halloweiners

Halloween is just around the corner... I like it, but I've never been one of those people who starts planning their next costume on November 1st. I typically start brainstorming ideas a couple of weeks beforehand and try to use things I already have or items I can scrounge up at Goodwill for super cheap. Last year I was the Black Dahlia:

It was aight. I don't even remember what I was the year before that.. oh yeah, a flapper- BORINGGG (no offense to all you sexy flappers out there). But THIS YEAR, I am actually a 7 excited on the excitement scale of 1-10, 7 being 'omg I totally chose this as my costume six months ago but probably won't actually get around to putting it together until 10 days before the BIG DAY':

Yeah bitches! I'm gonna be this sassy little frassy, San, from Princess Mononoke. If you haven't seen it, you definitely should!

One of the main reasons I'm excited for this costume is that it seems super simple. Black dress or black tank and black skirt? CHECK. Old ivory camisole slashed up and down the sides? CHECK. Old beige t-shirt or pillow case to tie over my shoes for makeshift boots? CHECK. Armbands should be super easy, as should the headband, earrings, and face paint. So really, the craftiness comes in with the mask and cape. LUCKILY:

I found out Ikea has this amazingness in the fur bins! All I need to do is attach two corners with some  black ribbon or elastic with cone shaped ivory things hanging down, a la:

That should be simple enough. For the mask:

I've already bought the balloons to start molding it with papier mache. This is going to be the most difficult part, I think. I haven't played with papier mache in years and I think I'll have to practice to get it nice and smooth. But what's nice is I don't actually have to wear the mask on my face, I can find a way to secure it to the top of my head. Adding red fabric ears should be a cinch. I'll maybe post pictures of the process when its time!

What are you going to be for Hallowiener? Do you have any tips or secrets for papier mache-ing?