Source: FoundWalls
I’m Angela Johnson, a keen collector of craft supplies and belt buckles. I spend a lot of time tending to my huge organic garden, walking my dog and writing about my addiction to crafting for hairbowcenter.com.
Halloween is almost here! I can’t believe it! As my favorite holiday ever, I find myself at the height of my giddy excitement as we get nearer to All Hallows’ Eve. I like to go all out with decorations, parties and costumes. Here are a few simple tips for even the most craft-challenged of observers.
Deciding to dress up
This is always a tough decision that takes some thought, but do dress up! I like to start by making a few lists. First, think about any and television and movie obsessions over the past year. For me this list includes Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Great Gatsby, Mad Men, and a few other guilty pleasures I’d rather not name (darn you Netflix!). Dressing up as any of these characters would be so much fun, and pretty easy.
Another helpful list could be made while thinking back over last Halloween. Did you see any amazing costumes at a party last year and think, “I could do that better”. If so, do it! If you still draw a blank, check out this fresh perspective on American Apparel’s yearly ridiculous costume list.
Going with a Classic Princess Halloween Costume
Princess, Vampire, and Witch can be made easily at home, so skip the expensive and unoriginal bag costumes. My favorite is princess, so I’ll explain how I made one similar to Ariel’s pink dress.
Search the thrift stores for a dress in the color of your choice. You will want something around ankle length, (princesses don’t really wear extremely short dresses do they?) and in good condition. You may get lucky and find something you can make a few modifications and pull of the look perfectly.
I recommend hemming the dress so that it touches the middle of the shin. Put the dress on (inside out if you can) and stand on a chair while a helper marks the hem with chalk as they measure from the floor. If you don’t care much about perfecting the dress, you can just cut in a line where the chalk marks are and leave it at that. If you want to hem it, cut it allowing for a 1 ½ inch seam allowance and then fold under about ½ inch and iron to make a crease. Buy thread that matches your dress well, and use a sewing machine or sew it by hand to finish the hem. If you want this to be perfect, try to make the hem less noticeable.
Add a sheer, royal overlay and a beautiful ribbon.
You can usually find sheer, sparkly fabric for a good price at the fabric store, and you only need about a yard or so, depending on the size of dress. Measure out how much sheer fabric and ribbon you will need by wrapping the ribbon around the small of your waist and having a friend tie in the back. Have them mark it with chalk right at the base of the bow. Sew the sheer overlay directly to the back side of the ribbon. Use either 1 ½ inch or 2 ¼ inch grosgrain ribbon for the bow, you can buy it in bulk at HairBowCenter.com. Add a couple of stiches connecting the ribbon to the dress on each side of your waist.
Whatever you decide to be this Halloween, make sure you have fun!
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