When I was a kid, I loved dressing up in costumes, imagining who or what I could be. If that wasn’t an option, I would wait until Saturday morning when my mom changed the beds. Why? Because a flat sheet transformed into a gorgeous gown, and the fitted sheet became a hooded cape.

Today, there are so many options for readymade costumes and accessories. Want to take your costume to the next level? Cosplayers design and make their own costumes to participate year-round in worldwide conventions and competitions. Let’s explore the world of cosplay…

Knight in Shining Armor

Designing and building cosplay costumes requires a multitude of skills, including fashion design, industrial design, leather & metal working, hair, makeup, & accessories, wiring, robotics, special effects, and many others.

Industrial Science Fiction

The shapes, colors, and textures work together to create a story. Who is this man? Why does he wear a mask? Pale blue contacts provide another layer as his watchful eyes dare you to come closer.

Vikings – Father & Son

Period appropriate clothing made from hand-tooled leather with leather ties, chain mail, hairstyles, and facial hair are all important elements for these successful characters.

The Good Witch

This is not your typical witch. The neon orange against the black creates an eye-catching look. Blue highlights in her hair perfectly frame her face with its unusual makeup palette, which manages to be macabre and beautiful at the same time.

Body Painting

Body painting is a full commitment from head to toe and really makes a statement.

Every Little Detail Counts

When you create a well-known costume, you must get the details correct. Character recognition and countless competition prizes depend upon it. 

Deadpool

Star Wars

Poison Ivy

Elsa from Disney’s Frozen

Julius Caesar

Wednesday from the Addams Family

Anime (retains human qualities)

Anime (doll-like qualities)

Woodland Fairy

Goddess Warrior

Mother Nature

Steampunk Man

Steampunk Dog

Warrior Samurai

Warrior Gaming

Warrior League of Legends

This is my favorite. Each intricate design coordinates with the others, from her costume to the swords and even the tattoos upon her sides. A healthy dose of attitude completes this warrior’s fierce appearance.

Costume design doesn’t have to end with Halloween. In fact, it’s only the beginning. Dare to dream and inspiration will carry you wherever you wish to go.

Thanks for Reading!

Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!

Salem, Massachusetts is an interesting place to visit, especially in October.  The residents really know how to throw a month-long party, and all are invited. 

Live Music

There’s live music and lots of costumes.  You never know who or what might appear around the next corner. 

Live Street Performances

Street performers entertain the crowds.  We were fortunate to see the ghostbusters arrive in their famous Ecto-1 ambulance.  “I ain’t afraid of no ghost.”

Salem Cemetery

Wander the streets and cemetery by lantern light on a haunted walking tour. 

Good Witches

See a bronze statue of Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens from the television show, “Bewitched,” or conjure up a little magic of your own during a Halloween photo shoot. 

Hocus Pocus Films

Take a trolley ride around town to see numerous historic sites as well as film locations from both of Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” films. 

While visiting Salem, my mom and I noticed several unique Halloween decorations.  Here are a few of our favorites…

Ghosts

In a place with such a long history, there are bound to be a few ghosts. 

Pumpkin & Witch

This pumpkin makes spooky sounds and appears to glow in sunlight.  The orange-haired witch holds a bouquet of shooting stars and a friendly bat. 

Goblin & Crow

The goblin looks perfectly happy for a night of trick or treating, but the crow appears quite annoyed to be wearing his pumpkin costume.  More than a few of his tail feathers are ruffled. lol

Mom Ghost & Baby Pumpkin

This one is my mom’s favorite because she loves mother and child themes.  We have always loved celebrating Halloween with decorations, costumes, and parties.  Lots of warm memories are attached to this popular holiday, and this adorable figurine bring them all to mind. 

Metal Spider Candleholders

Here’s an important travel tip: If your carry-on bag contains spikey metal objects, it’s going to be searched! lol.  An airport security guard carefully unwrapped the odd-looking objects.  When he saw the spiders, he burst out laughing and held them up to share the laughter with all the guards and passengers.  It’s still one of my favorite Halloween memories. 

Thanks for reading! 

Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!