By far my favorite costume my son has worn for Halloween was the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. This particular year, he and three of his little friends were all characters from the classic movie. Mind you, in order for him to go along with it, I told him he was a robot, which also works by making use of similar supplies. The group was stopped several times, as the cuteness factor really was over the top.
I made my son’s costume using just a few supplies you can get at the dollar or craft store, so I thought I would share, just in case you are looking for some easy DIY inspiration for the upcoming holiday or searching for a last minute costume idea!
STEP 1: COLLECT THE SUPPLIES
The supplies needed are as follows:
- Grey or silver poster board
- Silver spray paint
- Grey shirt
- Grey pants
- Soccer shin pads
- Plastic funnel
- 5 ft of string (medium thickness)
- 1 ft of elastic string
- Black Sharpie pen
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Red card stock paper
STEP 2: PREPARE TIN MAN BODY
Take a piece of grey poster board and add two arm holes, cutting even 4” or 5” circles, to each side. On the front, using a Sharpie, add a few small circles down the body. Cut out a heart from red card stock and glue it to the chest on the left hand side of the costume.
Down one edge of the board, alternate punching holes about two inches apart. Repeat on the other edge.
STEP 3: SPRAY PAINT SHIN PADS AND FUNNEL
Gather the funnel and shin pads. Apply a couple coats of silver spray paint to each and let dry overnight.
Add elastic string to the base of the funnel by tying it to each side so it can be worn as a hat.
STEP 4: DRESS AND PAINT FACE
Put the child in their grey shirt and pants. Using the face paint, lightly cover their face in grey or silver.
STEP 5: PUT IT ALL TOGETHER
Have them put on the silver shin pads on their legs and funnel on their head. Slip their arms through the holes in the poster board, with the heart facing forward. Using the thick string, alternate it through the punched holes to lace up the back and ensure the body stays on.
Now your little Tin Man is set to hit the Yellow Brick Road (or more likely the pavement)! Enjoy, and Happy Halloween!
