Economical Costume Making Tricks and Tips - Cheap Materials for Costumes

There is no need to break the bank to create astounding costumes for stage or Halloween. Many costumes can be created from things that are at the local dollar store and thrifty store.

Did you know that the party decorating isle is home to costume making materials? Crepe paper can be sewn to make costumes. Use a fine needle and long stitches and you can create a costume from crepe paper. There is also a wealth of costume material in table clothes. That bright red plastic table cloth is a perfect superman cape. Permanent markers can transform a plastic table cloth faster than a costume can be appliqued.

The kitchen isle has potholders and wood spoons that can rapidly turn everyday clothes in to a chef costume. Many even carry disposable aprons that can be folded to fit a small child or fit an adult. A nice big bowl to collect the candy and a chefs hat complete the costume.

A stroll though the toy isles of a dollar store can find a princess tiara, magic wands, swords, fairy wings and more. Start there with a five dollar budget to lay the basics of your costume.

Many have a craft isle as well. Glitter, glue, magic markers and poster board can be the start of many costumes. Place a plastic bag inside a shirt, apply glue and then glitter can put a superhero emblem on a shirt that would have gone in the rag bag.

Many dollar stores also have a make up isle. It may not be the makeup you wear but it's a great alternative for costume needs. They also have inexpensive hair gel to spike hair and create outlandish hair dos.

The next stop is your local thrift store. Learn when their half price days are and arrange to be there for the sale day. Shop the gowns and clothing to find elaborate outfits that may need a little altering to be an absolutely perfect costume. The discarded wedding gowns and brides maid gowns are not something you would make for a costume but it sure will bring a grin to a little girls face when she wants to be a story book bride or princess. You may have to do a lot of hemming but if you are in a cold climate, remember you need room for a nice warm coat under the dress.

A banker wears a suit and has a bunch of money. Shop the discarded suits, find a hat and stuff the pockets with overflowing play money from the dollar store. Glue play money to a plastic bag and you have the perfect trick or treat bag for a banker.

A cowboy or cowgirl can probably be found in your closet and the thrift store. A western hat, cowboy boots, fringe added to a vest or shirt and you have a costume ready for the rodeo. How to Make Fringe

Costumes need to convey the idea. You don't have to be a master seamstress to sew a costume. You may need help running a sewing machine but that can be overcome. If your sewing machine totally refuses to cooperate or you don't have one, hand sewing or fusible are your next line of defense. Costume making is fun! Dive in and be creative!