DIY Halloween Costumes

Halloween is fast approaching, and store-bought costumes don’t compare to the DIY costumes you and your child can create together at home. Try these cute, simple options from schools in Orlando for unique choices that are friendly for all ages.Little LegoWhy not turn your budding engineer into a Lego for Halloween? You just need the following materials:

• 6 paper bowls
• Hot glue
• Spray paint
• Tape
• Scissors
• A cardboard box

Cut the bottom off of the cardboard box, and cut out holes for your child’s arms and head. Use hot glue to attach the paper bowls in two columns of three to the front of the box. Finally, spray paint the box in the color of your child’s choosing! Make her Lego even more unique by adding sparkles, glitter, or multi-colored paint.Hot Air BalloonGather these household supplies to create the perfect hot air balloon costume:

• A plastic laundry basket
• Spray paint
• Scissors
• Twine, yarn, or rope
• 1 large balloon

Cut out the bottom of the laundry basket and spray paint it gold or brown. Cut two long pieces of twine, then connect one end of each string to the front and back of the basket to create shoulder straps. Tie the large balloon to the basket. CanoeistDo you have a nature lover on your hands? Get your canoeist ready to go with these materials:

• Large cardboard box
• Wrapping paper tube
• 2 yards of 1-inch elastic
• Scissors
• Markers
• Hot glue
• Spray paint

Cut the long sides off of the cardboard box, then draw a long rectangle shape on both sides, curving the bottom edge to resemble the side of a canoe. Cut out both rectangles and place them where the sides were. Hot glue each piece to the side of the box, leaving leg space in the bottom. Use the excess cardboard to make a bench for inside the canoe. Attach it with hot glue, making sure you leave enough space for your child to stand in the middle.Now it’s time to make the oar. With the remaining cardboard, cut out two long half oval shapes. Hot glue them to one end of the gift wrap tube, wrapping them slightly around the tube. Repeat for the other side.Paint the canoe and add decorations — perhaps a number or stripes! Use the elastic strips to create one shoulder strap on each side of the boat.Jelly BeanTurn your little candy seeker into a bag of candy with these items:

• Clear trash bag
• Multicolored balloons
• Ribbon
• A large printout of the Jelly Belly logo
• Hot glue
• Scissors

Lay the trash bag flat and cut out two armholes and two leg holes. Blow up about 20 balloons to 25 percent fullness. Let your child step into the costume, and then add the balloons, holding the excess material back with a ribbon. Finally, hot glue the Jelly Belly logo to the front of the costume.Send your child trick-or-treating with a one-of-a-kind costume that will wow!Our blog page has helpful hints for parents to encourage their children to excel academically, spiritually, and socially. To learn more about schools in Orlando, contact us at 407-246-4800.