your own costumes. Pick a fun, offbeat theme, and revel in the camaraderie.
Step 4: Embody an abstract concept Pick an abstract concept or emotion, and dress accordingly. Since no one knows what “happy” or “physics” actually looks like, there’s no right answer.
Step 5: Make it a challenge Turn costume creation into a challenge! Set a time or dollar limit. Only use items you find in your basement. Dare yourself to shop in a single store, and make it one that doesn’t sell costumes.
Step 6: Incorporate a puppet Whether you create an elaborate costume around a puppet, or the puppet simply stands on its own, it’s always fun to have everyone say hello to your little friend.
Step 7: Keep it simple Want to be a golfer? Throw on a newsboy cap, and hold a putter. Sometimes simplicity is king.
FACT: In 2007, over five-and-a-half million adults dressed up as a witch for Halloween, making it that year’s most popular adult costume.

You Will Need

Creativity
An awareness of current events
A group of friends
A puppet

How to Make Fake Blood

Howcast — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:30:40 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pour corn syrup in bowl Pour 16 ounces of light corn syrup into a bowl.
Step 2: Add red food coloring Add one tablespoon of red food coloring.
Step 3: Mix thoroughly Mix thoroughly.
TIP: You can substitute clear cough syrup for the corn syrup.
Step 4: Mix in blue & yellow food coloring To darken the blood, mix in one drop of blue and yellow food coloring.
TIP: Need some guts to take the gore level over the top? Mix in some chicken livers.
Step 5: Smear on hands Smear it on your hands, and let the bloodbath begin—you’re deranged, you’re a zombie, you’re a psycho killer on the loose and if you’re not careful, you’re going to stain something with that red dye.
FACT: “Hemophobia” is the abnormal fear of blood.

You Will Need

20.0 oz A bottle of light corn syrup
Red
blue
and yellow food coloring
20.0 oz Cough syrup (optional)
Chicken livers (optional)