How to Create a Costume From a Box

Use a simple box and a bit of ingenuity to make a unique Halloween costume.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gift Ribbons
• Poster Paints
• Ribbons
• Tissue Paper
• Cardboard Boxes
• Gift Bags
• Gift Bows
• Glues
• Wrapping Paper
• Paper Plates
• Scissors
• Scissors
• Face Paints
• Bolts
• Paper plates
• Tissue paper
• Cardboard boxes

1. Look at your box and decide what its shape and size might be suitable for. Possibilities include a jack-in-the-box, a deck of cards, a computer, a Christmas present, a robot, a ship, a major appliance, a TV, a die, a children's block, a sugar cube or a car.

2. Cut the box so it will go over your head, keeping the general finished size and shape in mind. It needs a hole for the head and holes big enough for the arms.

3. Use poster paints to decorate the box according to your design. Allow the box to dry for 15 minutes or longer.

4. Add the accessories that will make the costume complete. For a present, add ribbon. For a car, add wheels made of paper plates. For a sugar cube, spray on a thin layer of glue and cover the box with sugar or salt. For a robot, put in a few nuts and bolts.

5. Get dressed. Using tights or sweats is the best idea, as the box is your main costume. If you're a jack-in-the-box, you can wear a jaunty hat; if you're a TV, put antennas on your head.

6. Use face paint if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• A box can be an unwieldy costume, so be sure you can move around freely. Or, take the box with you and put it on when you get to the party or are ready to trick-or-treat.
• Use caution near candles or other flames, as the box may be flammable.

on 8/10/2006 I made my children Jack-in-the-box costumes by painting a box white, then painting a different letter on each side. Each letter was a different color and I outlined the edges of the box the same color as the letter on that side (like children's blocks). The top got cut out on three sides so that the back folded back. I cut the opening just a little larger than the child, and used old suspenders secured to the box. I purchased cheap joker/jester costumes, and put red circles on their cheeks with lipstick/costume makeup. They were adorable, unique, and won the costume contest. One of my favorite costumes yet!

on 11/22/2005 Get a square box, paint it black, then cover it in green, blue, red, yellow, orange and white paper squares. It is up to you whether you wish to be solved or not!

on 11/22/2005 If the box is rectangular, cover it in white paper or paint it white. Stick a bit of cardboard (the same size as the front of the box) to the front along one side, so it resembles a door. Voilà, you will have a refrigerator! Then simply draw or stick in pictures of food, or even stick empty packets to the original front of the box. You could also pick up some cheap magnets and stick them to the front of the 'door' to finish it off.

on 11/22/2005 One year when I was a little kid, my comedic parents had the idea to go as a Porto-Potty! They cut holes for dad's head and arms. They attached the toilet seat around the top hole, and attached a coat hanger toilet paper holder to one side. It was VERY hilarious, and won first place...To top it off, mom and dad wrote all over it with a marker "For a good time call 555-4664", etc. It was a trip!

on 11/22/2005 You need a shower curtain and a box to make a voting machine with a handle. Print our two selections for President and leave boxes for the vote. Use an old cap and extend the shower curtain from the cap. Use your imagination.