Halloween help: costume challenge

[julianito]

My son wants to be a lawnmower for Halloween. I don't have the slightest idea how to make this as a costume. I've tried to redirect other similar ideas (airplane, train) that I could figure out how to make, but he's stuck on it.

So, mamas any thoughts on how to make it?

And what have been the most challenging costumes you've pulled off?

[sunnmama]

Haha, that is hilarious.

Does he want to be a riding lawnmower or a push one? A riding one would be easy enough with a decorated box worn with some suspenders.

[InMediasRes]

Wow, points for creativity!

Could he be a landscaper with a lawnmower?

[eepster]

That is definitely the hardest one I've heard yet. DS was a horseshoe crab last year, that was hard, but not like a lawnmower.

I would do the body of the mower out of a box. I would have him wear it kind of like a skirt. I'd have his hips (think low waist band) opening towards the back so the bulk of the mower is in front.

I'd use some kind of light weight tubing for the handles. Maybe PVC plumbing pipes. I'd angle them from the middle of the box in front of him, up towards his shoulders. I'd do a cross bar out of something comfortable at shoulder level, (comfortable so it can be attached to his clothing at the shoulders.) then the handle bar up above the back of his head.

Once you have the basic structure, adding details shouldn't be to problematic. Put on wheels, add a "motor" and the logo should make it recognizable.

I would dress him in a green turtleneck and green pants. (Unless he choose a brand of mower that is painted green, then I'd go with black for the clothes.)

[gcgirl]

I think it's an awesome costume choice! And yes, the PP above gave great advice: shouldn't be too hard with a box and a couple of pipes. Have fun! And post pics - I want to see this one!

[kittenwhip]

I think he should have a bag of grass clippings somewhere on his person as well. Love the idea of going as a riding lawnmower, it should be super cute!

[eepster]

Originally Posted by kittenwhip

I think he should have a bag of grass clippings somewhere on his person as well. Love the idea of going as a riding lawnmower, it should be super cute!

I totally forgot about the collection bag for the clipping. If it was made out of black tulle or mesh, you could fill it with easter grass or shredded green paper. I'd use wire (clothes hangers would work well) to give it shape.

Just hang it from his shoulders and attach it to the bottom of the box.

[The4OfUs]

I have to sub to this thread based on eepster's suggestion because it sounds SO FREEKING COOL and I hope you do it and post pictures!

[julianito]

Awesome, eepster....A horseshoe crab! How did you do that?

Thanks for your ideas. The Easter grass clippings and the PVC pipe ideas rock!

He is definitely clear. He wants to be a green pushing mower. A Toro.

Originally Posted by eepster

I would do the body of the mower out of a box. I would have him wear it kind of like a skirt. I'd have his hips (think low waist band) opening towards the back so the bulk of the mower is in front.

The only part I don't get is how to get the box at the waist to stay up.

[Murph12334]

i must say, he is awesome creative! though it doesn't make your job easy, but wow, that's great to hear kids that creative!

[Livviesmom0207]

Originally Posted by julianito

Awesome, eepster....A horseshoe crab! How did you do that?

Thanks for your ideas. The Easter grass clippings and the PVC pipe ideas rock!

He is definitely clear. He wants to be a green pushing mower. A Toro.



The only part I don't get is how to get the box at the waist to stay up.

Maybe attach something on the inside of the box that can hook onto a belt?

[eepster]

Originally Posted by julianito

Awesome, eepster....A horseshoe crab! How did you do that?

Just felt, the springy metal wire from a pop up hamper, and a hoodie sweat suit.

The only part I don't get is how to get the box at the waist to stay up.

If you will be adding details/shaping with paint and cardboard cut out or maybe papier mache, then I would go with suspenders. If you will be covering the box with felt or fabric, then a waist band (elastic or draw string) and maybe a belt. It all depends what medium you're most comfortable with.

The cross bar at the shoulders also should help it stay up, the biggest worry will be making it not droop in the front for him to trip on. If you were up to making the wheels functional, that might help.

If you can get your hands on multiple boxes of the right size, then you could experiment a bit with making it fit. Costco is a great place to find boxes, at least ours is, they have a big huige bin full of them after the registers.