Dressing up the whole family for Halloween is one of my very favorite things! I love choosing a theme and running with it. This year, we decided our family of four was the perfect size for a "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" entourage. Here's how I made the costumes:
1. Supplies: punch balloon, liquid starch, brown paint in various shades, sponge brush, thin cardboard (I used a cereal box) 2. Blow up your punch balloon 2-3 times bigger than your head. Cover your balloon in liquid starch soaked strips (make sure the strips are wet but not dripping). 3. After you have fully covered your balloon(s), let dry for a full day. If the balloon isn't completely dry when you check it, leave it for another day. You want the paper mache to be fully hardened. 4. Cut a long strip and a circle from your cardboard. Tape the strip into a cylinder and cap it off with the circle. Cut tabs all along the open end of the cylinder. 5. Flare the tabs out and tape each one to the "face" of your mask. 6. Cut out the "ears" and tape them down as well. 7. Carefully cover your mask in a layer of paint. When the paint is fully dry, slowly remove the balloon from the inside of the mask. 8. Cut the neck hole larger so that you can fit your head inside. Put on the mask to find eye-hole placement. Have fun adding details such as eyes and nose to really give your masks personality!
1. Supplies: yellow jersey fabric, yellow yarn, sewing machine or needle and thread. 2. Cut the yellow fabric into the shape of a hat. (I traced a hat we already own, but you could also measure to get accurate sizing.) 3. Using your sewing machine, stitch around the outer edge of the hat. You could also hand stitch this by using a backstitch. 4. Pull strands of yarn from your skein about as long as your arm span. Once you have a good amount, find the center and lay flat. Stitch the yarn to the hat from the front to the back creating a middle part (the same approach as the lion hoodie). Repeat until fully covered. *If you would like to add bangs, you can use this tutorial from last year.
Tips: *If you are wearing these for trick-or-treating, be sure to cut your eye holes large enough that you will be able to see well in the dark. *After everyone tried on their bear heads, I went back and cut out room for the shoulders so the masks wouldn't slide around. *Add as many around-the-house accessories as you can to make the costumes even more fun!
We are so excited for Halloween to get here so we can wear these out trick-or-treating! How about you? Are you dressing up for Halloween? xo. Katie
Oh my word! This is really cute, but also kind of creepy... ? Cutsie/Creepy I can handle that. :) xo. Deanna
Posted by: Deanna | October 17, 2012 at 01:36 PM
These are so fun! Love them! Can't wait for Halloween! xx
Posted by: Poppy | October 17, 2012 at 01:48 PM
this is the COOLEST family costume idea ever!!! you did such a good job. <3
Posted by: heyjenrenee | October 17, 2012 at 01:54 PM
Oh my goodness these are adorable!
xo, Clare
http://thewanderingelefant.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Clare | October 17, 2012 at 01:54 PM
This is amazing!!
Posted by: Naomi | October 17, 2012 at 01:55 PM
What.... Oh my goodness this is way too cool! Stop it!
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Heather | October 17, 2012 at 01:56 PM
These are so adorable but also really creepy! Such a great idea to dress up the whole family with the same theme!
Posted by: Kate | October 17, 2012 at 01:57 PM
oh thats so cute!
Posted by: Julia | October 17, 2012 at 01:59 PM
Such an adorable idea and very creative!
Posted by: Natasha | October 17, 2012 at 02:02 PM
Perfect for Halloween , I think...kinda cute but really creepy!
Posted by: BreeHat | October 17, 2012 at 02:05 PM
xo-xo
Cute idea! I like it!
From http://www.xeanafashion.com/
Posted by: Xeana | October 17, 2012 at 02:05 PM
HAHA! this is both hilarious and super cute- love!
http://slidingdrawersblog.blogspot.com/
Posted by: ellen | October 17, 2012 at 02:06 PM
this is one of the most adorable things I have ever seen. Amazing job Katie!
Trish
www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com
Posted by: Trish | October 17, 2012 at 02:10 PM
the photo where mama bear is holding a rolling pin is a bit threatening haha, love the costumes, goldilocks looks adorable :)
Posted by: Emily | October 17, 2012 at 02:11 PM
It is really the best family themed costume I have ever seen! Congrats!
Posted by: Marysia | October 17, 2012 at 02:12 PM
Honestly - I think this is my all-time favourite BM post. Wow! Fan-Effin'-Tastic!
Posted by: adrienne | October 17, 2012 at 02:12 PM
I love it! Different and better than those vampiers, zombies, witches,...
Posted by: Eva | October 17, 2012 at 02:13 PM
Best idea ever!
Posted by: Cassie | October 17, 2012 at 02:14 PM
adorable! how fun!
Posted by: Bri | October 17, 2012 at 02:16 PM
how fun! and great for unpredictable halloween weather! out here in l.a. we never know if halloween will be 65 degrees or 95 degrees. love that these bears (and goldiocks) can dress accordingly!
Posted by: jo | October 17, 2012 at 02:20 PM