How to Make a Bird Halloween Costume
Supplies Needed
FREE PatternChildren’s blue knit shirt and leggingsCardstock in multiple shades of blueHot glue gun and glue sticksSingle-hole punchString or yarnCardboardDuct tape
Step-by-Step Directions
With a few supplies and these how-to instructions, you can create your own DIY Halloween costume. Customize your bird costume with your favorite colors.
Step 1: Make the Mask
To make the mask, print out the mask and beak patterns and hold them up to the child’s face to test the size. You’ll want to make sure the mask is large enough that they can see, but not so big it obstructs their vision (or ability to eat Halloween candy!). When you’ve determined the perfect mask size, transfer the patterns to cardstock and cut out. Fold the mask and beak in half as indicated on the patterns, and cut a small slit along the fold at the top of the beak, and then fold the two flaps.
Step 2: Glue Together
Hot glue the beak to the mask using the folded flaps. Make sure the flaps are completely over the large mask so that paper corners don’t irritate the child’s face.
Step 3: Add Feathers
Hot glue feathers to cover the mask, starting at the outer edges and then layering toward the center, varying the feather colors and the directions of the feathers. Trim excess paper that interferes with the eye cutouts.
Step 4: Thread on String
Punch a hole on each side of the mask, and thread a string through. You’ll want to tie a sizeable knot on the front side of the hole to keep the string from slipping out, so a color-coordinating string works best.
Step 5: Make the Wings
To make the wings, print out the pattern and hold up to the child to gauge the size and adjust the pattern accordingly. Once you’ve found the appropriate dimensions, trace and cut out two wings from the cardboard. Using more feathers cut from blue cardstock, layer the wings vertically from bottom to top, covering the straight edges of each feather as you move upward.
Step 6: Add Feathers
When the entire wing is covered with paper feathers, trim the corners that overlap toward the top of the wing to keep the rounded shape.
Step 7: Add Arm Bands
Make two loops of duct tape that fit around the child’s upper arms by putting strips of duct tape sticky-side together. Put the loops around the child’s arm to test that they aren’t too loose or too tight before attaching them to the wing. To attach, glue one loop to the back of each wing and reinforce with a piece of duct tape through the loop. Finish your handmade Halloween costume with colorful shoes and a matching outfit.
