DIY Cardboard Llama Costume

I’ve wanted to make a costume version of our Toilet Paper Roll Llama Craft ever since I made the little guys. And this year, with our Playful Cardboard Costume Contest, I thought it the perfect time to finally do it. It was fun and easy and only took a couple of cardboard boxes, some ribbon and a bit of paint!

To make the costume, you’ll need:

• one cardboard box proportionate to the size of the person who will be wearing this costume
• another cardboard box for the head and tail
• thick ribbon or rope for the straps
• decorative ribbon and yarn for the reins
• acrylic craft paint

Making the Llama Costume:

1. Cut a hole in the shape of the circle out of the top and bottom of the first box – large enough for the rider to fit inside. Glue down any top flaps together, making the holes stronger.
2. Cut out a llama head and tail using the illustration above and photos as a guide. (I would suggest having the corrugation of the board going up and down as opposed to side-to-side for more strength in the llama’s neck). Make small slits to the base of the next where shown on the illustration above for interlocking purposes.
3. Cut out slits on the front and back of the body box for the head and tail to interlock.
4. and finally cut four slits out of the top of the box where you will thread your ribbon straps through (see illustration above as a guide)
5. Paint all pieces of your cardboard llama. let dry.
6. Weave through you thick ribbon through the top slits, creating straps (with a criss-cross in the back) for your rider to wear the costume. I might suggest measuring the ribbon when your rider is in the costume for a custom fit. Tie strong knots on the underside of the box slits so that the straps stay put and do not pull through.
7. Interlock the head and the tail with the cardboard body. Glue in place of you wish.
8. Add any decorative reins or yarn tassels for fun.

Miss M was utterly delighted by her new pet llama! She kept running around the room saying “giddy-up!”. Cutest thing ever really. Now all I have left to do is make her a Tiny Traveler Tilda costume so she can explore Machu Picchu with her alpaca friend.

In the mean time we’re loving this little toddler pixie bonnet knitted just for Miss M by Sweet K.M. Poncho and pant from Old Navy and moccs from Freshly Picked.

Inspired to make your own Playful Cardboard Costume yet? Halloween is fast approaching but there is still plenty of time to gather together a few repurposed items and make a creative costumes. Post in IG and tag with #playfulcardboardcostumes to be entered to win a HUGE prize package! Like seriously. We’re talking 2 copies of my book PLAYFUL: Fun Projects to Make With and For Kids, a $100 gift card to spend in my shop (which can go to a craft-along rag doll of you like!), a $100 gift card the the Oh Happy Day Party Shop, a $100 gift card to Freshly Picked moccasins, $100 gift card to Sycamore Street Press, $100 gift card to Sarah Jane Studios. WHOA. like seriously whoa people. That’s an unprecedented amount of prizes! and I hope you win one! So pull out all your cardboard boxes and get your xacto knifes at the ready and get making! You have until Oct. 31st to make a costume and enter the contest (It doesn’t have to be made out of cardboard necessarily, just think creatively and try to use repurposed items).

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