By Sheralee White

As part of Book Week in August, we put together a homemade Lego man costume for my six-year-old son. It took a few days to make but certainly wasn’t difficult at all.

With Halloween next week, I thought it was the perfect time to share how we made it for anyone looking for kids costume ideas.

Things you’ll need:

  •  Cardboard box large enough to fit your child
  •  4 small round takeaway containers (or small cat/dog food tin)
  •  A hot glue gun with 3-4 glue sticks (these can be purchased from discount shops for about $7)
  •  Pencil
  •  Flour
  •  Water
  •  Salt
  •  Newspaper
  •  Plain white paper
  •  1 can of spray paint

Timeframe:

2-3 days to make

STEP 1

Remove the flaps on the open box. On the opposite end, cut out a hole, large enough to fit your child’s head through. Cut smaller holes on each side to fit your child’s arms through.

pic

STEP 2

One at a time, place the containers on the front of the box and use them to trace a circle using a pencil. Remove the container and follow the pencil outline with the glue gun. Stick the container, edge down, onto the glue. Repeat for each container.

pic2.3

STEP 3

Now you need to make the paper mache, Mix one part flour with one part water (about 1 cup flour and 1 cup water is enough) until you get a thick glue-like consistency. Add a bit more water if it’s too thick.

Mix well with a spoon to get rid of all the bumps. Add a few tablespoons of salt to help prevent mould.

  • You need to use strips of newspaper only.
  • Let the newspaper strips soak in the paper mache glue a little before using.
  • Cover your artwork with only 2-3 layers, then let dry completely. This is an important step.
  • Once a layer is dry you can add 2-3 more layers, remembering to let each layer dry before adding the next one.
  • The final layer can be plain paper – so it’s easier to paint – but use the thinnest paper possible and make sure it’s soaked well in the paper mache glue.

pic4

STEP 4

Using the pencil, write the words Lego on each raised container, then with the hot glue gun follow over the words so that the word is raised in glue.

pic5

 

STEP 5

You’re ready to paint your block in your favourite Lego block colour.

pic6

STEP 6

Grab your child and start having some fun.

What have you made recently with boxes?

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