DIY Under-the-Sea Costumes: Fish!
As you can see we have an under-the-sea theme going here with the Halloween costumes. But you know what is great about these costumes? They are easy to make and you don’t have buy something from a costume store that came in a bag and looks like every other kid out there. You can pretty much make anything out of cardboard. Fish costume for a kid? We gotcha covered!
At first I was worried about making a flat 2D costume. I thought I’d make two cardboard sides and let them wear one on each arm. Then I ran out of time and guess what? It turns out, kids don’t care! Add some props (bubbles attached to a fishing pole) and imagination and they are ready to pucker up and make fish lips like there’s candy being handed out or something.
This costume was really easy to make.
Supplies for our Fish Costume
1. a large piece of cardboard
2. non-toxic spray paint** (or any non-toxic paint, just allow for drying times)
3. detail paint (non-toxic acrylic paint works great!)
4. a ping pong ball
5. permanent marker in black
6. a box cutter*
7. bolsa wood stick
8. yarn
9. three clear plastic Christmas ornament balls
How to Make a Fish Costume
First you cut out your fish shape. This is easier than you think. It’s basically an oval with a triangle attached for a tail. Get as elaborate as you like. Pull up google images and knock yourself out copying your favorite fish. Or don’t. Don’t forget to cut an armhole in the middle so your child can wear the fish. You can disguise the arm as a flipper.
Paint your fish with your base coat. I used spray paint but any kind of paint will work well. When the base coat is dry add your fishy details: scales, tail fin marks, maybe some cheeks and an eyebrow. Let everything dry and then add your eyeball.
For the eye, glue a ping pong ball to your cardboard and then draw a black dot in the center for the eyeball. You could always skip this step but it makes it fun and more dimensional.
Add some leggings and a long sleeved shirt (or if you are in Southern California and experiencing a heat wave, wear your swim suit) and you are ready to trick or treat!
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Difficulty Level: easy!
Crafting time: 1/2 hour to an hour, depending on how fast your paint dries.
**Always spray paint outside or in a very-well ventilated area. Use non-toxic (low VOC) spray paint or ask your paint store to put no- or low-VOC paint into a spray can for you.
*Box cutters are NOT for children. Have a responsible adult use any sharp cutting devices.
