Love costumes? Love books? Love kids occupying themselves? This is such a great combination of all of those things! 
So we know that I love books. And we also know that I love costumes, so it’s really not a shocker that I feel in love with Clever Costumes by Shannon Whitt. Downtown Bookworks generously sent me two copies one to review and one to giveaway and can I just say it’s SO cool!
I honestly have to say my favorite part of this book is how ridiculously unique all the costumes are. Really clever is totally the right name for this collection.
They are so creative and made from inexpensive and mostly free materials. I am totally smitten with this Queen of Hearts costume made from Target bags.
But Clever Costumes is not just full of easy to follow directions to totally unique costumes but it comes with some costume making supplies like satin, duct tape, velcro and elastic cord.
I love the fact that this is a kit. As much as I like it as someone who makes tons of costumes I could see this being a fantastic give to a kiddo or tween who is into creating things or fashion.
The beginning of the book starts with a lot of basics that you could take to make your on creative costume. Then it continues to give project after project of cool costumes with step by step instructions for each.
I mean really how fun is this gladiator?
It is 64 pages of eye-candy, instruction, and inspiration. I was expecting to like this costume making book but really I can’t say enough good things about it.
I only wish that I had written it. It really is a gem and I think all costume lovers would like having it in their collection. It is great for all skill levels.
Whether you’re a beginner or a costume making fiend like me I think you would definitely enjoy and learn a lot from this book.
And if you want to see one of the costumes in action, the author Shannon has a YouTube video that demonstrates how to make a simple bag skirt that is the basis for both her rocker girl and pirate girl costume. But make sure to check out the book and costume kit yourself!
You also may like:
Easy DIY Turkey Place Setting kids craft (also turns into a hair clip)
Best fitting cloth face mask pattern for kids (with tons of tips)
Delicious Halloween munch mix it’s so good!
I LOVE coordinating costumes and here are tons of family costume tutorials!
Polly @ Pieces by Polly says
Well, this is more like the favorite costume I ever made. I made a Hobbes the Tiger costume for my daughter. (My son was Calvin and Hubby and I were Calvin’s parents.) Hobbes is on this 5th year as the FAVORITE pajamas…three years by my daughter until she had ridiculously grown out of them, and now by my son. Worth all the time and money making the costume.
Sara says
My mom made me a princess costume out of her prom dress, I always felt so glamorous wearing that costume.
Sara says
I visited Downtown Bookworks and saw the “Lonely sock book”. This would be awesome for all those lonely socks in a basket in my room.
Polly @ Pieces by Polly says
I think The Lonely Sock Club book looks fun. Goodness knows we’ve got plenty of those hanging around our house.
Briton says
My 8 year old son would love pretty much all the books at Downtown Bookworks! I think he’d especially like to snuggle up with the ICKtionary!
Suzanne Winter says
I was Glenda the GOod Witch – my mom made this gorgeous dress with a long over skirt of tule – the best part was the clear plastic crown that must have been over 2 feet high and adorned with so much glitter – it was a gorgeous costume! My mom made amazing costumes when we were growing up!!!
Lindsay @Artsy-Fartsy Mama says
One year I was Strawberry Shortcake. Loved it!!
This book looks pretty awesome! Thanks for the chance to win!!
shirley tener says
There were many since my Birthday is NOV 1st, but I made myself into Carrie with so many goodwill long gowns, it was fun to wear, On my way to the party, I was pulled over by the police because if you remember the movie from the 1970’s film she has a bucket of blood poured on her, well I did enough for effect and a cop thought I was hurt.. it was funny
Kristina says
I was Dorothy from Wizard of Oz one year. My fashion-designer aunt made me the gingham dress, so I felt so special. I also got to carry around my favorite dog stuffed animal, Pepper. I wore silver sparkly shoes too, because that’s what they were in the book. Many people asked why they weren’t Ruby red, my little 8 year old self had to correct them!
Kristina says
The Lonely Sock Club looks adorable. I would love to see what ideas they have for all our lonely socks. Cute craft for the kiddos!
Emily says
My favorite costume was probably when I was Cleopatra. I made most of the costume (at 10) and had so much fun with it.
Emily says
I love the Crafty Princess book. I would totally make all of those things. I always loved this type of book and I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to enjoy them with me!
Katie Adams says
My favorite costume ever was when I dressed up as the headless horseman. And it was the easiest costume ever. A long cape tied up over my head.
Debra says
I am kind of obessed with the Junk Food Junkie Costume I had as a kid…
Mara says
My favorite costume as a kid was when I dressed up as a ladybug. I love the book you picked out, but if I was to pick another book from Downtown Bookworks Publishing it would be the superhero cookbook, my kids would love that.
Jonie @ Just Between Friends says
I have too many favorites! I have always loved dressing up and even more so now that I have a family. One year I was batman complete with a light up emblem on my muscle suit. Yes, it was awesome and yes, there are pictures of this. Maybe I will share them sometime :)
deanna says
I made a batman costume with a hoodie and chopped up umbrella one year when I lived in the Czech Republic. It was a hit.
xo
deanna says
Super Heroes Opposites also looks like a cool book.
xo
Sherifa says
I wonder how you come up with these things~!?!?
Sherifa says
I have never had costume.