How to make BFG (Roald Dahl) Ears, Horn and Waistcoat

This September 13th will be Roald Dahl's 100th Birthday.  To celebrate schools are having Roald Dahl themed days.

Our school has asked children to dress up as characters from any Roald Dahl book. I'm not a crafty mum so usually opt for the buying option but with two children this can be costly.  I did find a BFG costume for a bargain £6 at Asda but for the last 3 weeks its been out of stock so I bit the bullet and made my own.

We went for BFG as its extremely popular at the moment due to the film and I figured it might be fairly easy.  Strangely though my 9 year old was unfamiliar with the story which reminds me I must buy the book.

I used some old cream wallpaper, brown parcel tape, paint and some plain headbands.  I got mine from poundland for £1.  The tape was £2.60.  Everything else I had in the house.

To make the waistcoat

• I cut out 2 rectangles using the wallpaper (I roughly measured the children)
• We then covered one side of each piece in brown parcel tape.
• I then cut one piece in half, cut a V and stuck the shoulder's together & had a fit.
• I then shaped the shoulders and arm holes a little.
• I cut a small v in the back just so it wasn't as rigid.
• Voila a very handmade BFG inspired waistcoat.

Another way would be to get a plain brown t shirt.  Cut the sleeves off and cut up the front.

To make the ears

• I used the same wallpaper and cut out a rough ear shape.
• We painted them pink on both sides.
• We then did a rough black outline for the inner ear.
• I cut a slim tab and then stuck each ear to the £1 headbands.

BFG DIY ears

BFG make your own ears

To make the horn

• Again same paper cut into a rough square.
• We painted with a bronzy brown.
• Once dry I rolled it up and snipped the ends.
• Very basic but does the job.

Both children will wear a plain white top and any old bottoms.  My daughter has some sand art jars which we will use as dream jars and we may take fishing nets as an extra accessory.

BFG DIY costume for World Book Day

I hope this proves useful especially for you less crafty mums like me. 

Good luck with your costumes.

Happy Roald Dahl day.

Emma xxx