Imagine transforming an iconic doll’s head into an eye-catching costume that will make you the center of attention at your next party. With a few simple steps and a touch of creativity, you can elevate a seemingly ordinary object into an extraordinary fashion statement. Embark on this exciting journey where the boundaries between play and fashion blur, as you learn how to repurpose a Barbie head into a captivating costume.
To begin this whimsical transformation, gather the essential materials: a Barbie head, paint, glue, embellishments, and a headband or hat for the base. Unleash your inner artist by giving the Barbie head a vibrant makeover that aligns with the theme of your costume. Paint it, add glitter, or adorn it with jewels to create a look that complements your desired character or ensemble. As you paint, let your imagination run wild and envision the final masterpiece.
Once the Barbie head is adorned to perfection, it’s time to integrate it into your costume. Carefully attach the head to the headband or hat using glue. Ensure it’s securely fastened so it remains sturdy throughout the event. You can further enhance the costume by adding accessories such as a wig, makeup, or clothing that complements the Barbie head’s transformation. With each step, you’re bringing your costume to life, turning a beloved doll’s head into a captivating fashion statement that will leave a lasting impression on everyone who encounters you.
Materials You’ll Need
Assembling a Barbie head costume requires a range of materials to ensure its structural integrity, aesthetics, and comfort. To embark on this creative endeavor, you’ll need the following essential components:
- **Barbie Head**: The centerpiece of your costume, a Barbie doll head. Select a head that matches your desired character or style.
- **Paper-Mâché Paste**: A versatile adhesive used to create a durable base for the costume. It’s typically made from flour, water, and a binding agent.
- **Newspaper Strips**: These thin strips of newspaper serve as the armature for the paper-mâché. They provide a lightweight framework that conforms easily to the head’s shape.
- **Balloon**: A large, sturdy balloon provides a temporary mold to support the paper-mâché as it dries and hardens.
- **Plastic Wrap**: Transparent plastic wrap acts as a barrier between the balloon and the paper-mâché, preventing the two from sticking together.
- **Paint**: Acrylic or latex paint in various colors brings your costume to life. Choose colors that complement your Barbie head and character inspiration.
- **Paintbrushes**: An assortment of paintbrushes allows you to create details, textures, and embellishments on your costume.
- **Fabric Scraps**: Bits of fabric or felt can add textural elements to the costume, such as hair, clothing, or accessories.
- **Elastic Headband**: An adjustable headband serves as the base for mounting the Barbie head to your body securely.
- **Craft Glue**: A strong adhesive like craft glue is used to attach the fabric scraps and other decorative elements to the costume.
- **Scissors**: Sharp scissors are essential for cutting newspaper strips and fabric scraps, as well as shaping the paper-mâché.
Dismantling the Barbie Head
Removing the Face Plate
Locate the small hole on the back of the Barbie head, usually near the hair-line.
Insert a pin or small screwdriver into the hole and gently pry up the face plate.
Be careful not to damage the delicate plastic around the eyes and mouth.
Disassembling the Head
Once the face plate is removed, you will see the inner mechanisms of the Barbie head.
Locate the small screws that hold the head together and carefully remove them.
The head will now come apart into several pieces, including the hair, skull, and jaw.
Detailed Steps for Removing the Inner Mechanisms
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the two screws that hold the skull to the jaw. |
| 2 | Carefully unscrew the screws using a small screwdriver. |
| 3 | Lift off the skull to reveal the inner workings of the head. |
| 4 | Identify the small wires and plastic pieces that connect the eye and mouth mechanisms. |
| 5 | Gently disconnect these wires and pieces. |
| 6 | Remove the eye and mouth mechanisms from the head. |
Creating the Neckpiece
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
– Barbie head with neck hole
– Piece of fabric (approximately 12″ x 4″)
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
– Needle and thread
– Iron and ironing board
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Fabric
Measure the circumference of the Barbie’s neck hole. Add 1 inch to the measurement for overlap. Cut a rectangular piece of fabric to the desired length and width.
Step 3: Hem the Edges
Fold the edges of the fabric over 1/4 inch twice and press with an iron. Fold the edges over again and sew them down with a needle and thread to create a neat and finished edge.
Tips for Hemming the Edges:
– Use a small stitch length to create a strong and secure hem.
– Ensure that the fabric is folded evenly to create a uniform hemline.
– Use a matching thread color for a discreet and professional finish.
Step 4: Attach the Fabric to the Neck Hole
Position the fabric around the Barbie’s neck, overlapping the edges to create a smooth transition. Sew the fabric to the neck hole using a needle and thread. Start and end the seam at the back to conceal the stitching.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Iron the neckpiece to smooth out any creases or wrinkles. Adjust the fabric as needed to ensure a snug fit around the Barbie’s neck. You can add embellishments such as beads, ribbon, or lace to enhance the design of the neckpiece and match the overall costume theme.
Building the Facial Features
The facial features are what really bring your Barbie head costume to life. You can use a variety of materials to create them, such as felt, fabric, paint, and paper. Start by sketching out the design of your features on paper. This will help you to determine the size and shape of each piece.
Eyes
Cut two circles out of white felt for the whites of the eyes. Cut two smaller circles out of black felt for the pupils. Glue the pupils to the whites of the eyes.
Nose
Cut a small triangle out of pink felt for the nose. Glue the nose to the center of the face.
Mouth
Cut a small oval out of red felt for the mouth. Glue the mouth to the bottom of the face.
Ears
Cut two small ovals out of pink felt for the ears. Glue the ears to the sides of the face.
Hair
You can use a variety of materials to create Barbie’s hair. You can use yarn, fabric, or even real hair. If you are using yarn, wrap it around a piece of cardboard to create a curl. Glue the curls to the top of the head.
Cheeks
Cut two small circles out of pink felt for the cheeks. Glue the cheeks to the sides of the face.
Eyebrows
Cut two small lines out of black felt for the eyebrows. Glue the eyebrows to the top of the face.
Lashes
Cut a few small pieces of black felt for the lashes. Glue the lashes to the bottom of the eyes.
Lipstick
Use a small brush to apply red paint to the lips.
Hair Styling
For natural hair: Start by detangling your hair with a wide-tooth comb or brush. Apply a leave-in conditioner or serum to help define your curls. Divide your hair into four equal sections and braid each section. Let the braids air dry or use a diffuser to help speed up the process. Once your hair is completely dry, take down the braids and gently finger-comb your hair to separate the curls.
For straight hair: Start by applying a heat protectant spray to your hair. Blow dry your hair until it is completely dry. Use a flat iron to straighten your hair in small sections. Once your hair is straight, brush it through to remove any tangles.
For curly hair: Start by applying a leave-in conditioner or serum to your hair. Divide your hair into four equal sections and braid each section. Let the braids air dry or use a diffuser to help speed up the process. Once your hair is completely dry, take down the braids and gently finger-comb your hair to separate the curls.
Makeup
Foundation:
| Type | Coverage | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid | Buildable | Matte, satin, dewy |
| Cream | Buildable to full | Matte, satin, dewy |
| Powder | Light to medium | Matte, satin |
1. Start by applying a primer to your face. This will help create a smooth canvas for your foundation and help it last longer.
2. Next, apply your foundation using a brush, sponge, or your fingers. Start in the center of your face and blend outward.
3. If you have any blemishes or dark circles, you can use a concealer to cover them up.
4. Once your foundation and concealer are applied, set them with a powder. This will help prevent your makeup from smudging or fading.
Eyes:
1. Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids. This will help your eyeshadow last longer and prevent it from creasing.
2. Next, apply a light eyeshadow color to your entire eyelid. This will be your base color.
3. Then, apply a darker eyeshadow color to the crease of your eye. Blend the two colors together.
4. Finally, apply a highlight color to the inner corner of your eye and blend it into the other colors.
5. Finish by applying eyeliner and mascara.
Lips:
1. Start by exfoliating your lips with a sugar scrub. This will help remove any dead skin cells and make your lips smooth.
2. Next, apply a lip balm to your lips. This will help hydrate your lips and make them more receptive to lipstick.
3. Finally, apply your lipstick. You can use any color or finish you like.
Crafting the Costume Body
The costume body is the foundation of your Barbie head costume and will determine the overall look and fit of the costume. Here are the detailed steps to construct the costume body:
Step 1: Gather Materials
– Fabric of your choice (e.g., spandex, cotton, felt)
– Sewing machine or needle and thread
– Scissors
– Measuring tape or ruler
– Mannequin or large plush toy (optional)
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Fabric
– If using a mannequin, measure the circumference of the body and add 6 inches for overlap.
– If not using a mannequin, measure your own chest and waist and add 4-6 inches to each measurement.
– Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric to these measurements.
Step 3: Pin and Sew the Side Seams
– Pin the two pieces of fabric together along one side, right sides facing.
– Sew the side seam with a 1-centimeter (0.4-inch) seam allowance.
Step 4: Pin and Sew the Shoulders
– Bring the top edges of the fabric together at the shoulders and pin. Align the raw edges.
– Sew the shoulder seams with a 1-centimeter seam allowance.
Step 5: Hem the Bottom
– Fold the bottom edge of the costume body up by 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) twice and stitch to hem.
Step 6: Create the Bodice and Waist (Advanced)
– For a more tailored fit, you can create a bodice and waist by adding darts to the costume body.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| A. Pin the Fabric | Mark the center front and center back of the costume body. Pin a small dart in the center of these lines, perpendicular to the hem. |
| B. Stitch the Darts | Sew the darts from the point to the hem, tapering the fabric. |
| C. Create the Waist | Create two pleats (folds) on each side of the costume body, just below the waist, to create a more defined waistline. Pin and sew the pleats in place. |
Step 7: Finishing Touches
– Turn the costume body right side out and press.
– Add any desired embellishments or decorations.
Sewing and Assembling the Costume
1. Attaching the Skirt
Align the top edge of the skirt fabric with the waistline of the bodice and pin in place. Hand-sew or machine-sew the skirt to the bodice.
2. Creating the Arms
Cut out two rectangles of fabric for the arms and sew them together along the long edges. Turn the fabric right side out and gather one end to form the shoulder.
3. Attaching the Arms
Pin the gathered ends of the arm pieces to the shoulders of the bodice and sew in place.
4. Assembling the Neck
Cut a strip of fabric for the neck and sew it around the neckline of the bodice. Fold the edges under and sew to create a clean finish.
5. Creating the Head Covering
Cut out a large circle of fabric for the head covering. Gather the edges and stitch them together, leaving an opening for the head.
6. Attaching the Head Covering
Slip the head covering over the doll’s head and stitch it to the inside of the neck.
7. Adding Details
- Collar: Cut out a small strip of fabric for the collar and sew it around the neck.
- Lace: Add lace to the edges of the skirt and head covering.
- Ribbon: Tie a ribbon around the waist to cinch it.
- Embroidery: Embroider decorative details onto the bodice or skirt.
- Buttons: Sew on small buttons as embellishments.
- Beads: String beads onto a thread and sew them onto the costume for extra sparkle.
- Headdress: Create an elaborate headdress using wire, feathers, or other decorative elements.
Detailing and Accessories
Painting and Makeup
Use acrylic paints or enamel model paint to enhance your Barbie head’s features. Start by adding base colors to the skin, eyes, and lips. Then, use finer brushes to create details like eyebrows, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. For a more realistic effect, apply blush and highlight to the cheeks and forehead.
Hair and Eyelashes
Enhance the Barbie head’s hair by adding extensions or restyling it. You can also use hairspray to create volume and hold the hairstyle in place. To add eyelashes, carefully apply individual false eyelashes or use a liquid eyeliner to create the illusion of lashes.
Clothing and Accessories
Design and create custom clothing for your Barbie head using fabrics, lace, and beads. You can also embellish existing clothing with sequins, studs, and other decorative elements. Complete the look with accessories like jewelry, headbands, and shoes.
Table: Accessories for Barbie Head Costume
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Jewelry | Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings |
| Headbands | Alice bands, head wraps, tiaras |
| Shoes | Heels, flats, sneakers, sandals |
Finishing Touches
To complete your Barbie head costume, consider adding additional details like glasses, a hat, or a purse. These accessories can enhance the character’s personality and make the costume more unique.
Finishing Touches
To complete your Barbie head costume, you’ll need a few final touches. Consider adding jewelry like earrings or a necklace, and attaching hair accessories like a tiara or bows. You can also use felt or fabric to create bows or ribbons to decorate the hair or the costume.
Makeup
For a dramatic Barbie look, go all out with the makeup. Use bright eyeshadow in pink, blue, or purple, and apply a generous amount of blush to your cheeks. Add false eyelashes and mascara to make your eyes pop. Finish off with a glossy lip color in a bold shade.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the makeup steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply a base layer of foundation to even out your skin tone. |
| 2 | Use a bright eyeshadow palette to create a dramatic eye look. Start with a light shade in the crease, then blend in a darker shade on the lid. Finish off with a shimmery highlight shade on the brow bone. |
| 3 | Apply a generous amount of blush to your cheeks to create a flushed look. |
| 4 | Add false eyelashes and mascara to make your eyes stand out. |
| 5 | Finish off with a glossy lip color in a bold shade. |
Materials
To make a Barbie head costume, you will need the following materials:
- A Barbie doll head
- A large piece of fabric (at least 36 inches by 36 inches)
- A needle and thread
- Scissors
- Fabric glue
- A hot glue gun
- Optional: A wig or hair extensions
Instructions
1. Cut a circle out of the fabric that is large enough to fit around the Barbie doll head.
2. Sew the edges of the circle together to create a bag.
3. Turn the bag inside out and put the Barbie doll head inside.
4. Pull the fabric up around the Barbie doll head and tie it off at the neck.
5. Glue the fabric around the edge of the Barbie doll head to secure it in place.
6. Hot glue a wig or hair extensions to the Barbie doll head.
7. Add any other decorations you desire, such as makeup, jewelry, or clothing.
Variations and Tips
There are many different ways to customize your Barbie head costume. Here are a few ideas:
Variations
- Use a different type of fabric, such as velvet, silk, or lace.
- Add a trim to the edges of the fabric.
- Create a different shape for the costume, such as a square or oval.
- Add a veil or other headpiece.
Tips
- Make sure the fabric is large enough to fit around the Barbie doll head comfortably.
- Tie the fabric securely at the neck to prevent it from falling off.
- Use strong glue to attach the fabric to the Barbie doll head.
- Be creative and have fun with your costume!
| Age | Eye Color | Hair Color |
|---|---|---|
| Teen | Blue | Blonde |
| Adult | Green | Brunette |
How to Turn a Barbie Head into a Costume
With a little creativity, you can transform a simple Barbie head into a unique and eye-catching costume piece. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own Barbie head costume:
- Gather your materials. You will need a Barbie head, a hairband or headband, a sheet of foam board or cardboard, a hot glue gun, scissors, paint (optional), and any other embellishments you wish to use.
- Remove the Barbie head’s hair. This will make it easier to work with the head and to glue it to the foam board or cardboard.
- Attach the Barbie head to the foam board or cardboard. Use hot glue to secure the head in place. You can use a single piece of foam board or cardboard or cut it into a specific shape, such as a circle or square.
- Paint the head (optional). If you want to change the color of the Barbie head, you can paint it with acrylic paint. Let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Add embellishments. You can use a variety of embellishments to customize your Barbie head costume, such as sequins, glitter, ribbon, or fabric. Use hot glue to attach the embellishments to the head.
- Attach the hairband or headband. This will allow you to wear the Barbie head costume on your head. You can use hot glue or hair clips to attach the hairband or headband to the foam board or cardboard.
People Also Ask
How do you make a Barbie head hat?
To make a Barbie head hat, you will need a Barbie head, a hat base, and a hot glue gun. First, remove the Barbie head’s hair. Then, hot glue the Barbie head to the hat base. You can use a variety of hat bases, such as a baseball cap, a sun hat, or a beanie. Once the Barbie head is glued in place, you can add any embellishments you wish to use.
How do you make a Barbie head mask?
To make a Barbie head mask, you will need a Barbie head, a piece of fabric, and a hot glue gun. First, remove the Barbie head’s hair. Then, cut a piece of fabric that is large enough to cover the Barbie head. Hot glue the fabric to the Barbie head, making sure to cover the entire head. Once the fabric is glued in place, you can add any embellishments you wish to use.
How do you make a Barbie head necklace?
To make a Barbie head necklace, you will need a Barbie head, a chain, and a hot glue gun. First, remove the Barbie head’s hair. Then, hot glue the Barbie head to the chain. You can use a variety of chains, such as a gold chain, a silver chain, or a beaded chain. Once the Barbie head is glued in place, you can add any embellishments you wish to use.
