Washington Monument Halloween Costume (construction, rating, decorating)

[Caladium]

This year I want to be The Washington Monument for Halloween. Cracks and all. Turn up the music and watch me do the Earthquake!

So.... any ideas on how to make a costume like this?

[RUSDC]

foam.

[Carlingtonian]

Sounds cool! You could try balsa wood--very soft and light. They might have some at Michael's or an art-supply store.

It's very fragile, though; I think cardboard might work better. You could cut up some boxes and then glue long wooden dowels on the inside, as a framework.

[HokieFan]

And don't forget to add little people rappelling down you!

[yamota]

and pay attention to detail, remember, it's all in the details. Make sure the bottom third is a lighter color than the top

[Carlingtonian]

Caladium, for your costume, you should paint a little guy down at the bottom, in a tank-top t-shirt with a cigarette in one hand and an axe in the other, trying to chop down the Monument. A speech bubble could have him cursing in Russian: "@#$! Monument is haven for insects!" I'm sure RUSDC or RUSVA would be happy to provide a translation.

[jillabean]

If you want something lighter and you are handy, you could make a frame (maybe out of wood) and cover it with white cloth. Then paint the cloth to look like masonry. I think something like that would make a "smoother" look than a more rigid material (but it could be harder too--I don't know). The costume would be lighter too and less likely to crack or break if someone bumps into you on the dance floor.

I'd be careful about being too accurate with color--I am not sure if many people know that the monument is two colors due to the gap in the construction.

I love the idea of little people repelling down, lol.

good luck!

[Carlingtonian]

Another monument-decorating idea: YMMV--Your Monument May Vibrate!

You could paste a photo of that guy "Mayhem" from the Allstate commercials saying "Shakey, shakey!" (Not Dennis Haysbert but the guy in the suit who causes the auto accidents; he also plays Liz Lemon's idiot ex-boyfriend on 30 Rock.)

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by yamota

and pay attention to detail, remember, it's all in the details. Make sure the bottom third is a lighter color than the top

I just made this costume and you're right--that touch really makes it look right. I made it out of foam. So easy to do, plus the foam cushions the little pastic rapellers when I walk (and they bounce around).

[destinedtodave]

Great idea! I could see this easily looking like kkk robes though lol.