"A lot of thought went into my first of many homemade costumes for my girls. I am a father of 2 girls. My wife received a sewing machine for her birthday this year. Being that I am a power tool fanatic I quickly picked up on how to use the machine. I asked my children what they want to be for Halloween and my oldest replied "A Pocketbook". Having a degree in design I quickly ran to my computer where I began modeling a scaled Homemade Purse Halloween Costume with the right dimensions to fit my daughter. 

    From the model on the computer I made a paper template, gathered my materials from things we had in the basement and attic and started constructing what I and many others agree is the cutest pocketbook ever. The costume is made of fabric with a different material for the inside, leather bottom and leather straps. I used household romex wire to keep the straps up and cut the front of the purse to show change, gum and a hairbrush.This is a real bag. I delivered my kids halloween treats to school with today. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have. Happy Halloween Dan Baughman Branford, CT."      
     

Dan wins four crafty books from our TC Designers and friends (a $100 value): 

Beyond the Bead: Making Jewelry With Unexpected Finds by Margot Potter
Matboard Magic by Eileen Hull
The New Paper Quilting: Creative Techniques for Scrapbooks, Cards, Home Accents & More by Molly Smith
Beaded Jewelry with Found Objects by Carole Rodgers

Other winners include: Best Scary costume : Kim Becker for her "Headless Victorian Woman with Patti Johnstone"; Best Cute costume: Connie Tkach for her "Steam Punk Princess".

Each category winner receive a pair of gift certificates for 1-yr subscriptions to Totally-Creative Magazine ($50 value):

Many thanks to all who entered our Halloween Handmade Costume Contest!

Patti Ryan
Editor,
Totally-Creative Magazine