Quick and Easy DIY Halloween Costumes

If we said that you could make a fabulous costume in half an hour, spend less than ten bucks, or use only upcycled materials, would you believe us? Check out these costumes that do just that.

By Catherine Ryan from Parents Magazine

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Jenny Risher
Crayons

Black felt quickly turns brightly colored long johns into this iconic art supply! Top 'em of with a matching party hat, and they are ready to paint the town.
- Instructions for the Crayons Costumes
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Jenny Risher
Weatherman

Tie paper raindrops and lightning bolts onto a child-size umbrella. He'll be out the door, rain or shine, in no time!
- Instructions for Weatherman Costume
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Jenny Risher
Sushi

Turn your baby into a Japanese snack with an orange pillow, white tape, and a green ribbon sash.
- Instructions for Sushi Costume
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Jenny Risher
Picnic Lunch

Whoever said wearing a tablecloth was a bad thing? Play food, doilies, and napkins make this getup deliciously sweet.
- Instructions for Picnic Lunch Costume
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Jenny Risher
Chef

Have your little cook don one of Dad's old shirts, and then make a chef's hat from a white shower cap and an oatmeal container.
- Instructions for Chef Costume
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Jenny Risher
Wildflower

Transform your darling into a colorful bouquet with painted coffee filters and leaves cut from paper tablecloths. Slip-on sneakers and buzz like bumblebees with just a few crafts tricks.
- Instructions for Wildflower Costume
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Jenny Risher
Ace of Hearts

Create a winning costume with an old pillowcase and red felt. Disguise a cereal box as a deck of cards for the perfect treat tote.
- Instructions for Ace of Hearts Costume
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Jenny Risher
Octopus

Before you toss old tights and socks into the trash, make this ultra-huggable underwater creature.
- Instructions for Octopus Costume
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Jenny Risher
Knight

Arm your Prince Charming with a milk-jug helmet, grocery bag armor, and a cardboard sword that will no doubt slay the whole neighborhood.
- Instructions for Knight Costume
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Jenny Risher
Judge

Save up TP rolls for this "courtly" costume. Paint the wig with glow-in-the-dark paint so she'll be visible after sundown.
- Instructions for Judge Costume
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Jenny Risher
Cheerleader

Cut plastic bags into thin strips to make authentic-looking pom-poms. Hip, hip, hooray!
- Instructions for Cheerleader Costume
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Jenny Risher
Robot

Build a recycled creature out of cardboard boxes, bottle tops, straws, and a pot scrubber. She will truly look out of this world.
- Instructions for Robot Costume
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Jenny Risher
Movie Star

Your future Oscar winner will be ready to battle the paparazzi with this easy-to-put-together movie star costume. Glam up a simple belt, tiara, or bracelet with gold-painted pasta "jewels" and create an authentic statuette by attaching an action figure to an upside-down butter container and spray painting it gold.

Copyright © 2010 Meredith Corporation.
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