So my kid wants to be a math book for Halloween...

[Momgonepostal]

Do any of you crafty people have any good suggestions about how to make a math book costume? I was thinking maybe she could wear it sort of like a sign board, with the two pieces of whatever material attached at the top, leaving a hole for her head. Should I buy pieces of foam to do this...or does someone have a better idea? I thought cardboard might get bent too easily. Whacky kids! She said a math book is about the scariest thing she could think of. :silly:

[NMMNG]

1. I'd recommend foam-board

It's thin (about 1/4" thick) and durable yet very lightweight. You can write on it, glue things to it, staple things to it and even use needles or pins in it. It's available in any decent craft store in various sizes.

[Momgonepostal]

3. I've used that for other things...

how big does it come, do you know? She'll be 11 by Halloween but is a shorty. Should I try to do a side binding, and if so, how?

[NMMNG]

9. I've only used it once to make a sign

So I don't know how many different sizes it comes in. As to how to actually put it together as a costume--I've never done that myself. I have no kids nor do I work with them. Maybe some of the parents or teachers here would have an idea.

[hickman]

5. Good idea but start with a big box.

Go to one if those moving companies, or those storage places, and pick out a box that comes close to fitting. They're pretty cheap. A black turtle neck and black leotards, and cut the box to make it comfortable for her.

[Momgonepostal]

7. Thank you, and welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Richard Steele]

2. I'd try to start with a cardboard box of the right proportions.

If all the sides are intact save for the holes,
it should be strong enough to last one night.

[Momgonepostal]

4. You know, I didn't even consider that

I kept thinking it would need to be in two pieces. I just might keep on the look out for the right sized box.

[Richard Steele]

6. Well, I can't take credit for the idea.

I know someone who did THIS once:

[Momgonepostal]

8. LOL...that's a great costume!

[Momgonepostal]

10. kick for Tuesday!

[KurtNYC]

16. That's funny and kind of inspiring

maybe I should go as a "Jeb B*sh 2008" bumpersticker ? (scary no?)

I'm thinking use a box as other have said but I would make the book just as big as her torso basically. The top could rest on her shoulders but make it short enough that she could sit down when she wants to. About like this guy:


(he is afraid of wine sold in boxes apparently)

[Momgonepostal]

19. Yikes, Jeb Bush 2008?

That's right up there with Freddie Krueger. Think of the children! :rofl:

Thanks for posting that picture, that gives me clear idea of how to make it work. I like that size. And wine in boxes is scary!

[datasuspect]

11. don't take this wrong

and i know i don't even know you, but i ADORE your child. that is probably the most interesting kid story i have heard in a long time.

[Momgonepostal]

15. LOL...Thank you!

She's a fun and funny child. :-)

[Left Is Write]

12. Ahhh! I have no suggestions, but...

what a kid! I think it's a terrific idea.

[Momgonepostal]

17. Thanks, it was her idea

She's actually not bad at math, but hates it, and is very dramatic about it.

[MrCoffee]

13. your kid is awesome.

i have no idea how to make the costume (FWIW, i think foam-core is the way to go), but you HAVE to do it. that's the greatest halloween costume ever.

[Momgonepostal]

18. Thank you!

If it turns out well, I'll take pics and post them.

[CanuckAmok]

14. If it was my math book...

I'd just stuff her in my locker until the end of 12th grade.

It's a little abstract, but at least you wouldn't have to worry about her trick or treating.

[displacedtexan]

20. I made the book from Hocus Pocus several years ago.

I started with the cardboard box, a knife, and some duct tape.

When the box fit over my daughter, I made wide elastic shoulder straps
and covered the box with cheap carpet padding (glued on), overlapping
the edges so it looked like a book cover.

Then, I spray painted the whole thing black. The final painting was
with a brush: brown and red to look like leather. Oh, yeah, and I glued the
eye on (one of those dollar store bouncing rolly eye toys)
and used caulking to build up around it. Then, more painting.

[Momgonepostal]

21. Those are some great suggestions, thank you!

I like idea of padding over the box.

[1gobluedem]

22. I made a Wheaties box costume one year

I blew up a photo of the kid that was perfect for the front, glued it onto the box, then took digital photos of every side of the box. I sent the photos to Kinkos and they blew them up to poster size which I then glued onto a carton which I'd covered in black plastic. Then we cut head and armholes. It worked great and he was a hit in the school parade and beyond.