How to make a giraffe costume.

Oh the things we do for school music programs :)

Here is how I made a giraffe costume for my son.

A few quick notes....

• I used a hat because my son did not like the idea of wearing a head band like a girl.
• I used a shirt we already had and was almost to small.. and since my material didn't really stretch like t-shirt material I would suggest using a larger shirt rather than smaller.  Lesson learned.  

Items needed...

• hat
• chenille "pipe cleaners" large fuzzy ones
• 1 yard of giraffe material
• giraffe ribbon (if desired)
• plastic solo cup
• hot glue gun
• tassel (found in clearance isle in drapery section) for tail

Here's how to make it in a photo story line...

gather supplies

for the chenille horns I had to cut a small hole

and glue the horns from the bottom side to stay put

start with a curved cut out of the solo cup for the ears

hot glue fabric on one side

then hot glue from the other side

after this I edged it with giraffe ribbon

the horns are also glued to the ears at the base to keep them from flopping around

I used an old t-shirt and just flipped inside out so we didn't see the design.  I drew with a sharpie the shape I wanted, then hot glued the fabric on, I also trimmed the edges with the ribbon.

Here is the final look.

I wanted to add a bow tie...but the giraffe said no :(

The tail is his most favorite part!

Making vs buying Halloween Costumes :) I vote for which ever makes you happy!

I love making costumes... I do.. I really, really do!  I think it's a blast.  I enjoy it so much.  However, there are a few times that life just doesn't have it in the cards for me to do so, and you know what... that is okay.  

My kids have always love their costumes made or purchased. 

This years home made made costume is 

Eggs from the Boxtrolls.

Yes, I realize the pants are not box troll wardrobe.. what'chya gonna do?  He loves them.

But.. if you are like me and like to make costumes, I thought I would show off a few of my own home made creations, and I encourage you to do the same, post your pictures in the comments below. Maybe we can all inspire each other!

Yep.. I let him "help" :)

I am Speed!
Made from 2 foam core sheets, some large art quality paper, red and yellow paint, a bit of hot glue but really it's mostly held together by push pins.  I used a child "leash" for the harness part.  It was awesome

Buzz Lightyear complete with glow in the dark paint and light up lights that blink :) Total cost on this was like $12 the blow up ones I could buy was close to like 25 and didn't light up or glow :)  

1 foam core sheet, some paint, a package of post lights from Hobby Lobby.  BTW, we still have this and I will probably never throw it away.  I love it so much! 

Smurfette - I didn't have to use foam core on this one :) It's amazing what you can do with normal clothes and a bit of sewing.
Made from blue clothes from WalMart, some white felt for the skirt and hat, and a white tank top.  Easy Peasy

Like I said before we also have a bunch of ones that we bought, so I'm not hard core (I am pro foam core though :)) one way or another. 

Halloween in my eyes is suppose to be fun but also not cost an arm and a leg.  I never spend more than $20 on a single costume.  However that gets done, is just fine with me :)