Whether you are looking for a fun activity to keep kids busy or a costume idea that won't break the bank, paper bags can easily be transformed from something used to carry groceries to a unique costume for children. Children will enjoy using their creativity and craftiness to turn an ordinary, everyday object into something fun for them to wear. As an added bonus, by reusing a paper bag, you are helping the environment and making an earth-friendly costume.
Things You'll Need
- Paper bag
Find a medium or large paper grocery bag to use for the costume. A bag with little or no writing on it will look the best.
Flip the bag so that it is upside-down, with the bag's bottom facing up and its opening facing down. Cut a large hole in the center of what is now the top of the bag; make it big enough to fit the child's head. The bag can either be slipped over the child's body, or, if she would prefer to wear a vest, cut a line down the center of the front of the bag.
Once a paper bag tunic or vest has been created, you can begin to decorate the bag. There are many different costumes that can be made from this basic paper bag.
To make a robot costume, spray paint the bag silver or glue aluminum foil to the bag. Use another silver bag with two holes for the eyes to make a robot head. Attach stickers, buttons, washers or springs with glue to make the robot's control panel. For a finishing touch, add some silver glitter.
For a bird costume, begin by painting the bag whatever color bird the child wishes to be, such as yellow. Use glue to stick on some feathers. The child can use their creativity and add feathers all over the costume or in a fun pattern. To make the costume look even better, wear it a sweatsuit that matches the color of the costume underneath.
Decorate the brown paper bag vest to look like a cowboy vest, a native American, or even a fisherman. Trim the paper bag vest to look more like a real vest by shaping and rounding up the sides. For a cowboy, cut some fringe on the bottom edge of the vest and top off the look with a cowboy hat and bandana. The native American vest will look great with fringe, beads, and feathers. To look like he's just gone fishing, the child can add lures and bobbers to the vest and carry a fishing pole.
- Photo Credit crumpled bag image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com
How to Make a Newspaper Costume
Extra, extra — read all about it! Homemade Halloween costumes are in this season — and every season from now on. This...
How to Make a Native American Costume From a Paper Bag
For scouts, for school or just for fun -- making paper-bag Native American costumes is a fall craft classic that requires minimal...
How to Make Costumes From Brown Paper Bags
Paper bags can be used to create many different kinds of quick, eco-friendly and inexpensive costumes. A paper bag can be made...
How to Make Paper Fruits for Decorations
While they probably won’t fool your guests into trying to take a bite, paper fruit adds a splash of color and whimsy...
- How to Make Recycled Plastic Dresses