Costumes! Costumes! Costumes!

The care and cleaning of a Santa beard and wig.

If the quality of your Santa wig and beard set is such that it is washable (some wig and beards set are cotton, mohair, or cheap synthetics and should not be washed), then washing your set should be done periodically.  If you opt not to wash the set, then a good spraying with Lysol or some other disinfectant should be used after every use, particularly on the mustache and chin strap, as well as the base (cloth or net base) of the wig.

Caveat.  Never, never have the wig and beard dry cleaned.  It might end up so matted that you will never get it looking good again, even with extensive brushing.

Using a mild detergent/soap, gently soak the wig and beard in water and then gently brush the interior of the wig, and the back of the mustache and chin strap with a stiff brush.  If you’ve used Spirit Gum to adhere the mustache to the upper lip, then you might need to use a spirit gum remover (likely available at your local costume shop) as part of this step in the process. 

The wig and beard at this point might be combed (again gently) to make certain the knotted and matted areas are removed.  Even though the wig/beard set may be naturally and permanently curled, the objective is to have it as straight and mat free as possible.  Then it (the set) should be layed on a terry cloth towel to dry naturally. Heat is a huge enemy, so never use a hair dryer to hasten the drying process.

If one is so inclined to ‘dress’ the wig and beard, that is, to re-wave it, this is probably a good time to do it…while it is still wet. 

We used clamps and ‘marceled’ (waves) the set.  The waves were alternated in rows from left to right and then right to left.  Visualize a 1920’s movie star and that is the effect you want in general 

Is this time consuming?  Yes, but you’ll have a much better looking Santa beard and wig for next season. 

On storage, yak hair and other natural hair can be affected by the light and cause the wig and beard to yellow if not properly stored.  Like a white wedding dress, it’s always a good idea to wrap the wig and beard in blue tissue paper.

Tips on putting on a Santa wig and beard with expert tips on being a professional Santa Claus this Christmas in this free holiday video clip. Expert: Pat Louis Bio: Patrick L. Sapia is a Singer, Actor, Comic, Impressionist, Writer, and Drummer based in Miami, Florida. He has been in Show Business for 52 years. Filmmaker: Paul Muller

Duration : 0:0:54

Another good, last minute idea for a costume, as submitted by a pair of unknown authors.

“i dont have any costumes because i decides to go trick or treating today on halloween and now theres no time.. but does anyone know any ideas for a 14 yr old grl for a home made costume(besides the pj costume thing lol) like should i paint my face a ladybug or something?”

“Ask your folks if you can borrow the laundry basket. Cut a hole out for you to step into- wearing it like a dress. It’ll be ruined, so ask first! Then pin some dryer sheets to your shirt in a random fashion. Then a few socks. Pinning them to the shirt and the bottom of your dress so they flow down. Then put sn empty botte of bleach and/or fabric softener in the basket, along with the empty box the dryer sheets came in, as well as an empty laundry soap bob. Walah!!! You’re, guess what…………… dirty laundry! Have fun and Happy Halloween!”

A question and answer from two unknown authors. Hope the sources listed are good, as I have no knowledge of them myself.  That last sentence is called a disclaimer.

Question: “I would like something unique and not slutty but still beautiful. If anyone knows how to make easy at home costumes please i need some tips. I would love to do something earthy like Mother Earth or Mother Nature. I saw some beautiful mid evil looking Mother Earth costumes on line but they are kind of pricey and id be afraid to buy online. Maybe i could buy an earthy colored, mid evil looking costume that isn’t too expensive and add some fall leaves and flowers? IDK Any ideas?” 

Answer:  “costume.lifetips.com become.com momswhothink.com http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/halloweentheme/a/091399.htm http://www.coolest-homemade-costumes.com/ http://www.robinsfyi.com/holidays/halloween/costumes.htm http://www.costumepage.org/hallocst.html http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/halloween_ms_costumes/ http://www.1halloween.net/html/costumes.html http://www.costume-works.com/homemade_halloween_costumes.html http://www.mahalo.com/homemade-halloween-costumes “

It was a dark and stormy night…. 

The rain is pouring, and gusts of wind.  The sky is black with hundreds, perhaps thousands of lightning strikes….

A clap of thunder…then another, and another…

The old church clock ticks off the last few seconds before midnight…..nine…eight…seven…six…five…four…three…two…

Scared yet?  Well you better be if you haven’t gotten your Halloween costume for that Hallowed Eve only three days hence.

What?  You don’t even have a Halloween costume idea?

Perhaps a review of this site will give you a few last minute ideas.  So wait not; hie to your nearest costume shop or…….. prepare for everlasting doom….!!!!!

Slideshow of clever, fun, nerdy and sexy costumes of past years from a lot of friends.

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Here is a cheap and easy way to make a Catwoman costume for halloween
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Here is a cheap and easy way to make a Sexy Bunny Costume for Halloween.

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http://www.squidoo.com/PlusSize-Halloween-Costumes Dressing up in costume is a fun way to let your personal style run wild. Halloween is the peak season for costume shopping and just because you wear a plus size doesn’t mean you’re limited in your costume choices. Go to http://www.squidoo.com/PlusSize-Halloween-Costumes to find out more! – created at http://animoto.com

Duration : 0:1:28

There has been a trend toward sexy costumes for teens and even pre-teens. Here is a question from one of those young people:

“I have to preform at a halloween band concert with the costume so i wanna look good, not weird. nothing stupid pleassee (ex NO bananas or john mccain costumes etcetc) ive got red hair so i got raggedy ann costume ideas, but i want more just incase, links help. thanks i really apreciate it”

The answer received was “Clara Bow (Famous Seductress of the 1920’s) Lucille Ball (Of I Love Lucy) Jessica Rabbit (Of Who Framed Roger Rabbit) Queen Elizabeth I Lily Potter Jean Grey (of X-Men) Erin Esurance (From E-surance commercials) Princess Fiona (of Shrek) Daphne (of Scooby Doo) Ginger (of Gilligan’s Island) Wilma Flintstone Jane Jetson Mary Jane Parker (of Spiderman) Wendy of the Wendy’s Restaurants Lizzie Borden (Famous axe murderer) Rose McGowan (of Charmed fame) Kim Possible Blossom (of Power Puff Girls) Strawberry Shortcake or Ariel from little mermaid (: hope this helped”

Not bad ideas!