Making Masks for Halloween

The perfect and scariest Halloween costume would not be enough without the mask. Since the face is first thing that people gaze on to when he or she meets somebody, a Halloween mask worn during a party would definitely determine how scary can you get.

Today, there are so many Halloween masks being sold in various bookshops and specialty stores out there. You can choose from your favorite characters from horror, thriller, or sci-fi movies. You can even find masks which as truly Halloween inspired such as ghosts, ghouls, and monsters.

In most specialty stores, the most popular Halloween masks include gaping wraith mask, glow in dark hockey mask, meateater mask, Batman the dark knight Joker mask, deep sea mask, devil's rejects Captain Spaulding mask, whispers hooded mask, Harry Potter dementor mask, elegant devil mask, leatherface deluxe mask, Batman the dark knight grumpy clown mask, that's not funny clown mask, got your goat mask, red skull mask beanie, white skull mask beanie, skull mask blue beanie and so much more. If you are into departed celebrities, you can even find some which are created in their memory.

But, if you are the type who gives so much emphasis on creativity, uniqueness, and resourcefulness, then you should try making your own mask. The following are just some of your options in making your very own Halloween mask:

1. Improvised latex Halloween masks. Many people would agree that latex or hard plastic masks could be quite uncomfortable once worn. And why not? These are made from synthetic plastic materials and can even be harmful when not used properly. So if are not into wearing latex masks sold in specialty shops, you can create your very own latex inspired mask.

Here, you'll be needing poster board or light weight cardboard, elastic or tongue depressor, and various embellishments to make the mask stand out. The instructions are quite simple, you need to cut the board with the shape of your face, cut it out, punch holes in each side of the mask and decorate it using various embellishments such as poster paints, feathers, glitter, and everything you wish to put in. The  good thing about this is you can make your mask as scary and as ghoulish as you want it to be.

2. Simple paper and cloth masks. This is quite popular and easy to do because all you will be needing is a used cloth which can come from a used pillowcase or shirts, permanent markers, a pair of scissors, and lots of duck tape. Doing a paper and face mask is easy because all you have to do is lay the cloth flat and cut a hole in the center of the cloth. Afterwards, you need to take a piece of paper and draw the mask that you like. Then, turn the cloth inside out and lay the mask face down.

Using the duct tape, tape the sides of the mask down to the cloth and cut the eye holes. Let the duct tape grip the cloth and paper well then you can now decorate your Halloween mask using markers and other crafts and embellishments that you want to include.

3. Your very own printed mask. If you are not the type who is into work stuff such as cutting, pasting, and drawing, you can still make your very own Halloween mask through the use of computer. Today, there are so many sites, which offer Halloween mask patterns, which are ready for printing.

You can choose from a wide array of styles and characters depending on what or who would you want to portray. If you are knowledgeable on various computer programs and software such as Photoshop, you can design your very own mask and print it out.

Making Your Own Halloween Costume

You don’t need to buy a costume for Halloween when you can make one yourself. What is even better is the fact that you don’t have to be a tailor or seamstress to sew it together. You just have to be creative and use whatever you have in your closet or get a few of these items from the thrift shop.

Using your imagination and putting different items together is much better than tossing a sheet over your head and saying you’re a ghost.  Since Halloween doesn’t always have to be scary, think of other characters you can play like perhaps a clown, tin man, a pirate or a gorilla.

For a clown outfit, you should start by looking for a  colorful pair of sweats pants. If you don’t have any, see if there is some other baggy clothing lying around. Since clowns have big buttons on their coveralls, use colorful mesh dish scrubbers which can be found in your kitchen or the grocery.

For your hair, get a wig because it will take more than a day to get off the color on your hair. Get some white makeup for your face and then find a pair of goofy shoes to complete the outfit.

We all know tin man from the wizard of Oz. To dress up just like him, you will see cardboard which will be most of your costume. To make yourself look like him, you can spray the cardboard with silver spray paint or attach aluminum foil all around it.

For your hat, see if there is an old funnel in the garage. You will need black shoes for your feet and silver eye shadow for your face. Another option will be to make your own make up using silver face makeup with cold cream and food coloring. Don’t forget to put black eyeliner to draw lines from the corners of your mouth to your chin.

Making a pirate costume is probably the simplest of them all. For this you will need a pair of black or brown hospital scrubs. You then cut the top portion as well as the sleeves to create a vest. To make it look good, sketch and skill and crossbones onto white felt then paste this on the back of vest.

Now put on a white shirt and just wear a pair of jeans. Since not all pirates have wear a hat, you can wear a bandana instead just like some of the characters in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Lastly, to be a gorilla, you will need a lot of black fur and then sew this up to your top and bottom. Since the mask is hard to make, it is best to just get the costume from the store.

Once you have finished planning what you are going to wear, it is time now to look at what accessories there are available. If there are none, then you have to buy it at a thrift shop or consignment store.

Making your costume for Halloween will surely save you a lot of money since most costumes cost more than $20 a set. The best pat is that you don’t have to feel guilty when you decide to throw it away since you can probably make a new one the following year.

Origin of Halloween Costumes

Remember when were kids that we had a great time donning those Halloween costumes we made or our parents have bought or rented for us? We gang up with the rest of the neighborhood kids and go around screaming “trick-or-treat!” like there’s no tomorrow, leaving our voices hoarse the next day. Well, we basically have experienced it, we let our kids practice it, but do we really know the origin of putting on Halloween costumes in the first place. Some of us may already know but for the benefit of those who don’t, here’s the story.

The origin of the celebration can be traced back to ancient Celtics. The have this feast called Samhain which is a festival held during the end of the harvest season and which is also the Celtic New Year.

According to Celts beliefs, during this time of the year, the spirits of the dead will go up to the surface world and try to posses living bodies for the year to come. To prevent there bodies from being possessed, Celts would light bonfires and dress up in all sorts of morbid costumes just to discourage the spirits of the dead from entering their bodies.

However, the practice of placing costumes in America can be traced to only as recent as the 1900s. It was only in the 1930s that Halloween costumes began to be mass produced. The usual costumes that people rent or make are those of different monsters including but not limited to vampires, ghosts, ghouls, demons, witches, and skeletons.

Even if it is the night that evil is supposed to surface, “good” costumes are also a common choice among children and adults alike. In fact, princess, fairy and angel costumes often times make it to the top ten list of top Halloween costumes.

Also popular are pop culture costumes which mimicked famous personalities, fictional characters, celebrities, and even politicians have an equal share in exposures during Halloween. Women, no thanks to commercial advertising, have also found this a good time to wear sexy outfits to show off their bodies and sexual prowess. But that is another story.

Other costumes that seem to have a following are clowns, nurses, cats, and that lowly Halloween symbol, the pumpkin. Superhero characters are also fast becoming popular costumes no thanks to the comics to movie fever that have hit the silver screen in recent years. The demand for new and modern costumes have put costume makers busy and costume rentals fully booked.

The fact that costumes for Halloween celebration have become so varied that the modern tradition have overshadowed the earlier tradition which makes wearing costumes during Halloween different from other dressing up feasts there is. And that is the concept of dressing up during Halloween is to mimic the supernatural, the ghoulish being, or basically the scary stuff.

Nevertheless, who are we to keep traditions from adapting to the modern times? Things will always evolve, that’s just how things naturally work. We can’t simply insist on wearing only scary stuff during Halloween. Creativity will play a role in this aspect and people will always crave for new things.

So not withstanding the darker origins of wearing Halloween costumes, we and our children and their children will continue to celebrate this day for as long as there are candies to share and creativity to spare.

Sewing Halloween Costumes for Kids

Wearing a Halloween costume is one of the most precious memories any child could ever have. This is because she or he will be able to attend a Halloween party, join other kids in trick or treats, and boast to other kids that his or her parents sew a Halloween especially for this occasion.

Sewing basics for Halloween costumes

Many sewers spent so much time on their craft. Because of the amount of time they have spent on this activity, they were able to discover on their own the secrets, tips and techniques behind any successful needlework. But since you cannot spend the rest of your life just to learn sewing, it is best to enroll in a simple sewing class that can teach you the basics of sewing, the tools you will be needing, and just about everything you want and need to know about the craft. Or since you will just be sewing a simple Halloween costume for your child, you can just do some research on how to go about in sewing.

For beginners, one of the most important things to consider is the type of sewing that he or she wishes to do. Usually, sewing is done using the hand alone because this gives personal touch and displays the sewer's talent in sewing. But, since the sewing machine is now available to make the work easier, faster, accurate, and convenient, more and more people prefer using it. For hand or machine sewing, you need tools such as different types of needles and threads.

Once you have decided whether you will be sewing by hand or by machine, the next step is to determine what type of costume you will be sewing for your child.  For boys, the most common Halloween costumes are the "Old West Sheriff" which is macho, easy, and comfortable; the "Captain Jack Sparrow" which is the perfect pirate costume for little boys because of the comfort it brings; "Zorro" which can come in many variations depending on the size, age, and height of the boy;  the "Harry Potter" costume which come with cool reading glass, cape and etc which are popularized by the Harry Potter movies; and the "Batman Begins Scarecrow" which is the safest yet scariest costume for little lads.

For little girls, the most popular Halloween costumes would be the "Grecian Princess" which make the little girls look like pretty Grecian goddesses; the "Pretty Princess Witch" which involves a friendly yet colorful witch Halloween outfit; the "Pirate Lass" which can be a little edgy but comfortable and cool to look at; the "Woodland Fairy" which is a safe yet amazing fantasy costume; and the "Can Can Dancer" which is fun and pretty to look at once worn by little girls.

For deciding what will you be sewing and the costume design, you can now proceed to looking for fabrics that will fit it. Since it will be clothing for kids, the most common fabrics used are made of cotton because this is hypoallergenic, strong, and easy to work on compared to other types of fabrics. But, you may also opt for other synthetic fabric types for curtains and mates such as wool, silk, satin, and others depending on the type of clothes or items you will be sewing.

The next step in sewing Halloween costumes for kids would be choosing patterns for your sewing project. Sewing patterns usually are composed of simple sheets papers that are marked with specific measurements to achieve the proper size and fit for the one who will be using it. After getting everything mentioned, you can now start sewing the Halloween costume for your beloved little one.

Halloween Adult Style

Who says wearing costumes during Halloween are just for kids. Modern celebration of Halloween includes Halloween parties that cater to the adult group. These parties are wild to say the least and definitely are not for children. The commercial market has jumped on this bandwagon (or was it they that created it?) and came up with Halloween costume for adults which is being patronized during this time of the year.

If we traced back the origin of Halloween, we will see that it has its roots on the practice of ancient Celtic culture of villagers donning masks and wearing macabre costumes during the 31st of October to scare the spirits of the dead which they believe are searching for people so posses.

Then when we became more civilized, wearing masks became a practice in masquerade balls held in the kings’ and queens’ courts. Hiding their appearances with often intricate, feather masks seem to be a noble tradition back then.

Then we move towards the modern times. Determining when exactly the practice of adults wearing Halloween costumes began may not be possible at this point but it has become an accepted practice and in fact has become a tradition in itself.

With regards to adult costumes, the level needs to be increased a little from children costumes. Imagine yourself with a white bed sheet draped over you head. Although, that can be quite funny among your group of friends but in parties that may not be such a great idea. Unless of course, you want to remain hidden and unnoticed during parties. But the point of the party is to socialize so if you’re going like a big ghost then better not go at all.

Be creative. If you’re going to make your own costumes there are a number of websites on the internet that gives suggestions and even guide you in how to make your own. If you can afford it, which you should since I assume you’re employed and making some money, you can rent a good costume. Buying one can be truly unnecessary unless you intend to use it the years to come.

A sexy Halloween costume is another story. There are a number of shops that sell these. Online stores also have these on their catalogues. You an actually see a whole catalogue dedicated for this kind of fashion wear.

Whether we like it or not, for some adults, Halloween costumes have become more of a fashion statement rather than a celebration of the event. I can’t say I agree with their philosophy but its best to let them be as long as they don’t bother me, I’m okay with it.

Adult Halloween parties often involve dancing, drinking and socializing. With this in mind, you might want to consider a costume that will not hinder your movements. A robot costume can be a sight to see but if you’re going to wear one, be prepared to ask someone to pour you a drink or even put the drink in your mouth.

Modern Halloween has become a fun event for kids and adults alike. Wearing costumes is now an accepted practice among adults and Halloween parties catering to the above 18 age group have become quite popular. Halloween costumes, adult-style is already an accepted norm and in a way have become tradition in itself.  Today, adults have something to look forward to during Halloween and I mean not trick-or-treating.

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How To Make Fake Blood

Come on, what's a great Halloween outfit without some great fake blood? We've all seen endless horror films filled with blood spraying in all directions, but when you're not on a picture shoot, how can you make great looking, cheap fake blood for your own use at Halloween parties? Here are some strategies on making practical looking fake blood that's safe for use by all ages. Just be warned- fake blood can stain!

The fake blood recipe here is excellent for using as a part of a Halloween costume or make-up effect, but due to its viscous and sloppy nature, great care must be brought to ensure that everything in the house doesn't get covered in fake blood! Before you make any fake blood, first you have to set up a well-covered work space on a level surface. Lay down some old newspaper or similar covering to make sure you catch any splashes while making your gore.

The most simple method of going about making fake blood for Halloween outfits is by combining corn syrup along with red food colouring. When gently mixed together, putting in more of the colouring as you go along, this makes for a particularly believable fake blood without a great amount of fuss. Add in a bit of black food colouring, or even blue, to add an extra hue of fact to the batch of fake blood you are creating.

A somewhat more sophisticated version of this particular fake blood recipe is to put in a thickener, eg a quantity of flour or a similar safe substance. Keep stirring until the required consistency is achieved. Beware, this may cause some blobs to be made, but these lumps are simply taken out.

A higher level of fake blood and gore can be achieved by including wadded up kitchen paper towels or toilet roll to the mix. Simply add a couple, and while you mix the softened paper matter into your fake blood mixture, it will then make all manner of gory looking globs and lengths of nastiness that are sure to look wonderful as part of your Halloween outfit. Just remember when making your fake blood- keep safe and clean, and ensure that you take relevant steps to keep your home clean and tidy while you make your fake blood and gore for the ultimate in Halloween horror!

Great Halloween Costumes For Couples

Are you heading to a Halloween party this year with your significant other? haven't decided on your costumes yet? Fear not. Have you considered going along in costumes that complement each other? Great Halloween costumes for couples are available at all good Halloween retailers, and if you can;t find the ones you;re after, you could always make your own!

The first idea for great Halloween costumes for couples would be, naturally, vampires. A couple would make a superb impact on arriving at a Halloween party both dressed as sexy vampires. I'm not talking about Buffy and Twilight style vampires- I'm talking about full on Dracula style vamps of the old-school variety. These iconic creatures of the night are perfect Halloween characters to dress up as. There are great male and female vampire costumes available, including the outfit, fangs and makeup, or you can use dark, sexy clothes and add an easily made cape. The fangs and pale, deathly makeup are an essential though.

Another idea for great Halloween costumes for couples would be looking to favourite spooky movies for inspiration. Think about it. There are some iconic pairings in horror films and thrillers that would make superb Halloween costumes. How about Herman and Lily Munster? The Addams family? Jack and Sally from A Nightmare Before Christmas? Victor and the Corpse Bride from Tim Burton's other masterpiece, Corpse Bride?

One of you could go as Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th movies or Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street or even Micheal Myers from the Halloween series. Then, your partner could go as a victim of those characters, with tell-tale 'wounds' applied and torn clothing, all of which can be achieved cheaply with second hand clothes and stage blood along with a little makeup latex.

The important thing to think about when considering great Halloween costumes for couples is that the two of you should have as much fun as possible. remember, you could also go in other themed outfits such as Navy uniforms, Military uniforms and any number of other ideas. Have a blast!

Funny Halloween Costume Ideas – Halloween Skeleton

How to Make a funny Halloween Costume Skeleton

There are just so many scary things at Halloween, but possibly none as scary as the Halloween skeleton costumes. It seems that many people, both young and old, are attracted to the skeleton. Just the thought of bones is what scares most people. Therefore, at Halloween time traditionally there are a great number of people in costumes seen running around town that have at least part of a skeleton attached to it.

It is quite easy to make your own skeleton costume. Most people buy costumes year after year, but with the rising costs these days, it is cheaper to take a few minutes of time and make your own. It only takes a few supplies and some imagination to fashion your very own designer Halloween skeleton costume. Doing it this way is also more fun than just buying it from a store.

Just take any dark shirt you may have laying around and use that as your starting point. This can be a t- shirt or a sweatshirt. Whatever plain black shirt you have will work. If you don’t have a black one, navy blue works just as well. You can make a full skeleton costume by adding a pair of black pants, such as sweat pants. Pieces of cardboard and white chalk, or fabric chalk, are other supplies you will need.

Once you have your supplies assembled, you can get started making your Halloween skeleton costume. Cut the cardboard to fit inside the arms of the shirt, if you have chosen a long sleeved one. Another piece of cardboard should be cut to fit inside the chest of the shirt. Once the cardboard is inside the shirt, lay it on a flat surface. Use your white chalk or fabric chalk to draw bones on the shirt. If you happen to be doing this for a child, let this be a learning experience by explaining what bones go where as you are drawing them. Even if you aren’t an artist, this will still be fun.

The bones you will want to be sure are there include the neck bones, back bones, ribs, and possibly the hip bones. You can add gloves to the costume if you want, and draw in finger bones. The design for your Halloween skeleton is limited only by your imagination.

Not only is this costume rather spooky, but it can be made on the spur of the moment. It is one that can be worn for Trick or Treating, or to an adult party. So, it is quite versatile. To top off the costume, you have the option of either painting your face white, or wearing a simple white mask.

Be creative with some finishing touches to make the Halloween skeleton costume your own. Above all have fun creating and wearing your very own funny Halloween costume.

How to Make Halloween Wigs

Making Halloween Wigs

It is just so easy to make your own Halloween wigs. All you will need are some quite simple items and your imagination to make any style of wig your want. Of course, you will want to theme it with the Halloween costume you are wearing, and the effect you want to achieve. But you can only be limited by your own ideas and creativity.

The basics for making your own wig are actually quite simple. You will need a baseball cap, knitted hat, pantyhose, or any other sort of hat that will cover your own hair.  Add to this some yarn in any color you choose for your particular wig, fabric glue, scissors, a small cup, and a beach ball or basket ball. You may also require a needle and thread for some of the wigs, if you need to sew the yarn to a knitted cap.

Once you have assembled your supplies, you can begin making your Halloween wigs. Take the cup and glue it to the base of the ball. Use this as a stand for your cap. You now have your head ready to work with. Place your cap on the ball and get ready for a lot of fun.

Cut the yarn into the lengths you want your wig hair to be. You can make short hair, or very long hair. The choice is totally up to you. Next, make a thin line of glue where you want the part to be. You can also make a circle of glue. For a split colored wig, make a line with the glue halfway around your head. Attach the yarn one piece at a time to the glue until the entire ball is covered as you would like it. If you are working on the top, you move the yarn to one side or the other as needed. You may just tie it up to get to the next layer. If using a knit cap you will need to sew the yarn to it instead of using the glue. It sews the same way. Now, you are almost done with the first of your Halloween wigs.

You then just need to let the glue dry and you will have your very own Halloween wig! After the glue dries, you can fix it into any style you like. You may want it to be straight and hanging down, put into ponytails, or just anyway that you would like to show off your own homemade wig. Please do not use your own head as a base for your Halloween wigs model. Be sure to always glue the yarn onto a fake model because any stray glue will be difficult to remove from your own hair!