How to Make a Tinkerbell Costume for Kids

Make a Tinkerbell costume with green clothing and wings.

Tinkerbell became a character in the Peter Pan movie of 1953. The Disney movie was based on the book "Peter Pan," by J. M. Barrie. Tinkerbell was first portrayed as an impish fairy who was extremely jealous of anyone who dared take the attention of Peter Pan. Through the years, Tinkerbell has emerged into a favorite star in the Disney adventure parks. The "Tinkerbell" movie was released in 2008, bringing even more attention to the character. A Tinkerbell costume is a favorite for Halloween, birthday parties and around-the-house dress-up fun. Make a Tinkerbell costume with a few items or add embellishments as you wish.

Things You'll Need

• Green dress
• Green over-sized t shirt, optional
• Newsprint paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Craft foam
• Ribbon
• Glitter
• Craft glue
• Tights, optional
• Blond wig, optional
• Green satin slippers, optional
• Sparkle hairspray
• Artificial silver bell flowers, optional
• Large artificial green leaves, optional
• Safety pins
• Green netting fabric, optional

Instructions

Make the Wings

1. Fold a piece of newsprint paper in half. Plan for the wings to be a few inches wider and taller than a child's shoulders. Freehand draw one-half of the wing shape, much like a butterfly wing, beginning at the top portion along the fold and ending at the bottom portion along the fold.

2. Cut out the wing pattern, leaving the fold intact. Unfold the wing pattern. Trace the pattern onto white or light-colored craft foam. Cut out the wing shape from the foam.

   Mark the center of the wing piece with a small pencil dot. Cut a 2-inch wide slit about 3 inches to the left of the center of the wing piece. Cut a second 2-inch slit about 3 inches to the right of the center of the wing.

3. Measure a length of 2-inch ribbon to fit around the child's chest with about 2 feet left on each end. Slide the ribbon from the back of the wing through one of the 2-inch slits and down through the other slit.

4. Spread craft glue around the edges or in several places on the finished wings. Sprinkle glitter in the glue.

Put the Costume Together

1. Obtain a light green dress that fits the child. Substitute an over-sized green t-shirt if you wish.

2. Arrange the wings in the center of the child's back. Tie the ribbon ends together across the child's chest.

3. Have the child wear optional costume items, if desired. Provide green or white tights and green satin bedroom slippers for her to wear. Put a blond wig on her, or arrange her hair in a bun at the back of her head. Consider tying a lacy scarf around the bun.

4. Add some embellishments to the costume. Pin artificial leaves and silverbell flowers to where desired on the dress or shirt. Spray sparkly hair spray in the child's hair, on the dress and tights. Have the child carry a purchased wand to wave when she wants to sprinkle pretend "pixie dust."

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase green netting fabric about twice the length of the child's waist measurement. Fold the netting lengthwise over a piece of ribbon. Tie the ribbon around the child's waist. Arrange the netting evenly around the costume for a tutu look.

References

• Disney: Tinkerbell

Resources

• Disney Mouse Links: The History of Tinker Bell