Princess Elizabeth from The Paper Bag Princess

Character Name: Princess Elizabeth
Series: The Paper Bag Princess
Specifics: paper bag dress
Cost: $6
Time: 7 hours
Started: June 2009
Completed: June 2009
Debuted: Toronto Cosplay Picnic 2009


References




Gallery



Photo credits: Stillvisions


Costume Information

I was toying with the idea of making this costume for years. After a quick search around the house, I found most of what I needed to make a giant paper bag and started making this costume.

I made this costume out of brown paper which I lined on the inside with packing tape. The packing tape made the paper stronger and less likely to rip. Moreover, it allowed me to treat the paper more like fabric. Since I didn't want any visible tape lines, I sewed the four main pieces of brown paper together and then reinforced the stitches with more packing tape on the inside. All the edges were hemmed with more packing tape on the reverse side.

I made the base crown by attaching pipe cleaners and beads to a used-up roll of packing tape. I paper-mached the crown and then painted it with gold paint I had for a previous costume. I used a wig I had. To attach the crown to the wig, I glued bands of elastic to the inside of the base of the crown, and then I safety pinned these elastic bands to the top of my wig.

I wore a pair of shorts and a tank top under this costume, and the giant bag covers them completely.

Although this costume is simple, it was a blast to wear. It was surprisingly recognizable, and I had my photo taken with a lot of kids. On the way to the Cosplay Picnic where I debuted the costume, I was sitting on a ferry wearing only the wig and the crown. A mother sitting next to me told me her daughter thought my crown looked like the one from the Paper Bag Princess. Delighted, I showed the mother and daughter the giant paper bag I had with me.


In Progress





« Back to the Costume Gallery