Video: Kelley Moore: DIY costumes on a budget

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With Halloween around the corner, and budgets tight, putting together a costume can be a bit of a challenge. I have found that the best costumes are the ones that make people think, and aren’t so obvious. That is why these costumes are a bit of a play on words. Some are cute and others are clever, but they all are easy to put together and won’t break the bank.

Go Green

As the world goes green, why shouldn’t you? Spray out an old used box in shades of green. Hook a strap on each side creating shoulder straps and slip inside. Decorate the front of the box with the symbol for recycling with a quote on the front, “green and gorgeous.” Decorate the box with newspaper, water bottles, and other recyclable goods. Make a headband or hat out of recycled newspaper. Hand out green tips spreading the news about sustainable living.

Shopping list:

UPS Box, $4.75, from The UPS Store (15600 NE 8th St; 425.746.6880; ups.com)

Black Ribbon, $1.49 a yard, from Jo-Ann Fabrics (838 NE Northgate Way; 206.782.6242; joann.com)

Green Spray Paint, $6.29, from Home Depot (17777 NE 76^th St; 425.885.6358; homedepot.com)

Bubble Bath

What kid doesn’t love to jump in a bubble bath? Then again what adult doesn’t want to jump into a bubble bath! Dress up in everything white. Want to glam it up? Don a tutu and cover it with small white pearlescent balloons. Carry a loofa, or a bath sponge, and put a shower cap on your head, attaching a few balloons to the cap too. Carry bubbles if you like to add one more detail.

Shopping list:

Lace tutu, $15, from Party City (15600 NE 8^th St, Suite F-17; 425.401.9919; partycity.com)

Balloons, $2.99 for a pack of 30, from Party City (15600 NE 8^th St, Suite F-17; 425.401.9919; partycity.com)

Shower Cap, $2.19, from Bartell Drugs (15600 NE 8th St; 425.643.7301; bartelldrugs.com)

Picnic Lunch

With the weather changing I decided to create a costume that reminds me of my favorite summer past time - a picnic. Wrap up in a red and white checked tablecloth, or checked fabric. Create a belt from inexpensive white fabric and secure plastic fruit with hot glue. Put forks, knives and spoons in your hair and with glue made for false eyelashes glue fake ants on your neck. Don’t forget to carry a simple basket as your purse.

Shopping list:

Red and white check fabric, $5 a yard, from Jo-Ann Fabrics (838 NE Northgate Way; 206.782.6242; joann.com)

Plastic fruit, Ranging from $1.50- $4 a piece, from Michaels (15600 NE 8th St; 425.747.1221; michaels.com

Basket, $2.99, from Goodwill (6400 8th Ave NW; 206.957.5544)

Tickled Pink

This is a fun and easy costume for little kids. Dress up in all pink with a feather boa around the neck, and carry an inexpensive feather duster. When people ask what you are dressed up as respond: “tickled pink.”

Shopping list:

Pink Shirt and Leggings, $18, from Old Navy (15600 NE 8^th St; 425.562.4252; oldnavy.com)

Feather Duster, $4, from Party City (15600 NE 8^th St, Suite F-17; 425.401.9919; partycity.com)

Feather Boa, $1.50, from Goodwill (6400 8th Ave NW; 206.957.5544)

Peace and Quiet

Looking for a creative outfit as a couple? Well, here it is. One person dresses up as a hippie, in a tie-dye shirt, bellbottoms and oversized sunglasses. While the other dresses up as a mime, wearing all black and painting their face white with black accents. When asked who you are “Peace” throws up a peace sign, while “Quiet” tries to communicate through miming. 

Shopping list:

Peace:

White gloves, $.99, from Goodwill (6400 8th Ave NW; 206.957.5544)

Face paint, $1.49, from Goodwill (6400 8th Ave NW; 206.957.5544)

Quiet:     

Tie-dye Shirt, $2.50, from Goodwill (6400 8th Ave NW; 206.957.5544)

Guitar Hero

Guitar Hero is a hit, so why not bring the hero to life. Take a simple black shirt and create the Guitar Hero logo from felt, attaching it to a black t-shirt. Tie a piece of inexpensive red fabric around your neck as a cape and carry a guitar with you ... you are now a Hero ready to rock!

Shopping list:

Black T-shirt, $2, from Jo-Ann Fabrics (838 NE Northgate Way; 206.782.6242; joann.com)

Red Fabric, $2.99 a yard, from Jo-Ann Fabrics (838 NE Northgate Way; 206.782.6242; joann.com)

Felt, $.59 a sheet, from Michaels (15600 NE 8th St; 425.747.1221; michaels.com

Slightly Cloudy with a Chance of Rain

In honor of my favorite weatherman, I had to create this costume! Cover a blue shirt or vest with white felt clouds, filling them with cotton batting to create a 3D effect. Add rain drops and lighting bolts cut from grey felt and secure with fabric glue. Create a headband with the sun coming over a cloud. Carry a spray bottle filled with water and when asked what you are, give them a little squirt and say: Slightly cloudy with a chance of rain!

Shopping list:

Blue Vest, $5.50, from Goodwill (6400 8th Ave NW; 206.957.5544)

White Felt, $2.25 a yard, from Jo-Ann Fabrics (838 NE Northgate Way; 206.782.6242; joann.com)

Spray bottle, $3, from Bartell Drugs (15600 NE 8th St; 425.643.7301; bartelldrugs.com)