DIY Artemis Costume (A Halloween Pinterest Poser Challenge)

In a world full of inappropriate Halloween costumes for girls and women, I was particularly pleased when Lucy informed me she wanted to be Artemis, the Goddess associated with protecting chastity and purity.  I mean right?  

Last year I encouraged Lucy to pay homage to strong, interesting women from the past like my favorite Frida Kahlo or Amelia Earhart.  She wasn't feeling it and decided to be a pirate.  This year, I didn't encourage or suggest anything, Lucy came to me on her own and asked if she could be a goddess.  She has been obsessed with mythology since reading all the Percy Jackson books this past summer.  

I asked her why she liked Artemis and she said because "she is sort of really strong on her own and doesn't need men and she protects children and hunts animals and kills anyone that sees her naked."  Wow.  That led to a conversation about what feminism is and how women don't have to dislike men to be pro-woman and pro-equal rights and equal pay.  It.Was.Fascinating.  We talked about beauty and self-respect and modesty.  

It was one of those conversations if you planned it, it wouldn't have worked out, it would have been weird and uncomfortable.  This was one of those spontaneous you better put down the iPhone and pay attention because there's a real connection happening kinds of conversations.  

I was feeling very proud and possibly a bit cocky, like I was a pretty great mom until I saw her face when I told her I was going to "make her the best Artemis costume ever."  All the excitement and energy she had turned into frustration and disappointment.  "You? You are going to make it?," she asked.  "Can't we buy one? Please?"

"Ye of little faith, I will show you," I said matter-of-factly in a bad Scottish/Irish accent for no reason other than I love accents.  "You are going to be one fierce Artemis, I promise."  I promised matter-of-factly in a bad accent without a plan or any extra costume making/buying money.  

So, today's Pinterest Poser Challenge* is an inexpensive DIY Fierce Artemis Costume.  After scouring Pinterest and YouTube, I put a costume together and I'm actually super excited about how it turned out.  And I'm even more excited because Lucy loves it.  

*In an attempt at not being a Pinterest Poser,** every week I detail a new project/idea/recipe inspired by Pinterest.
**My definition of a Pinterest Poser is someone who is all pins and no substance.

Supplies needed for this costume:
Fake leaves- $1.79 from Michael's
Gold spray paint- $3 from Michael's
Thick-ish gold wire- $2 from Michael's
Very thin, fishing wire thin, gold wire- $1.50 from Michael's
Gold Ribbon- $1 from Michael's
White sheet
Bow
Safety Pins

Step one- The Crown
1. I used my trusty snowman scissors to cut the leaves off the branch. 

2. Lucy and I spray painted both sides of the leaves.

3. While the leaves are drying, measure the thick-ish wire around the chosen goddess' head and use wire cutters to make it the right size.  Wrap the thin wire around the open ends to hold it together.

4. Then thread the thin wire through two sides of the leaves and wrap them around the crown.  Secure the thin wire by wrapping the edges around the back of the crown.  Use as many leaves or as little as you like. 

Step Two-- The Sheet/Dress
1. Wrap around the body and safety pin it together.  Use the extra and twist into a rope and drape over the shoulder and pin to the back.  

2.  Honestly, do whatever you can and pin wherever you can to make it look like a dress.  I watched tutorials and ended up doing my own thing.  And each time I did it on Lucy, I did it differently.  Just make sure the pins are secure, everything is covered and the sheet isn't too long and your goddess won't trip while trick-or-treating.

Step Three- The Belt
1. Tie gold ribbon around the waist. Done.

Step Four- The Armband
1. wrap the extra thick-ish gold band around her arm several times.  Then use the wire cutters to bend the ends so they won't scrap or scratch or pinch your goddess.

Step Five- Admire Your Work
1. Stand your goddess in front of a mirror and tell her "I told you I'd make you a fierce Artemis."  Yeah, go ahead and gloat for a minute.  And then just be so happy that she's happy.

 We accessorized with plastic weaponry we happened to have around our house-- a bow, a dagger.  

What are your kids dressing up as this Halloween?  Did you make their costumes? 

Have you made anything inspired by Pinterest lately?  Let me know in the comments or over on my Facebook page. 

Come follow me on Pinterest (click here).

Here are some of the Pinterest projects I've done/made/attempted.

Taking Pictures of Your Kids- click here

Gluten Free Pretzels- click here

Cinnamon Sugar Doughballs- click here

Painted Lockers- click here

Melted Beads- DIY Suncatcher- click here

Tissue Paper Pom Pom Garland-- click here

A Delightfully Simple Birthday Party--click here
Make An Awesome Omelet--click here
Outdoor Lights Inspired by the show Parenthood- click here
Herb Garden with Chalkboard Pots- click here
Backyard Graffiti Art with kids- click here

Happiness Notecards- click here

Gluten Free Rainbow Cake- click here

Fruit Roll-Up Fortune Cookies- click here

Make Your Own Magnets- click here

DIY Painted Clay Necklace- click here

Dixie Cup Lights- click here

DIY Ornaments-click here

Gluten Free Clay- click here

Make Your Own Stamps- click here
Birthday Shirt- click here

Gluten Free Pop Tarts- click here
Front Porch Kid Art Display- click here
Door turned into Table- click here

Summer Wish List Chalkboard-click here

Peanut Butter Nutella Cookie Sandwiches-click here

Painted Mason Jar Vases-click here

Cinco de Mayo Paper Flowers- click here

Earth Day Cupcakes- Click here
Nail Art-click here

Homemade Photo Booth Fun- click here

Fake Bangs- click here

DIY Subway Art- click here

Furniture Painting and Bench/Chest Makeover- click here

Thanksgiving-y Project/Gratitude/Holiday Countdown- click here
The Smoothie-click here

The Free Printable Turned Artwork in a Boring Hallway- click here

The chalk board-click here
Seven Layer Dip in Individual Cups (my favorite so far!)-click here
The pumpkin address-click hereThe Kitchen Dancing Sign--click here