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http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2018/09/popcorn-costume-tutorial/

Let’s go out to the lobby and dress up like a snack! Your little movie-lover will be thrilled to wear this no-sew Popcorn Costume for Halloween. With a few clever materials, you’ll be able to make this no-sew costume in about an hour.

Materials:

Main Costume:

• ½ yard white felt
• 1 roll red duct tape
• 4 pieces of ribbon, each measuring 18-inches by ¾-inch (choose black, white, yellow or red)
• 1 package of 2-inch white pom-poms
• 1 package 1-inch white pom-poms
• 1 sheet yellow craft foam or felt
• 1 sheet red glitter craft foam or felt
• 1 yellow marker
• hot glue gun (adults ONLY)
• hot glue sticks
• scissors
• stapler
• staples
• ruler

Hat:

• 8-inch round piece of white felt
• 5-inch round piece of white felt
• 6-inch round piece of scrap cardboard
• 1 large white pom-pom
• 3 small white pom-poms
• elastic, ¼-inch wide (length depends on your child’s head size)

No-Sew Popcorn Costume Instructions:

Make the Popcorn Box:

1. To begin, lay the white felt flat and cut out 4 rectangles. Two of the rectangles should be sized 12-inches by 18-inches (these will be known as “the long pieces”) and 2 of the rectangles should be 5-inches by 13-inches (these will be known as “the short pieces”).

2. These 4 felt pieces will form the popcorn bucket. Arrange all 4 pieces in line on your work table. They should be arranged like so: long piece, short piece, long piece, short piece. It’s important that the bottom edges of the felt pieces are aligned so they form an even line, and there should be about ¼-inch gaps between each felt piece.

3. Use your red duct tape to tape across the bottom section where all the felt pieces align, so they are connected. Fold the tape over (horizontally) the other side of the felt, so no sticky parts of the tape are exposed. (This will be the bottom of your popcorn box.)

4. Run red duct tape between the felt panels (along the ¼-inch gaps between each piece of felt) to secure them together. Then flip the felt over and run tape between the felt panels on the other side, and press the two pieces of tap together where they touch in the gaps (this will allow the edges of the popcorn box to crease into the corners of the box).

5. Run red duct tape (folding it horizontally, so half covers one side of the felt and the other half covers the flip side of the felt) over the edges of the long pieces of felt past where they align with the short pieces so all edges are covered.

6. Now, all pieces of the white felt should be taped together and every edge of the white felt—except for the tops of each panel—should be covered with red duct tape. At the bottom, the felt pieces align evenly and at the top they are staggered, with the longer pieces taller than the shorter pieces.

7. Attach the felt panel on the right with the felt panel on the left with the red duct tape creating a loop of the felt fabric. Crease each corner (between each panel) so the felt piece is now the rectangular popcorn box. The long pieces are the front and the back of the costume, and the short pieces are the sides of the box.

8. Use the red duct tape to add vertical stripes to each panel of the costume. I added two stripes to the front and back panels of the costume, and one stripe to the side panels.

9. Staple 2 pieces of the ribbon to the front of the costume (staple each ribbon about 6″ from each edge, so they look like the ties on an apron), and staple 2 pieces of ribbon to the back of the costume.

10. Cover exposed staples at the top of the costume with two pieces of duct tape – one across the front of the costume and one across the back.

 

11. Cut a popcorn shape from the yellow piece of craft foam or felt.

12. Cut out letters that spell “POPCORN” from red glitter craft foam (or use pre-cut letters) and glue them onto the popcorn shape. Once dry, glue this to the front of the popcorn box.

13. Make popcorn pieces by gluing 2 small pom-poms together and then gluing these to a large pom-pom. Glue 1 more small pom-pom on the other side of the large pom-pom to form a popcorn kernel. If desired, color popcorn kernel lightly with the yellow marker (especially in the crevices where the pom-poms meet each other) to make the popcorn look buttery.

14. Glue popcorn kernels to the costume, or attach popcorn kernels to t-shirt with safety pins (or hot glue if you don’t intend to use the shirt again).

15. To wear, have your child stand inside the box and tie the ribbon over his shoulders.

Make the Popcorn Hat:

1. Crumple up the paper towel sheet and glue it to one side of the 6-inch cardboard circle. Then, turn the cardboard circle over, and put a line of hot glue around the outside of the cardboard circle, close to the edge. Fold the 8-inch felt circle over around the entire edge so it’s covering the side with paper towel (which will make the hat puff up on top) and is secured by the glue on the other side.

2. Measure the ¼-inch elastic all the way around your child’s head going under his chin. Cut the elastic so that it’s snug but not too tight. Glue raw edges of elastic flat to middle of cardboard circle (on the underside of the hat).

3. Glue the 5-inch round piece of felt over exposed the cardboard and elastic (on the underside of the hat).

4. Make another pom pom popcorn kernel by gluing 2 small pom-poms together and then gluing these to a large pom-pom. Glue 1 more small pom-pom on the other side of the large pom-pom to form the complete popcorn kernel. If desired, color popcorn kernel lightly with the yellow marker (especially in the crevices where the pom-poms meet each other) to make the popcorn look buttery.

5. Once dry, glue the popcorn kernel to the top of the hat. 

No Sew Costume Tips

What to wear underneath the popcorn costume: Wear neutral pants or leggings (black or white) or tights (black, white, red or striped) and black, white, or red shoes. Wear a black, white, or red turtleneck, long-sleeved shirt, or hooded sweatshirt underneath the popcorn bucket.

Popcorn treat buckets: Pick up a cardboard popcorn bucket next time you go to the movie theater and add a ribbon handle; or buy a plastic popcorn bucket at the dollar store and add a duct tape handle.

The post No-Sew Popcorn Costume Tutorial appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2018/09/last-minute-pirate-costume-for-halloween/

Need a great Halloween costume in a hurry? Here is the ultimate guide to creating a last-minute pirate costume for Halloween. There are so many different ways to make a great No-Sew Pirate Costume, so I’ll give you all my secrets on how to make, find, or modify each part of the pirate costume to make it work for you.

Arrrgh, don’t worry about yer Halloween costume this year, matey! It’s easy to make a pirate costume using items you already have in your closet. With just a little cleverness and an eye for repurposing, you’ll have a great costume fit for collecting booty (or candy).

• Related Post: How to throw a Pirate Party

Last-Minute Pirate Costume Materials:

(*can be purchased at the dollar store)

Pirate Hat (choose one):

• 1 scarf or bandanna*
• 1 long-sleeve striped t-shirt sleeve
• 1 pirate accessory kit (from the dollar store)*
• 1 large round sun hat (from the thrift store)

Pirate Top (choose one or more):

• 1 striped t-shirt or long-sleeved tee
• 1 vest
• 1 white blouse (women’s, lacy or flowy is good)
• 1 women’s jacket (plain, in corduroy or velvet)

Pirate Pants (choose one):

• 1 pair plain pants (black, brown, navy blue)
• 1 pair pin-striped pants
• 1 pair plain capri-style pants
• 1 skirt

Pirate Shoes and Socks (choose one):

• knee-length white socks and black shoes (tennis shoes, dress shoes, or mary jane-style)*
• knee-length striped socks and shoes (tennis shoes, dress shoes, or mary jane-style)*
• sandals

Pirate Accessories (choose one or more):

• 1 wide women’s belt (black or brown)
• 1 leather belt with metal buckle
• 1 long lightweight scarf
• 1 white or plain-colored bandanna (or piece of fabric)
• eye-patch*
• hook hand*
• toy or paper parrot*
• hoop earring or earrings*
• sparkly jewelry*

DIY Pirate Costume Instructions:

Make the Pirate Hat:

A. Bandanna Hat:

Tie scarf or bandanna on your child’s head for a ship’s mate style hat.

• For square bandannas or scarves: fold in half diagonally. Place long flat side against forehead, and tuck opposite point at back of neck. Bring side points around the back of head and tie together in a knot.
• For long lightweight scarves: put on head and tie in the back. Let long ties hang down back.

B. Stocking Cap

Cut the sleeve off a long-sleeved striped t-shirt for a pirate-style stocking cap. Stretch the wide part of the sleeve over your head like a hat and then, knot the top. Cut off excess.

C. Buy a pirate hat

I found a pirate accessory kit at the dollar store that included a pirate hat, plastic sword, and eye-patch.

D. Make a Tri-corn hat

This is the style of hat worn by famous movie pirates like Captain Jack Sparrow. To make one, find a large, round women’s sun hat at a thrift store. Fold the brim up and staple to the crown of hat, on three sides. I made a video tutorial for making a tri-corn hat, so check that out if you need more visual help.

Put together the pirate top:
A. Long-sleeved t-shirt

A long-sleeved t-shirt is a great base for a ship’s mate style pirate costume. Look for long-sleeved striped t-shirts in 2 colors — any color will do, but just build the rest of your costume color palette around the shirt colors. Or, use a plain white or cream colored henley or thermal shirt.

B. A women’s blouse

A plain white or off-white blouse makes a great pirate captain shirt (or other plain colors, if the details of the shirt fit the pirate aesthetic). If you are dressing your child but using an adult blouse, roll up the sleeves, or put a loose rubber band around your child’s wrist and tuck the cuff around it. 

• Things to look for in a pirate blouse: lace (especially at the neck or cuffs), an interesting non-modern detail on the front like pleating, collars or no collars are fine.
• Things to avoid: zippers and snaps.

C. Add a vest

Add a vest over the base shirt to include another layer of detail. Dark, plain vests are best: black, brown, navy blue, and red are all good choices.

D. Add a jacket

You can also add a women’s jacket if you have one that looks somewhat pirate-y. A plain jacket in dark corduroy or velvet could be good, especially with a belt over the shoulder.

Make the Pirate Pants:

A. Knee-length pants

Many pirates wore short knee-length pants. Choose plain pants (black, brown, navy blue) or pinstriped pants and roll them up to the knee or tuck them into long socks. Plain, dark capri pants can also work.

B. Raggedy pants

Get the shipwrecked pirate look by taking a pair of old pants and cutting them off jaggedly at the knee.

C. Pirate skirt

Twist the idea of the pirate costume by wearing a plain dark skirt. Who says girl pirates can’t wear skirts?

Assemble the Pirate Shoes and Socks:

A. Choose knee-length socks in black, white, or stripes. Pull them all the way up to the knee.

B. Wear black or brown shoes. Best shoes: dark boots, leather dress shoes or mary janes. Add an oversized cardboard buckle, if desired. Plain dark tennis shoes will also work.

C. Another option is to wear sandals without socks (good for the shipwrecked pirate look).

Just Add Pirate Accessories (choose one or more):

The accessories really make your pirate costume. Try to have at least one of the classic pirate details: an eye-patch, a hook, or a sword.

A. Belt/Bandolier: The best pirate accessory is a wide belt with a large buckle, slung over one shoulder. A plain leather belt with metal buckle will also work.

B. Scarf Sash: Make a sash for your waist with a long lightweight scarf. Wrap it around the waist once or twice and knot at the side.

C. Neckerchief: A white or plain-colored scarf (or piece of fabric) tied around the neck with the knot at the neck is a great pirate detail.

D. Eye-patch: You can make an eye-patch if necessary, but it is far easier to buy one. Store-bought eye-patches fit well and look good. You can find eye-patches at the dollar store (toy section), or at a drug store near the visual aids section.

• DIY Eyepatch: If you want to make an eyepatch, cut a half-circle piece of felt and tie on two pieces of ribbon or elastic. Adjust to fit.
  

E. Hook Hand: To make a hook hand take a party cup (make sure the pirate’s fist can fit inside comfortably), cut a slit in the bottom of the cup. Insert a hook made from cardboard (cut a hook shape out) or the end of a plastic hanger. Secure with duct tape or hot glue. (Note: Avoid using wire hangers because they can be dangerous and cause injury).

F. Pet Parrot: Use a toy stuffed parrot or other bird and attach to shoulder. Or make this fun paper parrot with your child.

G. Pirate Earring: Pirates often wore earrings. Hoop earrings are a good choice for girl pirates with pierced ears, or find a clip-on earring for pirates without pierced ears. You can find these at party or dollar stores.

H. Accessorize with jewelry. A pirate medallion will do for a hard-working pirate, or clip on sparkly pins to a fancy pirate captain.

I. Pirate Weapons: Attach a sword or pirate gun to the costume. Find these at party or dollar stores, or make them out of cardboard. Tuck the weapon into the costume with a sash.

• Related: How to Make a Play Pirate Sword

DIY Pirate Costume Tips

Finding your supplies: Remember, you are not limited to just your child’s wardrobe. Don’t overlook old clothes from other members of the family as well. An old blouse from Mom’s closet will make a great pirate captain’s shirt. After you’ve checked your closet for pirate gear, fill in with items from the thrift store or dollar store to round out your outfit. If you are going to cut up or modify clothing, you might want to buy it at the thrift store. Pirate accessories are easy to find at the dollar store or discount store.

Pirate Perfection: Don’t worry if you can’t get everything perfect. Pirates had to use what they could get, and it’s okay to do the same with your pirate costume!

 

The post Last-Minute Pirate Costume for Halloween appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/bgn-film-review-stellas-last-weekend/

Being the apple of one’s eye is a part of the human condition that we all long for. And in some cases, we may find ourselves to be the center of attraction from more than one person at the same time. You meet an eccentric, off-ball, extroverted guy who is the complete opposite of who you are. You’re drawn to him for a myriad of reasons: he’s funny, spontaneous, and super loyal. You also are attracted to him because he is kin to someone else you’re quite fond of — his brother.

We’ve seen a love triangle among brothers like this before in films like Sabrina and Legends of the Fall. In the film Stella’s Last Weekend, directed by Polly Draper, she adds some extra charm to this story about a complicated romantic entanglement among brothers. Set in contemporary day Queens, New York, two brothers Oliver (Alex Wolff) and Jack (Nat Wolff) are caught between a free-spirited ballet student named Violet (Paulina Singer).

Jack met Violet at an event some time ago and it seemed the two were hitting it off. The night ended with a kiss and an exchange of phone numbers. To Jack’s surprise, Violet never called him back and he never understood why. Oliver comes home one day to express his love for a new girl he’s found in his life and unfortunately for Jack, that girl is Violet — the same Violet who never called him back.

Things get even more complicated when Jack uncovers why Violet never called him back, and sadly Violet was deceived by a couple of ballet mean girls in her class who share a bitter root of envy towards Violet. When Violet finds out the truth of what happened, she sees all along that Jack was the one she should have been with and now doesn’t know what to do.

While all of this is happening, Oliver and Jack’s dog they’ve owned since childhood, Stella, is slowly dying and their mother Sally (Polly Draper) is celebrating a homegoing celebration for their beloved pet. The romantic rivalry, complicated feelings, and Stella’s final days all push upward to an emotional cataclysm that changes the course of their lives and forces them to reflect on how they see themselves.

The Wolff brothers each respectively have appeared in several films but this is their first time playing brothers on the big screen. You may remember Alex Wolff’s terrifying role in the standout horror film this released this year Hereditary. And perhaps Nat himself doesn’t want to remember, but the role he is most notably known for this year is the Netflix film Death Note, for which I personally gave it a scathing review.

The two on-screen was humorous and captivating to watch and you can tell these two actor-brothers are just as close off-screen as they are on-screen in Stella’s Last Weekend. I now want to see more films starring the Wolff brothers as leads. Director Polly Draper, who also plays their mother, does something quite magical in this story. She exposes the connection between these two siblings who are inseparable. Wherever Oliver goes Jack goes and vice-versa. The backstory tells us that the boys were raised in a single parent home shortly after their father died. The household for several years was just the brothers, their mother, and Stella.

The mother of the two boys, Sally, has a unique parenting style where she lets her sons control the household. However, that is challenged when Polly introduces her new beau Ron (Nick Sandow), who seems to be the only one willing to stand up to some of Oliver’s condescending remarks. Inevitably, we learn why Oliver speaks and acts the way he does as well as why Jack is failing in school.

In a poignant monologue delivered by Oliver, during Stella’s homegoing celebration he shares how he knew Stella longer than he knew his own father — and it is that connection which ties seamlessly into this story about affectionate chaos.  As the viewer, you grow to become more heartfelt and compassionate towards these characters.

And I must say, to have a party/celebration for a dying pet is enough to make anyone want to cry. The film didn’t get me into Niagara Falls territory with the tears, but it did give every character in the film enough empathy for me to care about what their next move was going to be.

It should also be noted that the dog who played Stella, is a rescue recruited from a shelter. What a star!

Stella’s Last Weekend is charming rom-com that is more than just a story about a love triangle, but a story about an unbreakable bond between family, and how loss keeps them together more than apart.

Stella’s Last Weekend will be released in limited cities October 12th and on digital October 23rd.

The post BGN Film Review: ‘Stella’s Last Weekend’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/bgn-interview-karen-toering-director-of-the-gary-international-black-film-festival/

Eight years ago, I received an email from Karen Toering, a fellow, Gary, IN native, currently living in Seattle, WA. She is a consulting producer for the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival in Seattle. However, her email expressed an opportunity to create a film festival in our hometown, with help from some of her friends. Of course, I was excited. I used my resources as a local journalist to connect her with not only individuals who’d jump at the opportunity but also find local filmmakers to participate.

Karen’s goal with what became, the Gary International Black Film Festival, was to create a three-day cultural event, that brings independent Black films to Gary audiences. The festival would also provide rich, authentic opportunities to celebrate African-American and African culture and heritage.

With a sponsorship from the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, the inaugural GIBFF was held in February 2011, during a snowstorm, at the Glen Theater. GIBFF’s opening night film was, I Will Follow, by Ava DuVernay (Middle of Nowhere, 13th, Selma, A Wrinkle in Time), who was in attendance. Gary filmmaker, Calvin Standifer, presented his documentary, Hope and Healing in Haiti. From there, the GIBFF moved to Indiana University Northwest and is now a fall event favorite.

I talked to Karen about this year’s lineup and how far the festival’s come along.

Let’s talk about this year’s lineup.

This year, we will kick off the Gary International Black Film Festival with a Festival Funky, Pre-Funk Party. This will take place October 11, at ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen, 411 E. 5th Ave. in Gary. It starts at 6 p.m. And we will have DJ Mike Flexx, vendors, raffles, and refreshments.

The festival’s opening night is October 12, at Indiana University Northwest inside the Bergland Auditorium. And, our feature film is 1 Angry Black Man.

It’s a great movie. Black Girl Nerds reviewed 1 Angry Black Man recently.

The film’s director, Menelek Lumumba, and cinematographer, Hans Charles, will be at the festival. They will do a post-screening panel discussion. Coincidentally, Hans was Ava DuVernay’s cinematographer for her film, 13th. We have 47 independent films, shorts and full-length, that will be showcased the entire weekend. These films and a couple of workshops will be shown at Indiana University Northwest, as well as at ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen.

What will take place at ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen during the festival?

On October 13, ArtHouse will host a Youth Short Film Showcase at noon. That will be followed with a panel discussion, Black Film Now: Our Culture, Our Stories. At 4 p.m., Black Magic: Black Future, a short film showcase, will take place.

The Gary International Black Film Festival has grown over the years. Filmmakers and producers like Robert Townsend, Empire’s Jussie Smollett, and Gary native Charles Murray (Things Never Said) who also wrote for Sons of Anarchy and was a producer on Netflix’s Luke Cage. Actor Stephen Hill (Magnum, P.I., Christmas Wedding Baby) and so many others have attended and presented films since the festival began.

Well, in the larger scheme of things, the Gary International Black Film Festival is still a “baby.” The Pan African Film Festival is 27 years old, American Black Film Fest is 23, Urban World is 18, and Martha’s Vineyard is 13. Our eight-year tenure in Gary is a source of pride, though.

You know, at first, not a lot of people jumped in on the idea of a film festival in Gary. Many asked, “why do you want to do that?” My answer was, why not? Now, the Gary International Black Film Festival has a strong core of dedicated folks, including Toni Simpson, Sydney Chatman, Walter Jones, Ludeen Kilgore, the late Kelechukwu Brnfre, and Saidah Holt. And you know what I love about them? They are born and raised here. And, they do this for the city, first. The festival is second. We lost Kelechukwu a few years ago. He was very supportive and active from the beginning. We have an award in his honor, as he was a gifted poet and storyteller.

How did you get into the film festival industry?

It started as a fluke. I was out of a job and deeply depressed. I was chatting with a friend in a Seattle coffee shop. And she said she needed help with the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival. I was thrilled to be able to help. That was 15 years ago. It saved my life.

What’s the biggest gratitude you get out of directing and managing the Gary International Black Film Festival?

It seems like there is something new to be grateful for every year. Overall, it is the feeling of a “shared experience.” To sit in a dark room and let things go for a few hours. I love a film that takes me on a journey. When it does, I can’t wait to talk about it with other viewers. And, even better, the filmmaker.

What’s next for the Gary International Black Film Festival?

Our goal is to grow our roots, build authentic relationships, and be accountable to the community. We get a lot of requests to partner with groups around the city. So, we are building our capacity to create a mobile arthouse. The mobile arthouse will bring film, filmmakers, and audiences together across the city and the region. Maybe someday, we can open a movie house and arts center.

The Gary International Black Film Festival runs Oct. 12-14 and is located at Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway. ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen is located at 411 E. 5th Ave. Tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/27299.

Visit www.garyblackfilmfest.com for screening schedules and more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post BGN Interview: Karen Toering, Director of the Gary International Black Film Festival appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.