How to Make a Jester Costume

Are you brainstorming costume ideas that are popular for a variety of holidays or celebrations, including Halloween, an upcoming Renaissance Festival, or Mardi Gras? There are only a handful of costumes that can be used for several different occasions throughout the year, one of which is the Jester costume. Jesters are intended to delight and amuse crowds, and as a costume, they can also be cost effective, especially if you decide to make your own.

Jesters are professional jokesters or fools, and originated centuries ago as entertainment and comic relief for royalty at a Medieval Court. Jesters are often considered the precursor to the modern day clown, though their purpose was more than just amusement, as they were also expected to criticize or rebuke their masters. This was intended to generate laughter, but often made the job a dangerous one.http://www.toomeys-mardigras.com/blog/jester-a-little-history.html

Traditionally, Jesters wore an assortment of bright colors, including a distinctive hat with bells attached to the ends of three separate points. The costumes were often made from fine material, in which the Jester would perform for the crowd, making use of numerous skills, including dancing, acrobatics, singing, juggling and pantomime.http://www.toomeys-mardigras.com/blog/jester-a-little-history.html If you are interested in making your own jester costume, this guide will direct you, step-by-step, on how to make a jester costume.

Jester costumes are easy to make, and do not require a lot of fancy sewing and stitch work. All you need are a few items from home, as well as a regular needle and thread to attach your jester's collar to the costume's neckline. Anything you don’t have on hand can be purchased at your local Target, craft or fabric store. Note: all mention of Mardi Gras colors refer to the traditional purple, gold, and green. Mix and match the colors as desired, but aim for a balanced look.

The jester hat really adds personality to the overall costume, and is one of the main items people associate with the jester. Jester hats traditionally have three points with one bell attached to each end. Over the years, however, the jester hat has evolved to include other looks as well. Some jester hats only have two points, while others have up to six. Another significant alteration is the substitution of tassels and pom pons in lieu of bells at the end.

Jester hats can be made from a variety of materials, including assorted fabrics, craft foam, or even some of your old clothing. Although the costume itself can easily be assembled without much sewing, it is better to either sew your own jester’s hat, or buy one at the store. In keeping with the spirit of a simple costume, however, what follows is an easy-to-make jester’s hat.

The final step in creating your jester costume is to apply your make-up. This is your chance to get creative, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, you can always take the make-up off and start over.

There are several directions you can take with your jester make-up, creating a traditional mime-type look, or trying for the more elaborate, festive Mardi Gras appearance. If the costume is not for Mardi Gras, you can even tailor your look towards bright reds, yellows and greens. For a classic appearance, even at Mardi Gras, some people opt for black, white, and red, as demonstrated in the video.

Jesters often paint their faces using diamond and triangle shapes, so consider this as you begin to design your look. Teardrops, circles and swooping lines are also popular. Tracing your eyes in black is common as well.