Things You'll Need
Balloon
Ostrich plume
Masking tape
Paper mache pulp
Bowl
Cotton gauze
Straight pin
Scissors
Bronze acrylic paint
Paintbrush
If your child wants to dress up in a historical costume, such as for Halloween or for a class play, you do not have to purchase expensive costume accessories in order to make the costume look accurate. Instead, you can make some of the costume accessories yourself using craft materials. For example, if your child will be wearing a costume of a Roman soldier, you can make a Roman soldier's helmet using paper mache.
Step 1
Blow up a large, round balloon, and knot the end tightly. Tape a large ostrich plume onto the top of the balloon using masking tape.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Fill a bowl with 2 cups of hot water, and add 3 cups of paper mache pulp. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes undisturbed. The paper mache pulp will combine with the hot water to create a paste.
Step 3
Cut pieces of cotton gauze to measure 12 inches long, and dip each piece into the paper mache. Lay the strips of paper mache-covered gauze over the balloon and over the base of the ostrich plume. Cover the balloon with six layers of paper mache gauze. Allow the structure to dry for 3 hours.
Step 4
Pop the balloon with a straight pin, then remove the balloon from the bottom of the paper mache shell.
Step 5
Trim the bottom of the shell, opposite from the ostrich plume, so that the opening is 12 inches wide. This will allow the head to fit through.
Step 6
Cut out a large curve from the helmet, starting from the bottom edge, and cutting within 3 to 4 inches from the top. This will be the area for the face.
Step 7
Paint the helmet using bronze acrylic paint. Do not paint the plume. Allow the paint to dry for 30 minutes before wearing the Roman soldier's helmet.
Video of the Day