Costumes needn’t be costly

Sure, it’s easy to cruise through the aisles of a discount retailer and grab the flimsy licensed-character costume du jour. But you can save some money and make lasting memories by putting Halloween costumes together with your kids.

The moms behind Christian Youth Theater Wichita know costuming.

Gina Kohn has been the official costumer for the organization since its genesis in Wichita in 2009. The mother of four, who has a master’s degree in business administration and who also studied interior design, says the example of “The Wizard of Oz” production illustrates her challenge well. She had about 80 children in the cast, with most playing roles that required three different costumes. She had to create about 350 ensembles with a total budget that amounted to only a dollar or two per costume. And she took special care with every one.

“We want them all to feel important – not just the leads,” Kohn said. “This just gives them that confidence.”

Julie Crow, who coordinates the Christian Youth Theater East Wichita classes, also has provided costumes for several productions. Thanks to “Charlotte’s Web,” she has created countless animals in costume form.

And Sarah Anderson, a founding Christian Youth Theater board member, says no costume is complete without makeup.

The Wichita moms offered their tips for creative, fun costumes on a shoestring budget.

The first step is the idea. It doesn’t have to be concrete. One of Crow’s children had a great time dressing as the sky one year, anchored by blue sweats with a painted sun and cotton balls for clouds.

The second step is scouring thrift shops and garage sales – preferably with your child. Prom dresses can become royal ballgowns with a little effort. Look beyond the clothing department, Kohn said. She frequently uses curtains, bed skirts and sheets for her creations. Kohn also doesn’t shy away from dyeing fabric if the color isn’t right but the price is. For dyeing something small, she recommends a pot on the stove. The washing machine works great, too; just be sure to run a load of rags afterward in case any dye lingers.

Animals

Solid-colored shirts and leggings can form the foundation of many animal costumes. Snap up white, brown or black to represent a good portion of the natural world. Embellish with felt or fabric cut into shapes, such as a gray oval for a mouse’s belly. Crow often makes furry wristbands for animal costumes – a small amount of fabric goes a long way in conveying the essence of the animal. Add tails where appropriate, and attach ears made from fabric or felt to headbands, stocking hats or newsboy caps.

Take advantage of the popularity of animal prints. Cheetah, zebra, giraffe – these looks are easy when you start with a top or skirt in these distinctive patterns. A fuzzy pink bathrobe becomes the foundation for a pig costume. Castoff graduation gowns are great for bat wings or superhero capes. Tube socks dyed any color become animal legs. The finishing touch should be makeup for whiskers or snouts.

No-sew Bluejay

The no-sew bluejay starts with a nonslip rug pad. Trace a shape to reflect the child’s wingspan, and then cut an opening for the head. Then tie strips of fabric (about 3-4 inches long) through the holes in the pad to achieve your desired look. Careful – going overboard on the fabric strips can get weighty for the child.

Fairy

A sweet pastel party dress is the foundation for a fairy costume. Kohn makes her own wings, starting with a spool of wire from a home improvement store. She shapes each wing, attaching them with duct tape together in the middle. Take a drapery sheer and sew it on the wire outline, trimming the excess fabric. Spray paint the sheer with a couple of colors and add detail in glitter. Then just cover the duct-taped area with fabric and faux flowers.

Pirate

Find a vest at a thrift store and consider embellishing with some brocade from drapes or other linens. “Don’t be afraid of pattern,” Kohn said. Cut off a pair of men’s pants and add elastic at the child’s ankle. A bandana as headscarf and a quick eye patch complete the look.

Flower

For a flower costume, start with a solid leotard and tights or leggings with a slim-fitting top. Cut out petal shapes and attach them hanging from a waistband of elastic to create a skirt. The key to this one is the stamen hat; the same technique can be used for insect antennae or alien costumes. Start with an old ball cap and cut off the bill; spray paint it black. Glue black puff balls to the tops of straws sprayed black and then affix to the top of the hat.

Tree or mummy

The foundation is the same – either a dark top and pants for the tree costume or white for a mummy. Then cut up small strips of fabric in your desired colors and attach sporadically to the shirt and pants. If stitching intimidates you, use hot glue or even safety pins. The next step is the headgear. To create a tree hat, Crow started with a dollar-store toy army helmet and drilled holes in it. She covered it with fabric that she simply glued on the inside and then fashioned branches. Anderson’s makeup job, complete with swirling leaves, elevates the look.

Remember that you are making memories, the moms say. Involve your kids in everything, from the idea to the execution.

This story was originally published September 15, 2014 at 12:27 PM with the headline "Costumes needn’t be costly."