How to Make Animal Costumes From Bed Sheets

You can convert an old bed sheet into a costume.

Making an animal costume from a bed sheet is not only a green alternative to buying a new costume, it can be a fun and creative way to bond with a child. You will make memories and possibly humorous recollections.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Hot glue gun
• Hot glue
• Hole punch
• Craft foam

Instructions

1. Stand your child in front of you and hold the sheet up to his back to determine what size of wings you will need to cut to make a butterfly or a dragon costume. If possible, have someone else hold the bed sheet for you. Draw four marks on the bed sheet for the approximate size of wings.Cut the shape out of the sheet. Use the pencil markings as a guide line. Cut into a blunt shape.

2. Cut a piece of cardboard the same size of the bed sheet square. Draw the animal's wing shape on the cardboard and cut the wings out of the cardboard. Attach the bed sheet square to the cardboard, using tape to secure the sheet. Place the tape on the inside of the wings in a discreet location. Lay the sheet out flat. Use paint and aluminum foil to decorate the animal wings. Use hot glue to attach the foil to the wings.

3. Roll the foil into a long rope shape to design the butterfly antenna. Twist both ends of the foil together until it is secure and in the shape of a circle that will fit your child's head. Make two identical rope shapes with the foil to create antennas. Loosen the ends of the foil to make a ball shape on the end of the foil rope to imitate an antenna shape. Attach the antennas to the circle foil piece with hot glue. Cover the head piece with the rest of the sheet. Attach the sheet to the head piece with the hot clue. Decorate with paint.

4. Hold the craft foam sheet over the child's head and drawl a circle about an inch wider than the top of the child's head to make the dragon head dress. Cover the circle with foil, working the foil in an upwards motion. Shape the animal's spikes and horns with the foil. Cover the dragon head dress with the remaining sheet. Decorate with paint. Using a hole punch, make two small holes on the base of the dragon head piece. Tie a piece of sting through each hole. Tie the two pieces of string together underneath the chin to hold it on.

Tips & Warnings

• Adults should be present when small children use scissors or hot glue.

• Use a solid colored sweat suit to imitate the body of an animal.

• Hot glue guns should not be used by children.

Resources

• Animal Costumes For Children: Animal Costumes For Children