Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup: sea creature costumes

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sea creature costumes

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Forum Discription: For how-to's and where-can-I-find
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4507
Printed Date: 11/04/25 at 2:55am
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Topic: sea creature costumes

Posted By: pianocatkris10
Subject: sea creature costumes
Date Posted: 3/08/10 at 4:32pm

I'm directing a kids play at my church, and the majority of the cast is to be dressed up as sea creatures. I have some good ideas on how to make costumes for the kids. (Keep in mind that I have basically no budget available & very little help. I also do not sew - I use the hot glue gun to adhere fabric together. It might sound dumb, but it's always worked for me!) I am struggling however on the octopus costume - i made the 8 legs by cutting long, slanted pieces of fabric, gluing the edges together, & stuffing with cotton. But I'm not sure how to make the head so that it is the same color fabric as the legs as well as having the legs attatched to the head while being adjustable. I was considering paper-mache over a large balloon, but not sure how to cover the paper mache with fabric & make it adjustable. Also, I'd like to have clams/oysters but can't think of any costume ideas. Also, any ideas on how to convey the look of a tropical fish? Let me know if you have any fairly inexpensive, easy sea creature costume / prop ideas. Thanks!

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-Kristen

Replies:

Posted By: David McCall
Date Posted: 3/08/10 at 5:32pm

Consider using strips and scraps of fabric instead of paper. It is a bit stronger and less likely to crack. You could make your last layer be the same fabric you used for the legs, but don't soak that layer, just lay it over the previous layers. I've never tried it, but it might work.

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David M

Posted By: neilfortin
Date Posted: 3/16/10 at 9:56am

How about taking the hood off a sweatshirt, that is a similar color to the glued legs and attaching the legs to the hood, so that the actors face actually pokes out the front of the hood when the strings are tied. the actors face can be painted to match?

Neil

Clams and oysters can be made from large sheets of pink insulation cut into clam/oyster shapes and hot glued to the back of matching sweatshirts...the head of the actor can be the "pearl" painted with pearlized facepaint.

Neil

PM me for more info if you want!

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