Homemade Book Character Costumes

Safety pins are useful in homemade costumes.

Nearly any book character can be turned into a costume. A simple choice is a character with the same outfit all the time, such as Olivia the Pig. Another option is a character that wears everyday clothes with an extra accessory or two, such as Harry Potter. Little Red Riding Hood is an example of a classic storybook character that can be interpreted in many ways. With some fabric scraps, old clothing and accessories and a little imagination, you can become your favorite book character in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Old clothes and accessories
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Felt or foam
• Headband
• Safety pins
• Glue
• String
• Markers
• Round glasses
• Double-sided tape

Instructions

Olivia the Pig

1. Wear a short red dress or a large red T-shirt.

2. Wear black-and-white striped tights or knee socks. You can also paint black stripes on white tights.

3. Cut white fabric with scissors to make Olivia's collar. Cut black stars out of fabric to glue to the back of the collar.

4. Cut pig ears from foam or felt.

5. Attach pig ears to a headband with safety pins or glue.

6. Cut a circle out of felt or foam and draw two nostrils with markers to make a pig nose. Tie the pig nose on with string.

Harry Potter

1. Wear a white collared shirt with a tie, black pants and black shoes.

2. Drape a large piece of black fabric around your shoulders, gathering it at the neck. Pin the fabric to secure.

3. Pin the fabric together under your wrists to make sleeves.

4. Wear round glasses with the lenses removed.

5. Accessorize with a stuffed owl, a wand or a broom.

Little Red Riding Hood

1. Wear a plain dress or skirt and top. You can also wear a white apron around your waist.

2. Tie red fabric around your shoulders to make a cape.

3. Wear white knee socks. These can be taped into place with double-sided tape.

4. Wear black patent leather shoes or other shoes that suggest a little girl.

5. Carry a basket with a picnic cloth, a dish towel or pretend food.

References

• Planet Esme: Parade of Books