Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Halloween Costumes Should Be Safe And Fire Retardant

Halloween is not so much ghouls and goblins, as it is a chance to dress up and be someone you're not.

Michelle James, clothing specialist for the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas, advises parents to help children select a new identity that can feature face paints instead of a mask. The reason? James says it is safer, because it doesn't limit visibility or hamper physical activity.

You can buy face paints already mixed, but James says it's very easy to make paints from common household items. Make-up can be made by mixing one part soft shortening to two parts cornstarch. Add cocoa for a brown color or food coloring for other colors. You can make warts by mixing a little peanut butter with shredded coconut.

Before applying face paint, first coat the face with a thin layer of shortening or cold cream.

After rubbing either product on the face and other body parts to receive paint, tissue most of it off to leave a thin film. Then, apply the paints. If the face needs to be marked in sections, use an eyebrow pencil to draw the sections.

James said the white-base home formula does not give the complete coverage that is sometimes desired for ghosts and clowns. She recommends a commercial face paint or a white under-eye makeup stick for better results.

Of course, regular cosmetics can be used, too, especially if you don't use home made make-up. Remember to exaggerate lines and colors to make the make-up appear mask-like.

As for actual costumes, James suggests using clothing you've got at home, or improvising. For instance, a ghost can be made using a white sheet with a hole cut out for the head. Use face paints for a ghostly look and top with a straw hat pinned with floppy, artificial flowers, or other lightweight items. Secure the hat to the head by tying with a loose string.

A witch can be made by painting brown scowl lines on the child's face. Use white formula makeup to make teeth along the upper lip. Apply peanut butter warts.

Take two sheets of black construction paper to make a hat. For the hat crown, wrap one sheet of black paper around the child's head to form a cone. Tape to hold. Shape the bottom to fit the head.

For the hat brim, cut a black circle about 12 inches in diameter. Center the cone on the circle and draw around it. Cut out the center of the circle, leaving about 1 1/2 inches inside the cone outline. Cut some slashes to the brim and bend the sections upward. Slide the circle over the cone and tape, or use a glue gun to hold in place.

Make a hat band out of other colored construction paper.

Make a cape by buying a square of fabric. Turn down one corner and use a safety pin or velcro closure to fasten.

Witches can hold onto brooms or wands.

Clowns can be made by stuffing oversized clothing with newspaper. Use suspenders to keep up pants. Paint the face and add a collar made from accordion folded construction paper.

Don't let costumes that appear to be sewn throw you. James said you can cut out the pieces and use a glue-gun to join them. Costumes constructed using fabric and glue guns can be washed without weakening the bond.

Whatever the costume, make sure your child can be seen. Sew, glue or pin reflective tape to shoes and costumes.

"Let your imagination be your guide. Once you start looking for costumes, you'll find you have enough pieces right at home to make your own," James said.

County offices of the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas can give parents more ideas for safe costumes and Halloween safety in general.