Headdress in Medieval and Renaissance Fashion The Burgeoning of the Headdress in Medieval and Renaissance Fashion Throughout the history of clothing

Headdress in Medieval and Renaissance Fashion

The Burgeoning of the Headdress in Medieval and Renaissance Fashion

Throughout the history of clothing, the headdress has been part and parcel of proper attire. It was an essential accessory on one's person ever since people began to develop a sense of clothing in medieval times going toward a more decorative trend in the duration of the Renaissance and even the next century after.

Perhaps wearing some sort of head covering emerged when mankind began declaring war on one another, primarily as a form of protection for the head. Eventually, when Christianity was introduced and spread throughout early medieval civilization, people, notably women, began to include some kind of head covering in their medieval clothing concerns.

Authentic Tudor Costume and Accessories

It started for me when I chanced upon a photograph of a lady dressed in a rather beautiful and elaborate medieval costume. I was struck by the richness of the colors, the intricacy of the embroidery, and the sparkling and delicate jewelry.

What I was looking at was an example of an authentic Tudor costume, and I wanted one!

So, I began my research, imagining that it would be difficult to find such a historically accurate piece of clothing that I could afford. However, the more I researched, the more I uncovered, and slowly began to immerse myself into the world of re-enactment societies and specialist suppliers.

The variety, scope and attention to detail of the clothing and accessories available to those who love to spend their free time partying in or re-enacting the renaissance period was simply amazing to me.

Not only did I discover patters from which I could design and make my own authentic Tudor clothing, but I found that it is relatively inexpensive to simply buy one new - and there is no shortage of choice.

In addition to the costume, I found I could buy or hire historically accurate jewelery, weapons, badges, games, goblets and much, much more.

This, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg. As with any hobby or interest, the more you delve, the more you discover and you become even more enthused and passionate about your subject.

A quick search online will reveal a growing number of hobby sites and societies dedicated to this fascinating pastime.

Follow my journey of discovery into the world of Tudor and renaissance clothing and accessories at http://medieval.hayleycox.com/

The Best Boys Dress Up Costumes

Dress-ups aren't just for girls! Playing dress up is one the best ways for imaginative, interact play for children. Dressing up in costumes for boys is a great way for boys to develop masculine personality traits and discover the personalities. Besides that, it's just plain old fun!

What little boy doesn't want to play firefighter? A firefighter coat and hat is one the most essential dress up items for boys. To make a more complete dress up kit, sew a simple tube for a hose. Or, use a scrap garden hose instead!

Your little firefighter will have fun running around putting out fires. In the summertime, this is a particularly fun way to play pretend. Let your little boy use a real hose with water instead. If he has outside cars and houses, he can wander around performing rescue missions!

Arrrr, matey! A pirate costume is an easy one to put together. Simple jagged pants, an eye patch, and a pirate cape is all you need to make this costume a hit. There are an assortment of weapons pirates like to use, like toy guns, hooks, and swords. Your little pirate will have fun making his toys walk the plank as he plays captain in his pirate cape.

A fun game for pirates to play is "sunken ship." The ground in this game is poisonous water or some sort of treacherous ground, and the pirates can't touch it! Let them use old bits of carpet or rags to get from place to place. (The fabric is floating wood).

Treasure chests, treasure maps, and parrots are all great companions to the pirate cape as accessories for a pirate costume. Put some items together and let your little one set sail!

A prince in King Arthur's court? A Medieval jousting knight? A prince rescuing a princess? Knight costumes for boys provide a variety of playtime options for boys. Assembling a knight costume for boys is simple-most costumes come with an armor, a sword, shield, and helmet.

The basics of this costume, like the sword and the shield, are what really make the costume. Let your girls dress up in the princess costume and run with boys in the knight costumes. Pull out the toy horses and flags, the possibilities are endless!

Is it a bird? A plane? No wait, it's Superman! A superhero cape is the simplest dress up costume for boys and is one of the most universal. Many capes are coming in reversible patterns, allowing for kids to have more costumes for one piece.

Superhero capes include Superman, Batman, Robin, and Thor. Generic superhero capes, often an off-shoot of a superman cape, are often used. This way your little boy can pretend to be any type of superhero he can conjure up!

Firefighters aren't the only dress-ups that encourage vocational options. Police officers are another hometown-hero option! Plus, a police officer costume allows for the classic boys game "cops and robbers." A hat is a great additional piece for a police costume, as is a flashlight! The flashlight will allow the boys to feel like they are really solving crime and figuring things out.

Boys dress-up costumes will allow for hours of creative play. Other favorite options are a Chef's costumes (a simple white coat and hat), a cowboy costume (chaps, gun, and bandanna), and a doctor (white coat and stethoscope). Remember, playing dress up is all about the imagination! So add random odds and ends into your dress up box, like old wallets, glasses, ties, and belts-and let your little boy create memories and fun!

Shelby is the mother of 2 girls and 1 boy and lives in Orem, Utah. She also runs a home-based business called My Cute Dressups at http://www.mycutedressups.com that sells Princess dress up clothes and other fun pretend play items for kids, toddlers, and even teenagers and adult princess costumes.

She also has an ebay store and a local store run by the same name. She has seen a noticeable difference in her kids after encouraging dress up play. Visit her website for more biographical information or to see her exciting line of Princess Costumes like Cinderella dresses, Snow White Costumes, Sleeping Beauty dresses, wedding dress up, Medieval Princess, Yellow Beauty, Winter Beauty, Rapunzel dress, doll clothes that fit American Girl, 18 inch doll clothes. She has a Cinderella doll dress that matches exactly with the girl Cinderella dress as well as matching Snow White doll dress.

Plus Size Costumes

The plus size costume market has expanded substantially, with both online and offline stores increasing their numbers and variety. However, plus size wearers must select their outfits very carefully.

It is not just the quality of the material that one needs to scrutinize but also the kind of look one wants to don. The attire must be such that it suits the theme of the party, while complementing your personality.

Guidelines to Follow while Selecting a Plus Size Costume

Here are a few factors one must ensure while selecting a plus size costume:

* Comfort level - This is important because your comfort level in the attire will affect your attitude and how you carry yourself. Size is the determining factor in this case. If you plan to purchase a costume from an offline store, you must try the dress before buying.

In case you are buying from an online boutique, submit your current measurement details. Too tight a costume or a low cut one might cause great discomfort and also attract unwanted attention from onlookers. You can save yourself from embarrassment by making sure you buy a costume that fits you perfectly and accentuates the right contours.

Also, take the weather into consideration. If the costume is meant for Halloween, ensure that it provides you with enough warmth.

* Flattering wear - The costume that you select must flatter your shape. For example, emulating Marilyn Monroe who is famed for her hour glass figure or the fictitious Scarlett O'Hara who is known for her 19 inch waistline is not a good idea.

Stepping out of one's real character and role-playing an icon is fine as long as the costume you wear suits you. The right costume can make you look sexy. There are special plus size costumes that are designed for voluptuous women. Costumes such as that of a medieval serving wench or one of the queens of Alice in Wonderland would suit perfectly.

* Accessorize properly - Accessories are important features of a costume because they create the aura of the character you are imitating. They can make or break a look to a great extent. If you are dressed up as a Greek goddess, make sure that you wear a tiara and a pair of sandals to match the look. If you want to emulate the medieval figure of Death, make sure you are not wearing sneakers with traditional formal clothes.

For comfortable, flattering costumes of every size and material, visit http://www.sexywearavenue.com. SexyWearAvenue.com has an inventory of more than 450 styles of sexy plus size costumes to choose from.

The Top Plus Size Costumes For Halloween

If you're one of the women or men above the norm weight that most clothes and costumes made for, it can be a bit tricky to find the a really hot dress for Halloween. It's always a good idea to start your search in good time before the Holiday rush starts and costumes starts to go out of stock. A good suggestion is to scan through the various online shops as it makes the process so much easier.

Being overweight doesn't mean you can't be sexy and attractive at the Halloween party. If you search, you will find that there's some very hot dresses to choose from and impress your friends with. Gone is the need to only choose costumes where the body is wrapped in whole like curtains and naming yourself a witch or magician. Let's go beyond those outdated plus size costume ideas. Let me be your guide to costumes that will fit you and your body regardless of your weight.

Recent years more and more costume choices have become available in plus sizes, especially for over sided women. Some nice examples are the French maid helper, the sexy Wonder Woman or even Fiona from Shrek (which looks a lot better than it sounds). Of course you could still choice a classic costume like the wicked witch, vampire Gothic, Medusa, fortune teller or a lady ghost.

For large men there's also some great character choices to portray for this Halloween. There's the traditional costumes like the Gothic vampires, the ghost elite gentleman, the mad hatter, Frankenstein, medieval monk, a Scotsman and some nice pirate variations. Flintstones and Popeye are also two perfect choices for a man with a bit of extra weight.

Lastly some men like to bring Christmas early as a Santa Claus or even please their children with a Buzz Lightyear dress.

For Children with some extra pounds there's no shortage of costumes. To name a few examples, they could dress up as well known characters like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Little Red Riding Hood, Captain America, Alice of Alice in the Wonderland and Minnie Mouse. Other great alternatives might be the agent Kim Possible, Tracy Turnblad, Mad Hatter and of course the legendary pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow.

In order not to confuse your decision on what to pick, I've just listed a few examples of costumes for people in need of plus sizes to portray. However, if you feel like you need more I suggest you scan through any of the many online stores available.

Hopefully you'll find the perfect Halloween costume you dreamed of and enjoy the party as much, or if not more than everyone else.

All that matters is that you have confidence in yourself and your costume. Now enjoy Halloween and make sure you carry yourself proudly in a wonderful plus size Halloween costume.

In need of big size Halloween costume information? Drop by our site Adult Plus Size Costumes and get read about costumes like the Plus Size Pirate Costume.

Too Shy to Shop For That Sexy Costume? Shop Online!

You've seen people wearing those sexy costumes at parties - Naughty french maids, spicy school girls and erotic nurses, dancing and having fun while being the center of attention. You love having fun too, you know you got the looks, but you always seem to be stuck in some corner, ignored in your ghost outfit. Well, it's time for a costume makeover!

However, in the light of day, things are different. You're embarrassed and feel a little silly dressing in some sexy outfit while at a big department store. The lighting is harsh, grumbling people are waiting for you to hurry up, and they give you disparaging looks when they see you holding your fantasy Fiona maid outfit. With your confidence shattered, is it time to slink away and forget about wearing anything showing off even a bit of ankle? Nonsense. The Internet is here for you!

Costumes are easy to shop for online. In the privacy of your own home, you can browse among thousands of different outfits, for every season and every occasion. Thinking of a playmate bunny outfit to surprise your significant other on Easter? There's dozens of variations available for purchase. Sexy Mrs. Claus? Ditto.

Lithe fairies, regal queens, medieval damsels, hot pirates and Egyptian belly dancing costumes are all easy to find. Accessories, matching footwear, and theme jewelry can also be found, often as suggestions for a certain costume. With the privacy of your home and the stringent security standards of all reputable online retailers, you're only problem is in trying to narrow down what you can see yourself in.

Are you going as a group to your next costume party? Dress in a theme! That way, if you're still self conscious, you'll have a crowd of friends dressed similar to you. In a group, you'll have a lot more fun and confidence, because everybody else is dressed in a similar fashion and will be backing you up.

If you're going as a couple, go as some sexy historical or fairy tale couple, like Antony and Cleopatra or the big bad wolf chasing a red hot riding hood. The choice of fantasies and themes are endless!

Most people dress in sexy outfits for costume parties because there's few other opportunities to show off and feel sexy, all the while dancing and hollering in celebration. Dressing in a costume allows you to act out your wild fantasies and be someone you usually aren't. So at your next party, slip into that gorgeous outfit, show off those sexy curves, unleash the naughty flirt that lives inside you, and dance the night away!

Chris is the author and owner of Sexy Costume Ideas.com, a website that provides free resources, articles and great costume ideas to help express yourself at your next Halloween party, or any other event.

Easy to Make Halloween Costumes - Give Yourself a New Scary Look This Halloween

It's easy to make Halloween costumes, even if you want to give yourself a new, scary look this year. Sometimes we feel like we are stuck with your same old and often repeated Halloween costumes! Then these two easy to make Halloween costumes can totally change your scary look this Halloween!

Leatherface Psycho Mask

You probably know Leatherface from the Texas Chain Saw Massacre. You can easily replicate his really scary face without using commercial grade mask. All you have to do is to get a brown paper bag, crumple it and then cut the bag in half. Staple the paper bag back together, making sure that the staple wires will look like stitches.

Next, make holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth. You also need to create an opening at the top of the paper bag just enough to allow your hair to stick out. Make a few enhancements like shading the forehead area and splashing red water color in some parts of the mask.

Voila! You now have a very scary Leatherface Texas Chain Saw Massacre psycho mask. This mask will not cost you anything. Just wear an appropriate tattered T-shirt and worn-out jeans.

The Black Shadow Costume

This is a very popular Halloween costume because making it is a no-brainer. All you have to do is to buy a black taffeta cloth that is enough to cover half of your body. Make holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth. You need to use a black leather belt or a black strap that will hold the cloth against your body. Make sure to wear a black pair of jeans or a black skirt to complement your costume.

You can prepare these easy to make Halloween costumes in just a few minutes. Of course, there are also other easy to make costumes you can try wearing at the next Halloween party. The important thing about a Halloween costume is not whether you make it yourself or you buy it, it's that you are going to have fun in it. Halloween and costumes are all about fun... so make sure you have a blast this year whatever costume you wear.

Ms. Party Ideas is Jillian Gallo and she writes about fun party stuff! Right now fun party stuff is kids birthday parties and Halloween! Find Halloween costume ideas athttp://www.partyideasparade.com/halloween-costumes.html. Take a look at our baby, kids, teens and adult costume ideas. Learn how to find bargain Halloween party supplies athttp://www.partyideasparade.com/halloween-party-supplies-2.html so you are prepared to host the best Halloween party ever! It will soon be time to dress up and go trick or treating... make sure you are ready.

Halloween Costumes For Dogs

A Holiday for Man's Best Friend

Many people enjoy dressing up their loveable pooch, but have you ever thought that dressing up your dog for Halloween would become a very popular part of the holiday itself. Everywhere you look, you will find Halloween costumes for dogs - in the magazines you get, in the mail to the nearest pet store; people just love to dress up their pets.

Because dogs are so friendly and obedient, they are easy to dress up and they still greet you with a wagging tail. You can even make fun doggie treats to hand out to your neighborhood dogs.

A Variety of Costumes to Choose From

Halloween costumes for dogs come in all shapes and sizes. They come in costumes such as football players, pirates, pigs, frogs, and some of the more extreme costumes that are for the most daring dog owners, like superman, batman, Godzilla, crocodile, Frankenstein, skeleton, and even hippie dog!

Dogs can have just as much of a variety of costumes as people, and in some cases ever more. For your cute little princess dog, there are many princess costumes to choose from and for your tuff stuff dog they come in army costumes complete with camo print. Harry Potter fans can even dress their dog up with Gryffindor school robes, or just a magical hat to add that touch of magic.

Where Can I Buy?

You can buy Halloween costumes for dogs at most pet stores, or even at your local shopping center like Wal-Mart or Target. Halloween costumes for dogs come in all different sizes, you can choose the perfect one for your dog, big or small, and there is always many choices to choose from.

A good way to buy Halloween costumes for dogs is by ordering them directly online, because it is so convenient and the costumes are delivered directly to your home with only a small charge for shipping. And in some cases no shipping rates apply.

Most Halloween costumes range in prices from five dollars to fifteen dollars at most pet stores. Though you should always shop around for the best prices, some can be highly overpriced compared with other stores who sell virtually the same item for less. It all depends on your personal preferences as a dog owner.

Popular Costumes

Today there are so many Halloween costumes for dogs out there that it can get confusing when trying to buy the perfect one for your dog. But, to make things a little easier, here are some of the top costumes of 2007.

The ghost is obviously a popular Halloween costume for dogs during this spooky holiday, and your dog is sure to look adorable dressed as a little ghost. Other costumes including robots, pumpkins, and other animals such as pigs and even dogs! Yes you heard that right, this Halloween dress your dog up like a... dog! Scooby-Doo is a popular choice!

Anyway when you dress your dog this Halloween, be sure to give your pup lots of love and treats. And do not forget to keep your pets on a leash at all times! Your dog is sure to enjoy Halloween just as much as kids do on this fun-filled holiday.

Katya Coen provides information on Halloween costumes and more on Halloween at Halloween Hamlet.

Boo Babies Halloween Costumes For Toddlers

Every year children of all ages dress up fun costumes and walk around their neighborhoods collecting all kinds of candy. This time of year is almost upon us again and for many children it will be their first year to trick or treat. If you have a young one preparing for their first trek around town you are probably starting to think about Halloween costumes for toddlers. Below are a few things you should consider.

Safety

The number one thing to remember about Halloween costumes for toddlers is safety. Most manufacturers today also keep this in mind, however you should do due diligence before dressing your little one up this year.

A Halloween costume for toddlers should have no small beads or dangling items that they can tear loose and put in their mouth. Toddlers are prone to exploring the world first with their hands but just about, everything they touch goes in the mouth. Costumes for toddlers should not be too long, tight around the neck or have anything that ties around the neck, as this is a strangling hazard.

Choices

Once you have determined that the costumes you are looking at meet all of the safety guidelines above it is time to choose the perfect toddlers Halloween costume. Costumes will fall into two general categories, timeless and current characters.

Timeless Costumes

Some examples of timeless toddler's costumes are Cinderella, Strawberry Shortcake, Spiderman and Superman. These costumes have been around for many years and show no signs of disappearing anytime soon. Besides, everyone loves a classic toddlers costume like Cowardly Lion, Darth Vader or The Cat in the Hat.

It is wonderful to see your toddler all dressed up in a similar costume to one you may have worn when you were little, such as the blue and white gingham dress and ruby slippers from that timeless classic The Wizard of Oz. This cute toddlers Halloween costume has accessories that can be purchases separately, instead of a trick or treat bag children can carry a replica of Dorothy's basket complete with a plush Toto dog!

New for 2009

The latest cartoons and blockbuster movies often play a huge role in the new Halloween costumes for toddlers every year. For 2009, you can expect to see additions like Transformers, Harry Potter's Hedwig the Owl, and X-Men Wolverine costumes.

Other New toddlers Halloween costumes include:

• Snow White Baby
• Hannah Montana
• Baby Hulk
• Spiderman 3 Black

If you and yours are Star Wars fans, everyone can get in on the action. New this year are Princess Lei, Darth Vader and Yoda costumes for the toddler all the way up to adult. There is nothing cuter than a toddler running around looking like a mini Chewbacca or R2D2! All of these costumes are created with snaps and Velcro for safety and look absolutely darling.

Conclusion

Halloween is a fun time of year that the whole family can enjoy and when it comes to choosing your Halloween costumes for toddlers you will have plenty to choose from. However do not wait too long because the great costumes often sell out rather quickly, especially if you are thinking of going with a new and trendy look.

Keep safety foremost in your mind while picking through Halloween costumes for toddlers and you will have a great time this year. Online and local retailers are already gearing up for a fun an spooky holiday.

I hope what I have mentioned above is helpful to you. If you want to know more about Halloween costumes for toddlers, I strongly recommend you to take a look of Halloween costumes for toddlers.

Top 10 Couples Halloween Costumes Ideas For 2009

This year you can choose a collection of couples costumes sure to be a hit at any adult Halloween party! There's something here for adults of all ages. If you're looking for ideas for couples costumes this year, here's our pick of the top 10 couples costumes for 2009.

1. THE FLINTSTONES

Fred and Wilma are back! Fred Flintstone is a fictional character who originated in the animated sitcom The Flintstones on ABC.Wilma is also a fictional character in The Flintstones. She was the red-headed wife of caveman Fred Flintstone.

2. PLUG & SOCKET

This is a favorite costume from previous years that continues to sell well. You'll get plenty of laughs with this couples costume selection.This couples costume includes black and grey socket costume and white plug costume with cord.

3. TOY STORY

The Toy Story couples costume remains a favorite for couples. After all, who wouldn't want a Woody?

4. BATMAN & SEXY ROBIN

The Batman and Sexy Robin couples costumes selection is sure to turn heads at your Halloween party this season.

5. VIKING AND PRINCESS

Nordic Viking and Princess - Turn back the hands of time to medieval days and the Viking Age, in particular, with a fabulous Viking Princess costume.

6. MOB SCENE

Gangsters are Back! You will surely feel good being a gangster with these gangster costumes. No matter if you're interested in a Playboy Gangster costume or a a gun and garter set,these kind of costumes will prove that sometimes it's good to be ba ba ba bad.

7. SCOOBY DOO

Fred and Daphne are Back! Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed is a 2004 film, and sequel to 2002's Scooby-Doo based on the Hanna-Barbera series classic, Scooby-Doo. Fred and Daphne are 2 dramatis personae in the Movie.

8. POPEYE & Olive OYL

Popeye and Olive Oyl are 2 fictional hero famous for appearing in comic strips and animated films as well as numerous television shows.

9. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

The fairytale continues!

10. BUSTED POLICE

DON'T joke Police,but in Halloween party, You're Busted!

If you choose to buy a costume rather than make one by yourself, you can find plenty of crazy top couples Halloween costumes in very good prices at online stores. For example, you may want Halloween costumes to turn you into polices, or you might want to look at some other sexy Halloween costumes ideas such as the "SHIPMATE CUTIE/ PINUP GIRL " costumes or NURSE KANDI SEXY COSTUME. There are ton of ideas out there, so have fun finding your choice!

Romeo and Juliet Halloween Costumes For Couples

Romeo and Juliet are two fictional characters out of the medieval time period and is also a great costume for any couple who want to brighten the room that they step into. Yes, no love story can match the one of Romeo and Juliet. Many young couples or even those older couples that still have that flaming fiery love for each other choose the Romeo and Juliet costumes.

The aspect of Halloween costumes may make a lot of people scratch their head with madness, because normally, they are varied, but with Romeo and Juliet costumes for example, you have more than an option.

In terms of it suiting the Halloween mood and ambiance, Romeo and Juliet costume could be considered as one of the best, and indeed, one of the most flexible. All you have to do is remember that the original play took place in the 14th century in the town of Verona, Italy.

As Romeo and Juliet dresses are raking up a lot of popularity, they seem to be one of the best Halloween Costume Ideas for couples around.

What made these costumes different was the knickers and hats worn by men and the long skirts and bustles with aprons worn by women. These clothes were different in a sense that they had different and multiple layers in their clothing.

With women wearing long stockings and pointed toes and men wearing ruffled sleeves and long socks, it is certainly a bit different. Creating a super costume for Halloween is not going be tough at all, and for that, all you need to do is some homework.

Deciding on Halloween Costume Ideas for couples could be a tedious task indeed. Choosing a costume for Halloween is difficult because of the varied choices of a man and a woman. Just so you know - You will definitely have a lot of choices for you to choose from, but all that you need to do from your end, is some homework.

You can choose characters from TV shows, everyday life characters such a bride and groom, characters out of popular movies such as Titanic, cartoon characters such as Lady and the Tramp, food items such as Salt and Pepper or Ketchup and Mustard or even something as simple as temperatures such as cold and hot!

Get your mind thinking a bit, and surely your dress and you would be the talk of the town. By using accessories, you will be able to design an outfit, staying in your budget. The choice is yours - You can be as simple as you want, or go for some frills.

Dress as the star-crossed lovers with Romeo and Juliet costumes for the Halloween. Visit http://halloweencostumesblowout.com/

How to Cut Costs with Halloween Costumes

There's no reason to overspend on Halloween costumes if you plan ahead. Here are tips for saving money at Halloween.

1. Prepare for next year - of course it's too late now, but check Halloween stores and local drugstores the day after Halloween and stock up on accessories that don't go out of style like face makeup, vampire teeth, and cobweb netting. The discounts are often as much as 90%. Garage sales also net very, very cheap Halloween costumes if you're willing to grab them when you see them.

2. Start early - It is easy to sometimes make your own, but never a good idea to start looking for good budget ideas on October 30th.

3. Look for ideas that don't tie to specific characters. It's hard to make something look like a real good knock-off of Mickey Mouse.

4. Try community sites for previously used Halloween outfits, especially in kids' sizes.

5. Involve your child - ask them what they want to be and use items your kids are already interested in. If you have football or soccer outfits, use them. This is simple and might be easier to sell to your child rather than trying to imitate what they have seen on TV.

6. Take a trip to thrift store and consider these favorites:

• Old prom dresses, along with blood for a "Carrie" costume, or for Beauty Pageant misfits
• Bridal gowns for "Bride of Frankenstein" or cut down as princess dresses
• Old tuxedos for crazy French waiters
• Retro outfits

7. Consider these cheap and easy costumes:

• Wrap a sheet and you have a mummy or a toga costume
• Safety pin odd clothing items to a single colored ensemble and go as "static cling."
• Wrap a red blanket around a child, put on a big cross or other medallion and go as a medieval crusader
• Eye patch, red turtleneck, blue jeans and a red bandana for a pirate
• Attach Smarties to your child's pants with packing tape to create a "smartie(s) pants" costume (familyfun.com idea)

8. Consult websites for ideas. Two of our favorites are:

• coolest-homemade-costumes.com - idea sharing site
• familyfun.com (even a category for last minute ideas)

There are plenty of ideas without the need for a glue gun or sewing machine. Even if you feel you aren't very creative, the websites listed above have lots of ideas of things you can put together mostly using items you have at home.

Halloween doesn't have to be expensive and can be a lot of fun, probably more so, if you use a little imagination rather than buying something off the rack at the store. Put on your creative hat and get cracking because here is an easy method for creating homemade Halloween masks for your little trick-or-treater.

Paul Banas is a founder of GreatDad.com. Discuss about planning a baby, holiday ideas, raising kids, activity with kids and other parenting related topics at his Fathers Forum.