Homemade costumes that don't bite

Everyone knows about the old cut-eyes-into-a-white-sheet-to-make-a-ghost costume.

Believe it or not, there are more original do-it-yourself Halloween ideas out there, many of them easy to make and inexpensive.

Here are a few ideas from costume books offered at the Cape Girardeau Public Library and Internet sites:

Hula Girl:

Make a "grass" skirt using 1-inch thick strips of colorful crepe paper, stapled or glued around a cardboard belt. Layer the crepe strips for a fuller look. Wear the skirt over a bathing suit and add crepe paper leis. (Dazzling Disguises and Clever Costumes)

Knight:

Cut out a shield, helmet and arm/leg covers from cardboard. Cover in aluminum foil and add red and blue accents. Use an empty wrapping paper roll as a swor sad by smashing it flat and cutting one end into a point. Cover in foil and decorate the handle. (Dazzling Disguises and Clever Costumes)

Dress for success:

Finally, a use for old prom and brides' maid dresses. Add embellishments such as ribbons and bows, puffy sleeves and even spray paint the fabric to make a costume fit for a princess or queen. (Halloween: A Grown-up's Guide to Creative Costumes, Devilish Decor and Fabulous Festivities.)

Back to basics:

You can make a variety of costumes using these basic items: black gloves, tights in various colors, stretchy running pants, shorts or tops, a long black or white skirt, short black or white skirt, black turtleneck, capes of any kind, clothing with texture (like fur), old nightgowns or slips, old boots, pointy shoes, oversized mens' suits, costume jewelry, old hats. (Halloween: A Grown-up's Guide to Creative Costumes, Devilish Decor and Fabulous Festivities.)

Other ideas

Leafblower: Wear a baseball cap with a leaf dangling down in front of your face. When someone asks what you are, blow on the leaf.

Quarter Pounder:

Carry a quarter and a hammer. If someone asks what you are, put the quarter down and pound it with the hammer.

Hot Air Balloon: Take an old round laundry basket and cut leg holes in the bottom. Place netting over an extremely large helium balloon and attach it to the rim of the basket. Decorate the balloon and basket with curly ribbon.

Attack Dog Trainer:

Take a stuffed dog and sew it to the arm of a long-sleeved shirt so it looks like it is biting you. Wear a name tag ("Bob's Attack Dog School). Add blood and scratches all over your body.