Ann Raggedy

Ann Raggedy

Be a Halloween Icon

Every Halloween, within the throngs of trick or treaters, the party guests and even those handing out the candy, there is always a costume or two that are never forgotten. The competition is getting tougher every year. Throwing on a sheet with a couple holes for the eyes isn't going to cut it anymore. Neither is hunkering down in a jacket and claiming to be headless. The costumes are scarier, funnier, and more unique than ever.

The costumes stores are not necessarily keeping up with the demand for new costumes and creative identities. Even if money is no object, the nurse, the witch and the pirate can only be so original. The best way to make an impression is to create the original costume instead of buying it. The most memorable costumes were completed with a little flexing of the creative muscle.

For example, twin sisters down the street had done the Luke and Princess Leia routine and the tired old angel and devil bit. One year, their mother, very creative woman that she was, cut arm holes, leg holes and a hole for the head out of two identical boxes, covered them with black felt and a few white felt dots. The girls went as a pair of dice! The next year, their mother sewed red yard into shower caps, cut and sewed alternating red and white tights together. The girls went as Raggedy Ann and Andy. These cannot be found in a costume store. A little bit of creativity went a long way.

Half of the costume is the presentation even if the costume itself isn't the most original. The dice spun their way toward the house. Raggers Ann and Andy held hands and skipped to the door. The disco dancer sang "Play That Funky Music" at every house. The Mob boss asked after the family and shook with a fake twenty in his hand. These are memorable costumes not only because they are unique, but due to the presentation. Being afraid of being laughed at is no excuse not to make the effort. It's Halloween! No one's going to give grief over a good bit. Part of the presentation can definitely be the finishing touches. A black eye, a little blood or a bad hair style can be the line between a good costume and a great costume.

All it takes is a little creativity, motivation and energy to be the talk of Halloween and maybe even get a little extra candy!

About the Author

Diane operates a website about zebra costume ideas. If you are looking for zebra costume ears to complete your costume, please be sure to visit her site.

How often do you dress like Raggedy Ann and stroll the streets looking for trouble?

I'm doing it today after work.

In the roughest part of Detroit I can find.

Pray for me.

The Snowden Raggedy Ann & Andy Holiday Show (part 1 of 7)