Alien

This cosmic costume -- complete with Ping-Pong tentacles and a third eye -- is literally out of this world!

Materials

Instructions

THE CAPE. Fold over the top of the 45- by 54-inch fabric piece 4-1/2 inches, then staple it in place, leaving the sides open. For the collar, cut a circle out of the bottom and center of a thick paper plate (so that it looks like a fat letter C). Slide the collar into the sleeve.
THE DRESS. Fold the 36- by 72-inch fabric piece in half to create a three-foot square; staple shut the side seams. Cut a 12-inch hole out of the top folded edge for the neck opening. For armholes, cut two diagonal slits from the bottom corners to 11 inches from each side and 22 inches from the bottom. Fold over a 3-inch hem in the dress' bottom and pin in place with paper fasteners spaced about 2 inches apart. Slide the tubing into the hem, then join both ends with tape.
THE SHOES. Cut and staple a circle of bubble wrap onto a thin paper plate. Make a 4-inch cut in both. Staple pieces of elastic along the left edge. Fold the plate in half and place over your child's shoe. Stretch one strap around the heel and the other under the shoe bottom and staple. Repeat for other foot.
SUNGLASSES. Cut the three-eyed shape out of cardboard; tape in the cellophane lenses. Staple a length of elastic between the ear pieces.
GLOVES. Tape together the pinky and thumb on each glove, then insert a Ping-Pong ball in each finger.
BALLOONS. Once your child is dressed and ready to go, add balloon accessories to her cape and hair to complete the wacky look.