How to Make a Star Costume
Many children and some adults are involved in holiday pageants or parades that require costumes. The Christmas star from the Nativity is a popular symbol often represented in these celebrations. Whether the costume is for a parent or a child, working on this project together could be a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Things You'll Need
- Yardstick
- 2 sheets of poster board
- Scissors or Exacto knife
- Newspaper
- Glue
- Paint and glitter
- ½-inch wide elastic string
- Shirt to match paint color
- White tights or leggings
Instructions
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1
Measure the wearer of the costume with the yardstick from the neck to the knees. Record this measurement, or mark it on the yardstick in pencil.
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2
Use the yardstick as a straight edge to draw a five-pointed star in the middle of one sheet of poster board. Each line of the star should match the measurement recorded in Step 1.
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3
Cut out the star with scissors or an Exacto knife. Place this star on the second piece of poster board, trace around it and cut out the second star. Erase any pencil marks left on the poster board.
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4
Lay out old newspapers on the floor. Paint the chosen side of each star one color, then draw scrolling patterns with glue and sprinkle it with glitter. Shake the excess glitter onto the newspaper. Allow the paint and glue to dry.
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5
Cut an oval the same size as the wearer's face near the bottom center of the top point of the front star. Hold the front star up to the wearer and make light pencil marks about 1/2 inch above and to the sides of the face and under the chin as guides. Cut the hole with the Exacto knife.
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6
Cut small holes about 1/2 inch below the top edges of the right and left points on each star near the base. Poke the elastic string through the holes on the front star and tie a small knot at the end so the elastic doesn't slip out of the hole.
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7
Measure across the top of the wearer's shoulders and cut the elastic string about 1/2 inch longer than the measurement. Slip the elastic through the holes on the back star and knot it.
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8
Repeat step 6 on the bottom two points of both stars, near the outside of the thighs.
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9
Paint the knots of the elastic string the same color as the rest of the star to camouflage them. Have the wearer put on the shirt and leggings, then slide the stars over his head so the shoulder straps sit on the shoulders and the wearer can look out of the hole in the top point.
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Tips & Warnings
Use sequins, strips of fabric or glow-in-the-dark paint to make an original star.
If you are using spray paint, work outside or in a well-ventilated area and keep children and pets away from the fumes, as they can be toxic.
