Tips and Tricks on How to Make a ‘Real’ Costume

Going to the theater to see a live play has been something many people have enjoyed for years. The excitement of a live act, Never knowing what is next, And then, as kids, going home and dressing up like your favorite character and making it happen all over again. Have you ever thought of how the costume designers are able to create such authentic looking characters? Here are some tips on ways to make your costumes look like they came from Hollywood.

Dying clothing or Material
-Always wet the garment/fabric before dying it.

-When mixing the dye, make it one shade darker than what you want for your color outcome.

-After dying, rinse till water runs clear, and then soak the garment/fabric in white vinegar for a few hours at least, to set the dye.

-After washing the garment/fabric in the washing machine, run an empty load with hot water and soap to clean any residue from your machine.

Bleaching
-Use hot water when bleaching to initiate the bleaching process.

-To stop the bleaching process, take from the hot water and put directly into very cold water.

-Wash with soap to take any residue away.

Softening stiff fabric
-Wash with Downey heavily about three times.

Aging and Distressing
-Use different gage sand paper and san clothing at stress points till desired affect.

-Wash clothing/Fabric in a product called TSP.*Use gloves-DO NOT get on your hands.

-Use cheese graters to age things quickly, especially shoes. *Grate the bottoms of actresses/actors shoes to prevent slipping.

Adding dirt, smudges, grass stains and sweat
-Use furniture polish: put onto a cloth and rub into areas you wish to darken. *Old English polish will not wash out.

– Use water proof makeup, shoe polish or products called fullers earth and schmutz.

-When using Fullers Earth, mix three parts glycerin or baby oil with one part water in a spray bottle. Apply to the desired area then apply Fullers Earth. This will keep the “dust” on the garment/fabric.

-Use glycerin or baby oil in a spray bottle to make sweat stains.

-Use a product called schmere to make grass stains. This product comes in a form like a deodorant stick.

-Use spray adhesive and sprinkle or press on saw dust to get a good texture, and then use some of the techniques above to add different colors.

To order Schmutz call-213/719-0583
To order Schmere call-818/508-8744

Most of all have fun and use creativity.