Last-Minute Cardboard Costume Ideas from Imagination Hive

The Imagination Hive builds a lot of costumes from the recycling box. These four work the week of Halloween, when there is no time to sew.

Robot

One box for the body, circles of paper for buttons, and a smaller box hat. Cut arm holes before you paint.

Lion

A paper-plate face plus strips of kraft paper glued around the edge. An elastic under the chin holds it.

Crown or king

A strip of cardboard, triangles along the top, and paint. Add a cape from a pillowcase if you have one.

Race car

A box worn at the waist with paper wheels on the sides. The child holds the bottom so it stays put.

Fit check

Have them sit, reach, and walk to the door before you add the last details. A costume that cannot sit down will not last the party.

Want the mess to stay at the studio? Open Studio in Milton is a drop-in hour for this kind of making. Weekend sessions are on the events page.