halloween

I’m not crafty by any means.

Last year I bought a sewing machine, thinking I’d make the boys their costumes. But when they decided to go dressed up as superheros, there was no way I could sew their costumes from scratch.

This Halloween, I got a little brave…

The Destroyer wanted to be the guy from the movie Scream while the Boss chose to dress up as a zombie. I figured, easy enough – right?

Well, after a little effort (okay, an afternoon’s worth), I did it!

SCREAM/ GRIM REAPER

I bought two metres of black fabric in a light cotton/polyester. I took measurements from a hoodie and drew up a quick pattern for the body, sleeves and hoodie. I sewed the robe together quite quickly – although don’t look at the seams closely as they are quite crooked!

ZOMBIE

For this costume, I used an old, worn-out pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt. I bought some mesh fabric from the dollar store actually, in the Halloween aisle! I used it to glue – yes, with hot glue – onto the pants and shirt. With a red marker, I coloured some of the holes in, and underneath on the pants and shirt.

The boys aren’t allowed to wear masks to school so I had to paint their faces… lightly though because I’m afraid of a reaction from the make-up.

Halloween is a fun time, especially for kids who are going out trick-or-treating.

But safety should always come first so make sure to read these safety tips before your kids head out to score candy:

1. Kids should wear properly fitted costumes that are bright and non-flammable.

2. Use reflective tape on their costume or back so they can be seen in the dark.

3. Use face make-up instead of a mask. Make sure to test the make-up first to avoid skin irritation. If your child is wearing a mask, enlarge the eye openings. When walking, make sure your kids push the mask up on their heads so they can see properly.

4. Only allow kids to visit the front door of well-lit homes.

5. Remind your kids to look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.

6. Kids should always go with an adult or a group of friends.

7. Check all Halloween candy before your child eats them. Don’t allow homemade treats made by strangers to be consumed.

8. Plan a route close to home for your kids and a time to be home.

For kids going alone:

Don’t stop at dark houses.

Don’t go inside a home.

Do carry a flashlight.

Don’t run from house to house – walk.

Do walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

Do look both ways before crossing the street.

DIY Halloween Costume: Scream and Zombie

SCREAM/ GRIM REAPER

ZOMBIE

Safety Tips for Kids on Halloween