DIY Superhero Costume Ideas

You have been invited to a Superheroes party. Great!! But, what do you wear?

You visit your favourite costume shop, if you are a guy you'll find:

• Batman
• Robin
• Green Lantern
• The Flash
• Iron Man
• Zorro
• Ninja Turtles
• Thor
• Captain America
• Spiderman

and there the list pretty much stops. For girls is even worse:

• Wonder Woman
• Supergirl
• Batgirl

and if you stretch it you get:

• Miss Ironnet
• Female Robin
• Spidergirl
• Female Zorro

So you choose one and when you get to the party find that there are 10+ others dress exactly like you. Maybe it's time to get creative. Choose an obscure superhero and make your own costume or even better, create your unique superhero.

Here are some easy steps for creating your own superhero:

1. First lets choose a character: you could use an animal: SuperPug, SuperParrot, SuperGecko, Snakeman, etc. You get the idea. You could use a fruit or vegetable: SuperBroccoli, Onionman, Peachgirl, etc. You can use an object: StaplerMan, SuperPencil, SuperIce, etc. Or even a colour: SuperRed, GreenMan, etc
2. Once you have you character it's time to think of the costume. Think of the colour scheme.
3. There are a few accessories which are common to most superheroes: tights, cape and a big logo (initial) for the front of the costume.
   The tights you'll have to buy, and it's easy to get them in pretty much any colour.
   The cape you can buy it. Red, blue, black you will have not trouble finding, other colours are more difficult. You can also make it yourself, it is quite easy. Buy a piece of fabric and cut a half circle. Attach two pieces of velcro about 15cm from the centre point of the semicircle on each side to attach the cape to your top. If you see that the fabric is likely to come apart easily without a hem you can seal the edges with PVA glue.
4. To create the logo choose a metallic fabric. In a piece of paper draw the first letter of your character name or you can create a more fancy logo, or ask a friend to draw you one. It has to be big enough to stand out. Once you are happy with it, cut it out and using PVA glue evenly glue the paper cutout to the back of the fabric. Leave it to dry and then using small sharp scissors cut around the paper logo, trimming the extra fabric. You could add an edge with black marker if you wish to make it stand out more.
5. Find a tight fitting top that will match your overall costume and glue the logo on it.
6. You can use left overs for the logo or cape fabric to create a belt.
7. Now all you need is a mask. A plain black mask will do fine in most cases. If you chose an animal you can buy an animal mask. You can also make your own mask by cutting a strip of fabric about 5cm wide and 80cm long. Cover your eyes and with a marker draw a point in the centre of each eye (you may ask somebody's help). Cut two holes for the eyes where the marks are. Another alternative is to use face paint to draw a mask on your face.

And there you have it, you'll have an original costume that will be the centre of attention. Everybody will want to know which superhero you are and what are your special powers (think out some of them before getting to the party).