I have a mission this year, to come up with something that resembles a Hogwarts school uniform for a young lady who wants to go as Hermione on Halloween.
Naturally, the web is loaded with really good costumes, but so far I have not found any that you can do on the CHEAP! (well this one on eHow, but I didn't find it all that helpful)
So, when I finish my task, I assure you I will write up how I did it.
But for now, I want to share the great links and tips I've found. I know I will need these later, and you might too. So be sure to add anything that might help.
(and don't get started nit-picking about how the uniforms were revised for later movies, I am not THAT into this!)
But here are the main parts you will need: a black robe, a tie, a crest, a wand, and maybe a broom.
Hogwarts Uniform Reference Materials:
You might find these links to actual movie costumes, and fan-made costumes helpful as you construct your own.
Starfire Phoenix has some great pics of Hermione's costume, and dozens of shots of a fan-made replica.
Sith Vixen is an amazing costumer, and has an awesome gallery of her Harry Potter work. And one at Flickr.
Cosplay.com has a search tool, just plug in the name of the Harry Potter character you want, and see what people have created. Many tell you exactly what they did to make their own costume. Note to Parents: some pics on this site are a little racy, so surf without the kiddies the first time. Nothing really naughty here, but better to be warned.
Flickr is bursting at the seams with DIY (Do It Yourself) Harry Potter costumes.
These children have some great home made costumes, and I love kid that had the guts to go as Mad-Eye Mooney!
Adults have fun in these costumes too, as you can see!
House of Gryffindor Ties:
Hogwarts students wear ties as part of the school uniform. Harry and Hermione's ties bear the colors of the Gryffindor House: Burgundy and Yellow. You can find a lot of choices on Amazon, or you can make your own. I also like the ties at Wizard Tie. But your children might have fun coloring their own!
Robe:
I am looking at thrift shops for something I can turn into a proper Hogwarts Robe. But, hang on to these sites, just in case...
CostumeBeginner has some great helps for getting a Hogwarts Robe started.
Spectacular Spectacular has a great photo collection of the robes, as well as a pattern and pics of the finished product.
Crest:
If you have a robe, you need a Crest upon it. Of Course, Gryffindor is not the only House in Hogwarts. There is also Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. They all have different colors and Crests. Your best bet is to Google Image Search each one, and the print the Crest. Some printers can do iron-ons, or you could print on paper and pin it. Try also "Harry+Potter+Crest."
Wand:
Don't buy one, make your own! I found a few links that will help! I don't think you can do much better than these tutorials for making your own wand. It is inexpensive, and looks like a lot of fun. And how proud will you be when you've made your own?!?
Misc. (Brooms, Owls, Maps and such):
Home-made Broom "How To's" are hard to find. But this Squidoo page has a few ideas on how to make one. Got me thinking...
A very HUGE list of games and crafts for Harry Potter themed parties.
A Marauder's Map, if you have $35 to drop. Or, print your own and make the paper look aged.
Scarves are less and less a part of the HP costume now. But you can certainly buy one, knit your own, or make one.
Hope this helps someone....
Not directly related, but I'm on a mission to find my own Halloween costume - Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.
Posted by: Kymberlie R. McGuire | 10/08/2007 at 11:47 PM