How to Make an Ice Cream Bar Costume

When it comes to Halloween, children want costumes that are fresh, different, and a bit creative. Many of them don’t want to wear the same costume as dozens of other kids at their church, school, or neighborhood. For that reason, they sometimes turn to unusual objects for the base of their costume. Dressing as a bag of candy or candy bar is fun, however, nowadays a lot of children do that so children are turning to other “food” ideas, like an ice cream bar costume.

Things You'll Need

• White butcher paper
• Foam core or poster board
• Tights
• Seam tape
• Thin piece of wood
• Craft paint
• Paint brushes
• Magic markers
• Exacto knife
• Wide elastic
• Staple gun and stapes
• Glue

Instructions

1. Decide what “type” of ice cream bar to copy. Some favorites are Dove Bar, Popsicle and a Klondike Bar. However, any type of ice cream bar will do. Purchase a sample of the ice cream bar to be created. It will serve as the pattern.

2. Make a pattern for the ice cream bar out of butcher paper. The piece should reach from the top of the child’s head to around the knee area or just above. Cut a rectangle that lenth out of the paper. The width should be just beyond the width of the child from shoulder to shoulder. Shape the pattern to match the ice cream bar’s shape. Mark the spot where the eyes, nose, and mouth should be, making certain that the cut outs will be large enough to allow the child to function properly. Cut them out and test them against the child’s body. Make adjustments as needed.

3. Using the paper as a pattern, cut two of the shapes out of foam core or poster board to form the ice cream bar itself. Choose poster board for smaller children who don’t need extra weight weighing them down as they move. Older children, age six and up, can usually handle the core board, which offers a bit more structure.

4. Connect the front and back of the ice cream bar with wide elastic (between 3 and 4-inches) in various locations on the sides and top of the bar. Staple securely in place. Double secure it with epoxy glue.

5. Make the ice cream bar wrapper. Using butcher paper, wrap the ice cream bar made in Step 6 above from side to side. Be sure to leave enough room on top and one side to fold the paper over and secure it into place. If necessary, cut the bar length in order to allow the paper to hang about one to two inches below.

6. Paint the ice cream bar wrapper with craft paint and/or magic markers. Match it as closely as possible to the product sample. Let it dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

7. Cut the eyes, nose, and mouth out of the wrapper to match the same on the ice cream bar. Also cut out side holes for the child’s arms. Reinforce around the arm holes by gluing seam tape into place. Make sure the pieces line up before gluing the wrapper into place.

8. Adhere the ice cream bar wrapper to the ice cream bar itself. Fold the top over and secure it in a closed position as well.

9. Attach a piece of thin wood to the inside of the ice cream bar with only a few inches poking out, to represent the stick.

Tips & Warnings

• This costume should be saved for children over the age of 6 years old.

• Make sure the costume isn't too heavy or bulky for the child.

• Be certain that the child can see, breath and speak easily through the holes in the costume.