Every year it feels like Halloween sneaks up on us, and I’m once again faced with the unrealistic expectation of producing a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume that not only meets the demanding requirements of my favorite little person, but doesn’t break the bank. It makes no sense to spend upwards of $40 or more on a costume from an overpriced chain store that will be worn once, maybe twice, for a few hours at most. We typically have the tools and materials to create something unique, so if I make my daughter’s Halloween costume myself, I know she won’t be wearing the same thing as everyone else. My inner organic, hippie alter ego will pat herself on the back for not contributing to the sweat shops in China that enslave minors for miniscule profits.
This year’s last minute creation requires the following materials to create a milkshake hat:
- cardboard
- cotton balls
- wrapping paper roll (or other cylindrical object to serve as a straw)
- hot glue or strong adhesive
- white paper/paint/tape (for decorating straw and base of hat)
- sturdy red tape (for decorating straw and cherry)
- ribbon or elastic (for securing to head)
I started my project by cutting the cardboard into a large circle, roughly 2.5 feet in diameter. I also cut a smaller circle in the very center to serve as the hole for my daughter’s head. She was generously blessed with a large brain (in other words, she has a big head), so this hole should be adjusted to fit the cranial size of the wearer. I created a heaping pile of cotton balls to resemble whipped cream. I fashioned this poof onto the cardboard base, around the central hole with hot glue.
I cut a wrapping paper roll roughly in half, approximately 1.5 feet long, slightly on the diagonal so that when it’s attached to the hat base, it will be slightly tilted. Using paper and red tape, I decorated the straw with a spiral design. I also created the finishing touch of a cherry by balling up a wad of the red tape.
Attach ribbon and elastic to secure the hat under the chin, and presto, instant milkshake hat! If your child complains that the hat is uncomfortable, try gluing some extra cotton balls along the inside of the smaller hole for added cushion and comfort. The hat can be easily paired with any ‘flavor’ solid colored pants and shirt, or a simple cotton dress. I would recommend pink or brown, for strawberry or chocolate, as they tend to be the most obvious. Happy crafting!