How to Make a Python Snake Costume for Kids

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Things You'll Need

  • Tan sweatshirt

  • Tan sweatpants

  • Tan gloves

  • Boots

  • Acrylic paint

  • Paintbrush

  • Water

  • Tan hood

  • Face paint

  • Paper

  • Scissors

  • Permanent marker

Python snakes usually have black dots in addition to large black patches on its skin.

Kids who are eager to dress up like a critter from the animal kingdom can recycle household items to create a python costume. Depending on the climate in which you live, you may want to use heavier clothing items such as sweaters and sweatpants to make your child's costume. Use photos of pythons as a reference when making this costume, as you will need to replicate its snake skin pattern. Supervise your children as you create this costume, as you will be using materials that can be toxic. Allow the costume to dry thoroughly before dressing your child.

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Step 1

Spread a garbage bag or another protective surface over a table. Spread out the sweatshirt and sweat pants on the table, making sure that sleeves and leggings are fully extended and not wrinkled. Cut out sections of paper and arrange these slips of paper on top of the sweatshirt and sweatpants. Use black acrylic paint to create an outline of these sections of paper.

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Step 2

Remove the slips of paper and fill the outlines you have created with black acrylic paint. The goal is to create patches that resemble the snake skin of a python, so use a picture as reference as you work. Allow each side of the sweatpants and sweatshirt to dry, and then turn over. Repeat Step 1 and Step 2 and allow to dry.

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Step 3

Place the tan hood over your child's head. Use a permanent marker and gently trace a circle around your child's eyes, nose, and mouth. Remove the hood and use scissors to cut out around these circles. Set the hood on a flat surface and use acrylic paint to craft a snake skin pattern on the hood. Allow the hood to dry and turn it over to paint the other side. Turn the hood over again so that the side with pieces cut out faces you.

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Step 4

Paint a forked tongue below the mouth hole on the mask and allow to dry. Dress your child in her costume and, if desired, add a toy rubber snake as an accessory.

Tip

Incorporate gloves and other winter gear if your child will wear the costume in cold weather.

If you do not want to make a hood mask, you can also use face paint to complete the costume instead.

Warning

Do not allow your child to work on this costume alone. Some items used to make this costume may be toxic.

Do not leave the hood on your child's head for an extended period of time while you are cutting out holes. Use the permanent marker gently. Children should keep their eyes closed.

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