The Halloween Handbook

I am a huge proponent of making ones own Halloween costume. I mean, how often, as adults in particular, do we get to be creative? So I bought this book to further inspire my creativity, but after reading it, I'm on the fence about it. On the one hand there are some fairly good ideas inside, but then there are a lot of those that are for people with absolutely no imagination whatsoever combined with those so often seen Halloween cliches (the nightstand...boring!) I'd say if you are a costume making newbie, or a mom scrambling to make that homemade costume for your kids play, then by all means buy this book and get started, but if are a homemade costume veteran, look elsewhere.

Some of the costumes in this book are corny, cheesy, and just plain boring BUT there are some fun, creative ideas. There are no real big instruction lists but they are good ideas. I loved this book so much when I checked it out at the library that I had to buy a copy!

The collaborative effort of Halloween costume experts and enthusiasts Bridie Clark and Ashley Dodd, The Halloween Handbook: Dress-Up For Grown-Ups showcases 447 imaginative, easy-to-make, do-it-yourself costume concepts. From traditional favorites such as Wonder Woman or Peter Pan, to more eyebrow-raising unique costumes like the One-Night Stand (the costumegoer appears as an actual stand with lampshade over the head, bra and pantyhouse dangling on the tablecloth) or the Green Card (wearing a large green sandwich board humorously displaying a parody what a real green card looks like). Black-and-white photographs illustrate fun, zany, sometimes edgy ideas with practical suggestions to efficiently and frugally make a Halloween guise to remember. Especially recommended not only for Halloween, but as a source of ideas for costume parties year round or even school and community theater apparel.