October evenings are crisp and cool as thoughts of Indian summer fade, but the days are alive with the vibrant colors of autumn. When nature’s fall show is at its best, take the family for a ride to see the leaves or the snow and then come home to some hot apple cider.
Regardless of what this month might bring to mind for adults, to every school-aged child, October is synonymous with Halloween. For three months now, a favorite topic of conversation has been “what to dress up as” for Halloween.
Don’t let all this high anticipation turn into stress for you. Let your hair down (maybe even dye it green) and get into the act. Wear a costume to work or the supermarket, and answer the door for your trick-or-treaters as a witch or Frankenstein. Get together with your neighbors and plan a party for the kids. . .or grown-ups.
As a child my mother would always work with us for two weeks before Halloween helping us make our costumes. One year we took 50-gallon sugar sacks and took off the outside layer and then cut a hole in the top and side for my head and arms. Then she helped me draw a face on the front. I was delighted when I won one of the prizes at the school competition.
I would like to share with you two of my favorite quick costumes that have won prize after prize for my friends who have made them.
Bubble Bath Costume:
Bubbles, bubbles, everywhere!
20 to 30 round white, pink or light blue balloons
20 to 30 safety pins
Pink sweat suit, or tights and leotard
1 barrette
Inflate and knot the balloons. Attach the knotted tips of the balloons with safety pins to the sweat suit or leotard and tights. Attach more balloons to a barrette with safety pins for your hair.
A Bunch of Grapes Costume:
Have a bunch of fun in this costume!
20 to 30 purple round balloons
Purple, brown or green sweat suit, or tights and leotard
20 to 30 safety pins
1 yard green felt
2 to 3 yards green French-wired ribbon
Inflate and knot the ends of the balloons. Attach the tips to the sweat suit or leotard with safety pins. Put more balloons at the shoulder, tapering down to fewer balloons at the thighs to form a V-shaped cluster. Make a hat and leaves out of green felt. Add a twisted wired ribbon to form a curly vine.
If you like these costumes, be sure to check out other holiday ideas at Dian website at www.dianthomas.com. You will find fun, creative and memorable ideas that will keep you family creating new and exciting ideas and adventures for the rest of the year. Have a question for Dian write her at contact@dianthomas.com.
