Halloween costumes can be made at home

heloise

Dear Readers: Here are some cute ideas for inexpensive Halloween costumes you can make at home:

U Fairy princess or angel — Use pink tights and ballerina leotards. Make “wings” out of bent pipe cleaners wrapped in tinfoil or sparkly netting. Angels also can use this costume — just finish with a halo attached to a headband made from gold or silver craft wire (the bendable type that holds its shape).

URobin Hood, Peter Pan or a frog — Use green tights and a green T-shirt and shorts (to put over the tights). Make a hat out of green felt, and a quiver for bow and arrows out of cardboard. For a frog, do some creative face paint and add some cardboard webbed feet to slip over your child’s shoes. Your kiddo can paint the cardboard lime green.

UBunny or mouse — Use a pair of nonflammable sleeper pajamas in gray, pink or white. For a fat mouse, you can buy a larger size and stuff with pillows.

URobot — Use a cardboard box for the body, and spray-paint it silver. Cut holes for arms and legs. Make a hat out of construction paper by forming it into a cone shape and taping shut. Leggings in black or silver and face paint will finish the look.

UGypsy — Find some scarves and glittery jewelry. Use a long, flowing skirt — the brighter the better. Make a head covering with one of the scarves, and add cheap clip-on hoop earrings. Add a white, billowy blouse, and you’re done. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Through the years, I’ve received a multitude of (preprinted) return-address labels with my name and address on them, some from unsolicited sources and others from organizations of which I’m a member. I wondered what to do with them all, then had an idea.

I make personal cards out of them (business-card size). I’ve given out many to people who ask for my name and address. The cards didn’t cost me anything but time. They can be generic or promote a special interest or organization. George Kropp, Rancho Cordova, Calif.

Cute idea, George! I especially liked seeing the colorful sample cards you sent. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Reading your recent column about the little boy who was instructed to find a “grandma” if he got lost brought back memories.

When my kids were small, I told them that the moment they thought they were lost, to stop and stand still like a tree. I promised that I would never leave without them, and the moment I noticed them gone, I’d retrace my steps back to them.

At the grocery store, I overheard my 4-year-old (one aisle over) urgently tell her 6-year-old brother to stop and stand like a tree. They were rewarded with a lollipop that day! Mary Laptiuk Pierce, Grapevine, Texas

Good advice that may prevent a child from getting lost. Heloise

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate