Modesty's Costume Closet

This post is highlighting my (somewhat flawed) research methods and decision process for a particular costume part: Hoof Boots. (Like the ones pictured below.) Creature Feet by ChaosCostumes I am trying to decide whether or not to purchase the boots from an artist or to make them myself.  There are several options to weigh, one of them being whether it's worth investing in a new skill. Methods Buy on Etsy Follow Tutorial My Method Pros and Cons Etsy Pros: No mess in my apartment, high quality from an experienced creator, safety tested Cons: Limited design choices and colors, shoe sizes too big, have to wait for shipping Tutorial Pros: Definitive proof that the method works, final design look is in my control Cons: I have no experience making these things, very difficult to find used/cheap shoes in my size, Big mess, hazardous chemical materials, Not necessarily cheaper My version Pros: Potentially most economical method, design in my control, shoe guaranteed to fit, ankle support,

So spooky! The idea for this costume came from my brainstorming on what to wear for office Halloween. I do have a couple of already made costumes I could use that I haven't worn yet, but I was hit with this idea when I remembered that I 3D printed a fox skull mask and found my "shaggy" faux fur fabric. I have so much scrap material around that I'm just "saving for a rainy day". Well, the rainy day has come and I wish to use up my scraps and clear out some of my closet. So...the spirit of greed and starvation the Wendigo.  Components  The costume was in part inspired by another person's 3D kit on Thingiverse . It used a variation of the fox skull, added antlers and long claws. So, what I'm borrowing from that design is:  Skull Mask Antlers long Claws Fur Hood Where I will differ is I'm using this as an excuse to finally make those Hoof Boots I wanted. I am also making the cloak part more like a Ring Wraith or Dementor cloak.  Body long-sleeved shi

 Them bones, them bones, them dry bones. Such a stark reminder of what is left of us after we pass. But we can make them quite colorful in some cases.  What is a Skeleton? A skeleton is the bone remains of a human. Calavera is just the Spanish word for it, but it is often associated with the painted sugar skulls of Día de les Muertos.  Tell-Tale Features Bones Skull (Painted for Calavera) Common Themes Graves Dancing Mexico Coffins Flowers Showing off bones whether you are going for a hyper-realistic look or more simplified will more often than not be a black and white situation. But never let convention stifle creativity! Making colorful bones is definitely encouraged. You don't need to stick strictly with painting a sugar skull either! Take on different looks like tattooed bones or bones with an etched design.  Calavera do hold cultural significance to a modern day culture...namely Mexico. So there is an issue with cultural sensitivity to keep in mind. The idea of painted skulls

 👻 BOO! Who you gonna call now? Ghosts are such a cliché part of Halloween, but it is a classic "easy" costume.  I got a rock! What is a Ghost? A ghost is an ethereal representation of a dead person's spirit. It often is considered a soul stuck on "this side" and unable to pass peacefully.  Tell-Tale Features Colorless/White/Grey Transparent Common Themes Formless Glowing Victorian/Historical Tattered Chains/Imprisoned Cold Prankster Grave Death Since we have not made CGI costumes accessible to the common man or reality, being a see-through being is going to require some serious trickery. You can think "x-ray" or at least partial x-ray with make-up.   Lighting effects can make a big impression since a slight "glow" is often associated with a ghost-like appearance. The cause of death for your ghost can also serve as inspiration. However, unlike zombies, ghosts are bloodless and don't show gore in the same way. You could think in terms of

 🧻🚽 You could argue that a mummy is just another kind of zombie. And technically, you'd be correct. However, it has such a distinct history and looks that is unlike the gooey undead that is zombies.  What is a Mummy? A mummy is the result of Ancient Egyptian funeral rites that preserves the body. However, mummification can occur naturally and with different variations throughout cultures and locations. (Wet mummies are a thing.)  Tell-Tale Features Body wrapped in bandages Dried up skin Common Themes Ancient Egyptian Wealth Curses Desert Sand Bogs Death Masks Cats Egypt has the most iconic mummies, but there are many indigenous tribes that also perform similar rites for their dead. However, in this day and age we have a heightened sense about portraying cultures that are not our own. Some portrayals may come off as disrespectful, so perhaps double check before posting your costume pics online.  Also consider that wraps do not have to be physically wrapped around your body. You co