Make an award-winning costume in one night with packing tape and newspaper

O the powers of packing tape. Make this fancy tree, or any other sculpted costume, in no time with little investment. The results are lightweight and easy to wear, while being unique and award-winning!

Basic materials you'll need (for the tree):
- 4-6 rolls of packing tape. we used brown since we were making a tree, but you can also spray paint the costume later
- newspaper
- random branches from the neighborhood
- colored construction paper for the leaves
- another person
- scissors

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Step 1: Line the Shell

First, start by making the shell. Wrap packing tape STICKY SIDE OUT around a person. This forms the non-sticky lining. You can add newspaper to the sticky outside to increase bulk. Because we wanted additional height, we taped four dowel rods to the shell to support the tape above the shoulders.

blizatrex says: Oct 7, 2012. 4:42 PM

This looks fantastic. I showed this to my daughter and now she wants to be a tree for Halloween.

morganlemae (author) in reply to blizatrexOct 7, 2012. 7:22 PM

OMg, takes pictures! how old is she? it's really fun to make.

blizatrex in reply to morganlemaeOct 9, 2012. 9:45 AM

she is 5. and i will take a few pictures.

blizatrex in reply to blizatrexFeb 1, 2013. 10:07 AM

here is a picture of my finished product

morganlemae (author) in reply to blizatrexFeb 1, 2013. 11:38 AM

Is that a blue ribbon I see?! Award-winning was a correct adjective I suppose. Congrats to you both!

blizatrex in reply to morganlemaeFeb 1, 2013. 8:59 PM

yes she took 1st in her age division at one of our cities costume contests.

morganlemae (author) in reply to blizatrexFeb 1, 2013. 11:26 AM

O my goodness, she is so adorable! Thank you for sharing and making my day.

poofrabbit says: Nov 13, 2012. 7:01 PM

Congratulations on being a finalist in the Halloween contest!!! Can’t wait to see if you win! Good luck!

morganlemae (author) in reply to poofrabbitNov 14, 2012. 3:19 PM

OOooo!!! Thank you. Exciting! Can't wait to hear!!

mezcraft says: Sep 10, 2012. 10:39 AM

I think this is stellar! I love the simplicity of it.. and the part that makes me kind of laugh, How long was somebody wearing this for in order for you to sculpt it..? because it looks like a long time and that's some serious dedication to a good outfit.

morganlemae (author) in reply to mezcraftSep 10, 2012. 12:59 PM

Thank you!! Once the initial form was made, it could be worked on without a person inside. It wasn't more than an hour!