Make an Award-winning Costume in One Night With Packing Tape and Newspaper

by morganlemae

41K4921

Intro: 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

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.

STEP 2: Finish the Shell

Continue building the tape up to your desired height. I called the bar to make sure their ceiling heights were high enough (15'... good). Complete the shell by wrapping a layer of the tape sticky side in. Leave openings for the arms and/or legs. The person inside the shell at this point should be comfortable with dark confined spaces. The next step will provide claustrophobic relief. 

STEP 3: Begin the Tree-ing Process.

Cut out a hole out for which to see. Tape the branches to the top of the shell. 

STEP 4: Add Details

Finish the branch taping, and use the packing tape and newspaper to sculpt bark, knots, and other details.  Cut out paper leaves and tape them to the end of the branches. Add stuff animals or any other personal fun items. Stay up late. 

STEP 5: Win Shots for All Your Friends.

Bike cautiously and enter through doors bent over. Later win best costume and share the glory with all your great friends. 

20 Comments

heather.l.levy 9 years ago

Did you have to cut the back to get in and out or did the woman just slip it over? Just wondering how the man got it off after making the holes. Thanks!

morganlemae 3 months ago

It slides down over your head like a shirt. It's so tall, it's better to do outside

BethB1 9 years ago

Did you use the plastic packing tape or the paper kid that you need to wet with a sponge?

morganlemae 9 years ago

Just plain ol' packing tape! Instead of the clear, we used a brownish color, but you can always spraypaint/paint it at the end!

blizatrex 11 years ago

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

morganlemae 11 years ago

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

blizatrex 11 years ago

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

blizatrex 11 years ago

here is a picture of my finished product

morganlemae 11 years ago

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

blizatrex 11 years ago

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

morganlemae 11 years ago

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

poofrabbit 11 years ago

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

morganlemae 11 years ago

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

mezcraft 11 years ago

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 11 years ago

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

Penolopy Bulnick 12 years ago

Great costume! The packing tape imitates bark really well.