Halloween will be here before you know it, and if you’re planning to make costumes, you know that the time to get started is NOW! This is the costume I made for my son when he was two years old: a carnival side show strong man. I lost track of how many compliments I received on this strong man costume! It was incredibly easy to make, and by using several items from the dollar store, like the t-shirt, I saved a bundle over a store bought costume.
This post first appeared at Dollar Store Crafts, where I am a contributor.
Strong Man Costume Supplies
- Black T-shirt
- Paint
- Styrofoam balls (2)
- Dowel Rod
Step one: Use a black t-shirt that is large enough to go from the child’s shoulder’s to mid-thigh. Turn the shirt inside out. I used a one piece romper as a pattern, otherwise you can measure your child to determine where to cut. Mark your pattern with chalk (as pictured) and cut.
Step two: Leaving the shirt inside out, sew where the white chalk lines are in the photo above. Flip the shirt right side out for the next step.
Step three: Paint a buckle and belt onto the costume. I use washi tape (or use painter’s tape) to help make straight lines. I used glitter paint to make the belt stand out. Let the paint dry.
I added a tattoo sleeve, found at Dollar Tree, to the costume, but he did not keep that on. Draw on a loopy mustache with face paint, and your muscle man is ready for the carnival….I mean, Halloween! I live in Central Texas, where it’s still pretty hot at Halloween, so during the day he wore the costume as is, and at night I just had to put a shirt underneath to keep him warm.
If you’re going as a group, you can add lots of side act characters to accompany your strong man. I went as the bearded lady, and my husband was a sword swallower. Who says Halloween is just for kids?
Looking for more Halloween inspiration? I have lots of DIY costume ideas HERE.
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