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Coolest DIY Jack Skellington Halloween Costume

This Homemade DIY Jack Skellington Halloween Costume was really a lot of fun and my first attempt at creating a paper mache mask. I started because my company has really encouraged employee participation in our annual costume contest and I am proud to say that this year I won with this costume!

I began searching online for a costume that was cool, fun, scary and one which would come from items I already have around my house. The main wardrobe was a tuxedo and I happened to have an old one with tails from a person who lost her husband and gave me some of his clothes including the tuxedo I used.

Next I began on the mask, which required the most amount of work and time. I researched online and learned how using a balloon with paper mache could create a nice head shaped mask. After about 5-6 layers of newspaper cut into small strips (discovered larger strips won’t lay flat as well), I dipped them into my flour & water mix. Once it had dried completely for two days, I began to spray paint the entire mask white. I bought a small bottle of Testers black paint and used it for the eyes and nose and mouth portions. I cut out the eyes and glued strips of a black mesh I already had when I once repaired my concrete steps. It came on a roll and two small 5 inch strips glued in place and then taped with black electrical tape worked good and gave me good vision.

I do wish I had more air flow within the mask. I was pretty hot when inside but when I used it outside, it was much easier to stay in the mask. The tie was made by cutting the shape from a black cardboard and using a small amount of white paint to create the long branch type lines on the front. For the front I bought a small beanie-baby stuffed animal and cut off its head! I painted its ears black and nose black and used a small amount of white paint on the eyes. Next I glued the head to the cardboard tie and placed it under a table leg so that the weight would press it down and hold it still while it dried.

My last step for the tie was using a bowtie and electrical taped the back of the cardboard to the tie. It worked perfectly and allowed me to clip it around a white turtleneck shirt that I wore.
Purchased a cheap pair of white gloves and together it created a really decent copy of Jack Skellington. My co-workers loved it and I received many nice compliments along with winning our 2010 contest!

Hope the pictures show how it turned out.

Homemade DIY Jack Skellington Halloween Costume

Homemade DIY Jack Skellington Halloween Costume

Homemade DIY Jack Skellington Halloween Costume



Coolest Homemade Costume Contest 2023

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