Creating a DIY angel costume can be a fun and rewarding project, perfect for Halloween, Christmas nativity plays, or any costume party. This guide will walk you through the process of making a complete angel costume, including the wings, halo, dress, and accessories. We'll cover various methods and materials, so you can choose the ones that best fit your needs and budget.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather the following materials:
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White fabric (about a meter)
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Wonderweb or hemming tape
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Iron
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Paper plates (pack of 8)
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Scissors
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Glue gun or tacky glue
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Ribbon or elastic
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Headband
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Gold or silver pipe cleaners or tinsel
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Cardboard
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White paint or spray paint
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Feathers (optional)
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White dress or leotard and tutu
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Glitter, sequins, or other embellishments (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Making the Dress
The dress is the simplest part of the costume. You can use a white dress, a white leotard with a tutu, or even an oversized white t-shirt.
Option 1: White Dress
If you already have a white dress, you're halfway there. You can embellish it with glitter, sequins, or lace to make it more angelic.
Option 2: White Leotard and Tutu
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Leotard: A plain white leotard can be found in most dance or costume shops.
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Tutu: You can make a tutu by tying strips of white tulle around an elastic waistband. Cut the tulle into strips (about 2-3 inches wide and twice the desired length of the tutu). Fold each strip in half, loop it around the elastic, and pull the ends through the loop to secure it.
Option 3: Oversized White T-Shirt
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Take an oversized white t-shirt and cut the bottom to your desired length.
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Use Wonderweb or hemming tape to tidy up the edges.
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Add embellishments like glitter or lace to the sleeves and bottom edge.
2. Making the Wings
The wings are the most iconic part of an angel costume. There are several methods to create them, depending on the materials you have and the look you want to achieve.
Option 1: Paper Plate Wings
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Materials: Paper plates, scissors, glue gun, ribbon or elastic.
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Instructions:
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Cut the paper plates in half.
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Arrange the halves in a wing shape and glue them together.
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Attach ribbon or elastic to the back so you can wear the wings like a backpack.
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Option 2: Cardboard Wings
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Materials: Cardboard, white paint or spray paint, feathers (optional), glue gun.
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Instructions:
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Draw a wing shape on the cardboard and cut it out.
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Paint the cardboard white.
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Glue feathers onto the cardboard, starting from the bottom and layering upwards.
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Attach ribbon or elastic to the back.
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Option 3: Coffee Filter Wings
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Materials: Coffee filters, cardboard, glue gun.
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Instructions:
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Cut the cardboard into the shape of wings.
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Fold the coffee filters into tents and glue them onto the cardboard, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
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3. Making the Halo
The halo is a simple but essential part of the angel costume. You can make it using a headband and some gold or silver pipe cleaners or tinsel.
Option 1: Pipe Cleaner Halo
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Materials: Headband, gold or silver pipe cleaners.
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Instructions:
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Wrap a pipe cleaner around the headband to secure it.
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Shape another pipe cleaner into a circle and attach it to the first pipe cleaner so that it stands upright.
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Option 2: Tinsel Halo
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Materials: Headband, tinsel.
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Instructions:
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Wrap the tinsel around the headband.
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Shape a piece of tinsel into a circle and attach it to the headband so that it stands upright.
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4. Adding Accessories
Accessories can elevate your angel costume and make it stand out. Here are some ideas:
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Glitter and Sequins: Add glitter or sequins to your dress or wings for extra sparkle.
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Ribbons: Tie gold or silver ribbons around your waist or wrists.
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White Gloves: Wear white gloves for a more polished look.
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White Shoes: Complete the outfit with white shoes or sandals.
Detailed Instructions for Advanced Wings
For those who want to create more elaborate wings, here is a detailed guide:
Materials Needed
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Sturdy wire
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White duct tape
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Feathers (optional)
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Glue gun
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Ribbon or elastic
Instructions
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Create the Frame:
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Bend the wire into the shape of wings. You can use a template to ensure symmetry.
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Wrap the wire frame with white duct tape to make it sturdier and more comfortable to wear.
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Attach the Feathers:
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Start by gluing the longest feathers at the bottom of the wings.
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Layer the feathers, working your way up to the top with shorter feathers.
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Ensure the feathers are securely glued and cover the entire frame.
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Attach the Wings:
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Use ribbon or elastic to create straps that you can wear like a backpack.
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Attach the straps to the wire frame with duct tape or glue.
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Tips and Tricks
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Safety First: When using hot glue or scissors, be careful to avoid burns or cuts.
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Customization: Feel free to customize your costume with different colors or materials. For example, you can create a dark angel costume with black feathers and a black dress.
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Comfort: Make sure the costume is comfortable to wear, especially if it's for a child. Use soft materials and ensure the wings are not too heavy.
Conclusion
Creating a DIY angel costume is a fun and creative project that can be done with materials you likely already have at home. Whether you're making it for Halloween, a Christmas nativity play, or just for fun, this guide provides all the steps you need to create a beautiful and unique angel costume. Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine!