My son is at that age (11) where he wants to be something terrifyingly spooky for Halloween – but he is also at that age where he is no longer content with most store-bought options.
This year he decided that he wanted to dress at Jason Voorhees from the infamous Friday the 13th series – an interesting choice as he has never actually seen any of the movies.
This started us on a long and painful online and physical search for the perfect costume. We found everything, from the $9.99 boy-sized cheap coverall version to the $80 decent-looking adult versions that were way too big for him.
Frustrated, I decided that I needed another alternative. So, I rewatched the movies (seriously, why do they always run through the woods? ) and decided that I could recreate the clothing myself.
I purchased an old used army jacket on ebay ($12) and a packet of charcoal briquettes ($3.95). I repurposed (a.k.a. stole) an old thermal undershirt from my husband and an old white t-shirt.
I layered the shirts on the hanger and with the blade of a pair of scissors, I started fraying the shirts in different areas. I was careful to swipe across versus actually cutting the fabric – I wanted a worn old look, not a cut modern style.
Then I donned a pair of gloves, soaked a piece of briquette, and started scraping all visible areas. I was careful not to create any inadvertent patterns – the stains needed to look random, caused by age.
I then added a distressed hockey mask and the project was complete.
I was pretty happy with the results and my son loved the overall look- the best part was the cost savings (an important point when you have three kids).
As moms, we are continually buying, creating, and transforming people and things. There is always an endless array of parties, contests, and shows – and I just want to point out that there are always options. We do not have to be boxed into ready-made or expensive options when sometimes, with a little creativity, we can create something amazing. And the whole experience can be even more memorable if you involve the kids and let them help. In that way, you help foster creativity and pride as you create something unique.
