CJ as Optimus Prime
Here is our boy CJ as Optimus Prime (or at least an Autobot) - can’t you see the likeness? CJ has been asking us for weeks to make him an Optimus Prime costume. His vision included cutting up dozens of boxes and creating a whole transformer outfit. DA, having already made a cardboard box WALL-E costume recently, didn’t really feel like creating another cardboard masterpiece. I suggested to CJ that we make an Optimus Prime mask. He agreed, and here is the very cute result.
To make one for your little transformer here is what you need:
1. A Transformer coloring page (CJ wanted to color his mask), or clip art, enlarged to the size of your child’s face. You can find the coloring page here, and a clip art face here.
2. Print out the Transformer face of your choice. If coloring, have your child color the face. Then cut out the face and use a glue stick to affix it to a thin, flexible piece of cardboard. A cut up cereal box works perfectly. Recycle, reduce, reuse, right?
3. Cut holes for the eyes and mouth, and punch small holes on each side to attach the strings.
4. Thread heavy string or thin ribbon through each of the holes and knot on the back side of the mask.
5. Tie on your child’s head and voila – he’s a transformer!
We had a lot of fun making this mask together. And now CJ is happy and we didn’t spend a dime!
P.S. To finish the costume we’re going to buy a blue sweatshirt and sweatpants and use a permanent marker to draw on some Autobot features. I also think it would be fun to use fabric paint to highlight CJ’s transformer costume.
