Halloween...in August

Hello everyone! You might be wondering where I have been (or not) but I can assure you that I have been very busy! Recently I have had the opportunity to engage in more crafts, which reminded me I was a little behind on this blog! So, first things first...I will show you last year's Halloween costumes, made (almost) from scratch.

First, my darling daughter wanted to be a genie. Why is it that little girls have no concept of  40 degree weather? (below 30 with the wind chill) So, I tried my best to create a genie costume that could of course be worn over a heavy jacket or winter coat. The pants worked perfectly, and she was able to wear them with a pair of tights and another pair of leggings for warmth. The top...well, lets just say it didn't turn out! However, with the hat/veil and pants, it was clear to everyone that she was supposed to be a genie, so I'm calling it a win.

I regret that neither you nor the trick or treat patrons were able to see the great detail of the "coin" embellishments around the yoke of her pants, nor the sparkly overlay and shimmery lining...it was some of my best work, and yet managed to escape the camera. Such is life.

Next is my little monkey man. I "cheated" a little with his costume by altering some clothing I bought.



I bought the tail, which was my biggest concern, and some brown sweatpants, sweatshirt, pilot-style cap and stretchy gloves. I used an applique technique to add a "leathery" fabric over the logo of the shirt to look like a monkey tummy, as well as an inner ear, which was added to the cap.



He looks a little "puffy" since he is wearing another sweatshirt underneath for warmth! The hat is another story...

Anyone can dress their toddler as a monkey and it is going to be cute. I always have to take it one step further, so I wanted him to be an organ grinder monkey. (Thus the little hat.) Of course, this means I would dress as the organ grinder, which unfortunately was something I was throwing together last minute, and therefore does not reflect my full abilities, as far as I am concerned! The "organ" was made from a cardboard box covered in wrapping paper, and embellished with a little gold braid left over from the kids' costumes. I am holding it up with shoestrings. The "pipes" are made from the wrapping paper tube, cut into lengths then cut in half and painted gold. Inside the box is a jack-in-the-box with the crank sticking out, so I can turn the crank to create real music (My hand is covering it). The open part of the box contains my wallet and camera and a container for Monkey's candy.

In case you are wondering what that contraption is that Monkey and I are wearing, it is called a Piggyback Rider, and it is an MUST OWN product for toddlers that have outgrown a Kelty-style backpack. Not only could I not imagine trick or treating with this crazy, active little guy, I cannot fathom visiting the zoo or taking a plane ride without one!

So there is our hand-crafted Halloween, 2011! Sorry you had to wait so long to see it!