How to Make a Bluebird Costume for a Child

It's always good to refer to a picture when making a specific costume.

Making a bluebird costume includes three main components: a beak, the body and head, and the wings. A costume made from home can be fun to make and typically cheaper than store-bought costumes. Although it will take time and a little effort on your part, it can also be rather easy.

Things You'll Need

• Yellow paper
• Hole punch
• Fishing wire
• Glue
• Black marker
• Blue face paint
• 2 Make up sponges
• Blue craft feathers (in various shades)
• Black craft feathers
• Blue shirt and pants
• Blue Hat (without a bill)
• Blue Thread
• Needle
• Cardboard
• Scissors
• String
• Tape
• Blue paint

Instructions

Making a Paper Beak

1. Cut two triangles out of yellow construction paper. The size of your triangles will depend upon the size of the person who will wear the costume. Three inch triangles are perfect for toddlers.

2. Fold the two triangles across the center, aligning the two bottom corners.

3. Punch holes in the bottom corners before unfolding.

4. Unfold and then tie the two triangles together with fishing wire. Folded creases should face out on both sides. It should look similar to a funnel when done correctly.

5. Glue the tip of the two triangles together.

6. Measure fishing wire to fit your child's head.

7. Tie each end of the fishing wire to one of the holes.

8. Mark two air holes near the crease at the bottom of the beak with a black marker.

Making the Body and Head

1. Paint the upper and lower eyelids of your child using a makeup sponge and black face paint. Keep the shape circular.

2. Paint the rest of the child's face blue with a separate sponge.

3. Cover the entire hat with feathers using glue. You may use string, instead of or in addition to the glue, and tie the feathers on if you find the glue doesn't hold properly.

4. Find matching blue pants and a shirt. If you don't have these garments for your child, shop at thrift or consignment stores to keep costs low.

5. Sew feathers to the seat of the pants to act as tail feathers.

Making the Wings

1. Cut out a wing shape from cardboard. The wing should rest on your child's shoulders and go 2 inches past the tip of her middle finger. Make the wings as extravagant or as simple as you'd like, keeping in mind the wings will be covered in feathers. Lay this wing on another piece of cardboard. Trace and cut it to make an identical wing.

2. Lay the wing on your child's arm (do one arm at a time). Mark and punch two holes in the wings near your child's shoulder, just above her elbow and at her wrist. You should have a total of six holes per wing.

3. Tie the wings to your child's arms with string or yarn. Thread the string through the holes and tie it around her arm. The string should fit snugly on your child's arms without being too tight, ensuring the wing will not fall off with movement.

4. Paint both sides of both wings blue. Be certain no writing can be seen through the paint.

5. Add black feathers and blue feathers on the wings edges using glue or tape. You may want to completely cover the top side of the wings with feathers for an added "wow" factor. Be sure to turn each feather the same way; try to overlap them as much as possible for a more realistic look.

References

• FamilyFun: Crafts -- Bluebird