How to Make a Tin Man Costume

"We're off to see the wizard," is a phrase that recalls the happiest of childhood memories for many "Wizard of Oz" fans. Only the wizard had the power to give the Tin Man a heart, but we can honor this lovable character every year at Halloween with a crafty costume. Here's how to make your very own trick-or-treating Tin Man.

Instructions

1. Buy silver spray paint. As you piece your costume together, paint anything that's not already silver or metallic. Spray paint is cheap and it will make your Tin Man more authentic.

2. Search the garage for an oil funnel. Any old plastic or metal funnel will work for the Tin Man's hat. Glue string to opposite sides of the base and tie it underneath your chin for stability. You can also punch holes and use ribbon for a more comfortable fit.

3. Wear silver tights or leggings for the bottom half of your Tin Man outfit. You can achieve a deeper silver color by layering two pairs of tights.

4. Add black or silver shoes, silver slippers or thick gray socks. You can also spray paint old shoes or use silvery fabric to make "booties" as shoe covers. Silver shoe covers are the best option if you will be doing a lot of walking.

5. Spray paint two large pieces of foam board or buy silver poster board. Punch holes in all four corners of each piece and tie together with silver ribbon. This will be the top portion of your Tin Man costume. Make sure to leave enough space between the two pieces of cardboard to fit your upper body. An easy alternative to the cardboard is to wear a silvery jacket or shirt.

6. Dust your face (carefully) with silver eye shadow or make your own silver face makeup with cold cream and food coloring. Use black eyeliner to draw lines from the corners of your mouth down to your chin for a more authentic Tin Man look.

Tips & Warnings

• Thrift stores or bargain basements are great places to find gray or silver pieces of clothing. Although it's hard to find this color in regular retail stores, silver makes frequent appearances on the clearance racks.

• If you want to give Tin Man a heart, fasten a red cut-out heart to the silver chest of your costume. Felt is best, but cardboard or the back cover of an old book or magazine also works in a pinch.