Make a Grim Reaper Costume
| Now what is Halloween without a few eerie costumes, such as "The Grim Reaper?" Halloween is supposed to be all in fun, and there is nothing like a hair-raising costume to get you in the spirit of things. Enjoy! |
Steps
- Spray paint the stick that will be used for the scythe handle.
- Cut the cardboard in the shape of a scythe blade. Use stiff cardboard and have the stick next you in view whilst you do it, just so you don't make it too big or too small by mistake.
- Spray paint it and nail the blade on, using small nails and a hammer, or use tacks. Let the paint dry. You might want to add a little blood.
- If the sheet is already in the color desired, there is no need to dye it. If not, dye the sheet the color that you have chosen to create a cloak, or cape for "Grim Reaper." Once that is done, move on to the next step.
- Dress up in dark apparel, there's no need for shoes and socks because they should be obscured by the wide, hanging cloak, giving the costume a floating effect.
- You can wear a skeleton mask, a zombie mask, or do the usual look and just don't show your face. You can put something to cover the face, like a piece of tissue paper, and glue it to the top and bottom, but that's just a suggestion. Or you can cut a piece of black hosiery and slip it over your head.
- Use the (middle) edge of one side of the sheet, and place it over your head; once positioned just right, safety pin the cape from underneath the neck area, leaving it loose, and giving it a hooded look.
- Poke, or punch, holes to both the front and back of the sheet (on each side of the waist area) for the rope to be pulled through, thus allowing free movement for the arms.
- Cut the rope (to the length of your belt) and run it through the belt holes; then loop each end and make a knot on each of the ends (pull each end tight) and wrap around your waist. It will hold the cloak or cape in place.
- Get into the character by getting a scythe and a "Trick or Treat" bag or container, and you are off to a fun Halloween evening, as "The Grim Reaper."
- Make your hands look like bones (hope you have thin hands) by wetting your hands and then coating them in flour. Wait about 15 minutes before touching anything.
Tips
- It is suggested using the dark grey sheet for a child, for it will be much easier to see.
- Now what is an eerie costume without the perfect "Trick or Treat" bag, right? So try to come up with an idea that will fit the look, such as a black pillowcase, or a skeleton head with a handle.
- A full size sheet, or half bed sheet, can be used, depending on the size of the child.
- Make sure the costume is large enough to conceal any leg movement, if you want a floating affect.
- Use iron on tape if you need to have a seam somewhere to make the cloak or cape fit better. Follow instructions that come with the tape. The type of tape that is mentioned can be purchased at any store that sells cloth and patterns.
- For extra effect, find some dry waller's stilts at a local hardware store. They can be difficult to become accustomed to walking with and are somewhat expensive but they add an extra 18" of height making you a giant in the crowd. Make sure you add extra length to the cloak. This is extremely risky in the dark!
- If you want to go for a modern grim reaper look you can go for a long hooded jacket and even attache cardboard wings.
Warnings
- This can be a dangerous costume for trick or treaters as it is usually totally black and thus very difficult for cars to see at night. Stay with your children and make sure they obey the rules of the road on Halloween. You may also want to add reflective tape to the cloak for a small child's costume, or use reflective paint on the scythe.
Things You'll Need
- A sheet (jet black, dark grey or brown) or a dyed white sheet
- Rope (in order to make a belt) or tie for the cloak
- Dark pants and shirt to wear underneath the cape apparel
- Purple Skeleton Mask (Scary)
- A large stick (old broom or mop handle will do) to make scythe blade, also, will need cardboard to make a fake blade
- (1) Can of Dark Brown spray paint to paint the stick
- (1) Can of Silver, or White, spray paint for the blade
- (1) Pair of shoes (Jet black, dark grey or brown). It will totally depend on the Grim Reaper’s clothing. The same applies to the socks
- Safety pins
- Hammer and small nails, or tacks
