Have a Green Halloween

When I select costumes for my kids or for myself I try to make sure they are 100% cloth with no plastic elements or sythetic fabrics. We also try to make our own costumes using stuff we have around the house before we buy at a store. Depending on what they want to be for Halloween we can't always meet that criteria but we also keep costumes for subsequent years and for dress up. Then we donate them to be used by other kids until they get worn out.

Try to think of ways to phase out plastic props. If your daughter wants to be a fairy then avoid buying plastic wings and instead make some using wire hangers, panty hose, and paint. If your son needs a sword and shield see if your husband or other word working friend can use a jigsaw to make some solid wood ones. They are much greener than plastic which never biodegrades and they will last longer! Here are a couple ideas:

Halloween Costume: Butterfly

Before you begin this project, you may wish to take a trip to the library and check out the books on butterflies. Let your child choose one she particularly likes and follow the color scheme when making the costume.

Purchase sheer or lacey fabric in the color your child has chosen. Find fabric that has spots or designs which closely resemble a butterfly. Then cut the fabric in half. Since the body of the butterfly tends to be black, your child can wear a black turtleneck or body suit and leotards. Sew each piece of fabric down the back of the leotard and take the other ends and sew each piece to the sleeve of the turtleneck or body suit. When your child lifts her arms, the wings will show their brilliant color.

Use black eye-liner to place dots on the child's face. Use pipe cleaners to make the antennae by taking long strips of construction paper and wrapping it around your child's head to ensure a good fit. Attach the pipe cleaners to the construction paper with staples, then place cotton balls at the tip of each of the pipe cleaners. You can color the cotton balls with whatever color is dominant in the butterfly.

Another creative idea is to dress your child up in a warm solid color outfit, especially if it's a cold Halloween day. Perhaps one that is similar to a jogging suit and has a stripe down the side of the pant legs. Make the wings by using cardboard to trace the design. Cut it out and then paint the wings a color that closely matches the outfit. Add glimmer or stickers to the wings as well. You can attach the wings by taking ribbon of the same color and wrapping it around the center part of the wings (where it curves inward), and then around the child. In this way, it won't fall off the back.