Ingredients
- 1 black blouse
- 1 black skirt
- 1 skirt crinoline
- Sheets of crepe paper in marigold orange, soft orange, and yellow
- 1 headband
- 2 wooden clothes hangers
- Silicone glue
- Scissors
- Sewing thread
- Sewing needle
- 1 stapler
Instructions
- Lay out the clothing and prepare the flowers.
- Arrange the blouse and skirt so you can see the areas available for decoration. To make each flower, stack 8 to 12 crepe-paper squares. Cut the stack into a rounded shape. Staple through the center to hold the layers together. Make small cuts around the edge of the rounded stack to create petal-like sections. Carefully lift and fluff each layer, one at a time, until the stack forms a full flower.
- Decorate the blouse.
- Place the blouse on a wooden clothes hanger so it is easier to work on and inspect from the front. Arrange the flowers over the fabric before attaching them. Try a few different layouts: you might make a cluster across one shoulder, follow the neckline, or scatter flowers over the front. When the arrangement looks balanced, attach the flowers with silicone glue or sewing thread. If using glue, apply it sparingly and allow it to set before moving the blouse.
- Create the paper sleeves.
- Cut strips of orange and yellow crepe paper. Fold each strip back and forth in an accordion pattern, then open or shape it into a fan. Make several fans and arrange them to form the sleeves. Adjust their size and placement before securing them with silicone glue or thread. Keep the fans light and flexible so they are comfortable to wear and do not pull heavily on the blouse.
- Add volume and flowers to the skirt.
- Place the crinoline beneath the skirt to create fullness. Set the skirt on the second wooden hanger if that makes it easier to reach the fabric. Arrange individual flowers across the central area of the skirt, leaving space between them if you want the black fabric to show through. For a fuller look, form a generous band of flowers around the lower hem. You can also use a more scattered arrangement or combine both layouts. Attach each flower with glue or sewing thread, checking that the decoration stays secure without restricting the skirt’s movement.
- Decorate the headband.
- Use the same crepe-paper flowers to coordinate the headband with the blouse and skirt. Place the flowers along the top or toward one side, then secure them with glue or thread. Keep the decoration light enough that the headband remains comfortable and stays in place.
- Check and finish the costume.
- Inspect all decorations and secure any loose flowers or fan folds. Let adhesive dry completely before trying on the costume. Test that the sleeves and skirt allow comfortable movement, and remove or reposition any piece that catches, scratches, or feels unstable. Your Catrina costume is ready to wear.
Notes
Keep the paper colors together or separate them into small piles to combine shades consistently. Test silicone glue on a hidden area first, as it may mark or damage some materials. An adult should supervise the use of scissors and a stapler, especially when a child is involved.
