Knowing how to make an Avatar costume can come in handy for Halloween, DVD parties or just for a fun costume party. The James Cameron science fiction epic, Avatar, has made a huge impact throughout America, and lots of kids and adults alike want to dress up as their favorite character from the movie. Remember parents, Halloween is not that far away and there are lots of kids out there wanting to go as a Na’vi. With a little time, some simple guidelines and the right tools an Avatar costume can be made to fit anyone’s needs.http://www.costumzee.com/how-to-costumes/view/5921/

The first thing to do is come up with the Avatar outfit. This can be created in a few different ways, depending on the age of the person wearing it and how comfortable it should be. After the outfit is ready the next thing to consider is the makeup. The makeup can be a simple quick application or done with a little more time and detail. The makeup can be done to match an Avatar character or used to create a brand new Na’vi as well. The final touch to the costume will be the wig and other accessories. These items can be made with relatively no problem and can pull the costume together wonderfully. Below each part of an Avatar costume will be explained in fuller detail.

The Na’vi outfit can be done in two ways. A body suit can be used for a tighter, more natural look. This body suit can be tie-dyed to have the striped look. Once this is done, a brown bathing suit or any other outfit can be put on over top of it.http://www.costumzee.com/how-to-costumes/view/5921/ Below a slightly different method is out lined.

Item needed: Medium blue long sleeved turtleneck Blue felt Batting Dark blue fabric pen Needle and thread Medium blue leggings and socks Floral wire

Process:

1. To create the Na’vi skin markings lay the turtleneck and leggings flat. Use the blue fabric pen to create cat or zebra like stripes.
2. The tail can be made by using a piece of wire measuring 22 to 34 inches long. The wire should be folded until it is six equal strands thick and then twisted together. Lay this on the batting and roll it tightly until an inch thick. Roll the blue felt around this twice and then stitch it all closed. One end should be colored darker with the fabric pen and the other end sewn securely to the bottom of the turtleneck.
3. The last step is to assemble the costume. Lay the socks under the decorated leggings and then put on the decorated turtleneck. A brown swim suit or khaki pants can be worn over this to resemble any Avatar character.http://avatarblog.typepad.com/avatar-blog/2010/04/learn-to-make-easy-avatar-halloween-costumes-yourself.html

The application of the makeup can be done quickly, but may lack detail. By taking the time to do a nice job, the look will come out better.

Items needed: Elf ears Blue and white acrylic paint Paint or makeup brushes Makeup sponges Spirit gum Yellow cat eye contacts Blue cream makeup White cream makeup

Process:

1. First paint the ears with a coat of the blue acrylic paint. The paint should match the makeup scheme. Once the paint is dry apply stripes, like those of a zebra, across them. These strips should be a lighter shade of blue.
2. After the ears are dry they will be attached to the temples or forehead. Look at a photo of a Na’vi to get a good idea of placement. The face should be washed and dried well before attaching the ears with spirit gum.
3. The contacts can be put in now. Make sure to have clean hands and that the contacts are clean.
4. At this point the blue makeup can be applied in thin layers to the face and hands. Some of the makeup can be blended up and around the ears as long as they are dry and securely in place. If more blue coverage is needed another thin layer can be added.
5. To create the stripes mix the blue and white cream makeup for a light blue color. Use a paint or makeup brush to apply it. These should concentrate mostly around the temples and then move outward in thin stripes.
6. For the broad cat like nose paint a straight line down from the corner of the eye to the outer edge of the nose. Blend this with a brush and repeat for other side. Next a stripe should be painted down the center of the nose and blended a little.
7. Lastly use a thin paint brush and with the white makeup to apply dots along the forehead and checks. This creates the white freckles.http://www.costumzee.com/how-to-costumes/view/5921/

The wig and other accessories are the final touches that can bring the Avatar costume together. These things can be bought pre made or they can be made at home.

The wig should be long and black. It should be braided in long thin braids. The wig should then be decorated with brightly colored feather and wooden or pony beads. When putting the wig on be careful not to cover or damage the ears.

Arm bands can be added. These should be leather or brown beaded cloth. Beads and feathers like those used on the wig can be dangled from these for a nice look.

Wooden beads can be strung into bracelets and necklaces. The costume should have at least one of each to have the full affect. If the costume is a Jake Sully costume two beaded bracelets are needed. For a Neytiri costume four beaded bracelets and one necklace are needed.

A Neytiri costume should have brown sandals and a green scarf used as a waist wrap. Her wig is made up of the scattered braids described above. A Jake Sully costume would have khaki pants and work boots. His wig is made up of one long braid that runs down the back.http://avatarblog.typepad.com/avatar-blog/2010/04/learn-to-make-easy-avatar-halloween-costumes-yourself.html