- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor
The wind and the rain and the falling leaves have put me in the mind of Hallowe'en already, and I'm not the only one. Jean Bell down at The Pumpkin Coach is starting to fill up on wigs, swords, tiaras, hats, masks, wings, wands and moustaches.
If you can imagine it, Jean can help you become it. As she says, "At the Pumpkin Coach, we take dress-up very seriously."
It's good to start early, Jean says. Good costumes take time, and you don't want to be stuck with the picked-over stuff – well you know where.
Let Jean show you how to make the body parts or accessories you need out of silicone or worbla. She'll give you advice on making your costume so that not only will you look fabulous, but you'll be able to move, breathe and sit down too. Give her a little time – she is really good at what she does, but she can't pull a grass skirt out of her nose.
There are stacks of thick catalogues from Ruby's sitting on the table in front of Jean's comfy couch. Ruby's is one of the largest costume purveyors in North America, and Jean can order you in just what you want whether it is a superhero, an anime character or one of the old standards. There are costumes for grown-ups kids and even for pets!
There is also a "Secret Wishes" catalogue which is for adults only – wink, wink, nudge, nudge, know what I mean?
It takes a few weeks for those special orders to arrive, so go down and give yourself some time to browse. The early birds get a discount too!
If you want to rent rather than buy for special events, give Jean at least a few weeks. Christmas is the same day every year; if you need a Santa suit – plan ahead.
And check out the Facebook page for the body-double workshop October 20
"These casts are incredibly useful tools for costume design, home decor and fleeing from battle while your enemies stand there, confused."
