DIY Halloween Costume … And Children’s Literacy?
Only eight days until trick-or-treating! Sophie continues to change her mind daily about her Halloween costume — Cinderella, a little witch, a ballerina … you never know what she’ll come up with next.
Last year Sophie was Ladybug Girl, based on the Ladybug Girl children’s book series. I love this costume for many reasons. First, it was completely “do it yourself” (DIY) and thus inexpensive and easy. Second, it was based on a children’s book that both Sophie and I love. Thus a great way for children to look at literature and book characters (rather than TV and movies) for Halloween costume ideas. And third, well, she just made such a cute ladybug.
I thought I’d share how I whipped up Ladybug Girl in case you need last-minute costume ideas that are simple and easy on the wallet. We started with the red base of a long-sleeve shirt and leggings from Old Navy (Target has them too). This was great because the pants and shirt became a wardrobe staple after that. The red shoes were from Target. I found the wings and skirt from none other than RiteAid Pharmacy. And the antennas were homemade by Bryan (headband, black pipe cleaners, and red felt circles).
So there you go — easy, cute, inexpensive, creative, and a great way to promote children’s literacy!
Need more DIY costume ideas for kids? Check out The Mama Mary Show blog (where Sophie is also featured) for lots of ideas!
Ah… I remember making costumes. Nothing like DIY. And yes- many inspired by favorite books.
Awesome job Leah- Sophie is forsure the cutest ladybug I’ve ever seen! I think this year she would make a perfect ballerina. Can’t wait to see what she decides on!
You will have to keep us posted on what she decides for this year! My niece can’t decide either. I don’t think she realizes how close it is!
She looks so adorable! Don’t worry, she’ll make up her mind soon, certainly by the end of the month! 🙂
She is so adorable in her little costume it makes me want to be a lady bug 🙂
So cute! I love seeing all of the creative costumes. We don’t get trick or treaters where we live and I really miss that.
Simply adorable :>)
I love it. Homemade costumes are the best.
Sophie is ADORABLE!! The Ladybug Girl was a great idea! I loved making my kids’ costumes! We have wonderful memories and two bins full of costumes including clown, princess, vampire, ninjas, pirates, an eagle, a cat, a witch, an alien…and so much more! SO much fun! Can’t wait to hear what Sophie decides on!
Great idea! And Sophie is such a cutie 🙂
Nice ladybug. It’s great you share your love of books with Sophie! Movies are fine, but books rule!
Hope there will be some costume photos after this Halloween (whatever she decides!) 🙂
This makes me want to dress up for Halloween. You are so darn creative, woman! You rock.
This is such good fun. I love that you combine books with activities for Sophie. I fear the love of books is lost and gone with the tech-age generation. I wish more Mother’s were like you.
Sophie’s a cutie-pie in her ladybug costume. I can hardly wait to hear what she finally decides to be this year.
Such a great idea. So many memories about the excitement and buildup around Halloween. I love the book tie in. I love books and loved sharing the joys of storytelling with my kids when they were younger! So sweet! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been so fortunate that The Munchkin has been dead set on Angelina Ballerina for MONTHS. I had such a hard time finding ballet slippers & a leotard for a 2-year-old that in a moment of weakness I actually suggested she be a Disney princess, but despite the fact that we listen to “Beauty & the Beast” all the time in the car, she would not change her mind.
How are you handling buying/making Sophie’s costume with her mind-changing?
Leah, I love Sophie’s ladybug costume! She looks cute as a button and that skirt! I want one just like it! 🙂 The little red shoes remind me of a pair I once got my daughter when she was young. Just seeing them made me smile! I also like and approve of combining literacy with the costume. That in itself is a learning experience! Kudos to you!
What a clever mom you are!
She is so adorable! I look forward to being surprised this year!
Your little lady bug is absolutely adorable! LOVE her costume.
~FringeGirl
I saw this all over Pinterest! So darling!