Ten Tips for Creating the Perfect Mummy Costume

Creating a perfect homemade mummy costume is a pretty easy task, and with the ten quick mummy costume creation tips featured in this article, you will have the look mastered in no time.

1. The larger portion of your mummy looks is going to come from the "bandages" that wrap around the body. There are many different materials that can be used to create this look, but some can run quite expensive by the time the entire body is covered. For the best results at a good price, I would recommend going to a thrift store and purchasing a used pair of white or off-white sheets and cutting them into strips.

2. To add the appearance of age to your sheets, you can utilize some gold old fashion mud. Get the sheets good and dirty and then let them dry completely. Beat the sheets vigorously to remove any excess mud. (This tip is best utilized before the sheets are cut.)

3. Any mummy should wear a good under suit to keep their wraps from being applied over bare skin. A cheap jogging suit or pair of long johns would work well. Be sure to get them in a neutral color and preferably at a thrift store in case they need to be disposed of afterward.

4. The head can be covered with a tightly pinned (please use a safety pin, not a straight pin) piece of dirtied material. Cheese cloth can also be used, as can a properly designed skull cap.

5. To keep the look really authentic take your head covering and slit a couple of holes in it and then fish some pieces of hair out of the holes. Use baby powder and some gel to create a dusty globby mess. Then use a hair dryer to remove moisture.

6. You will undoubtedly want to paint the face to really accomplish the mummy look. To add some peculiar texture to the face, mix in some instant oatmeal.

7. Before you paint the entire face put dark black circles under the eyes and on the eyelids. Apply the other make-up over the black circles allowing them to look more realistic.

8. Take any old Halloween mask, even a mummy mask, and cut strips from it. Adhere these strips to any exposed skin with a skin-safe adhesive (always available at Halloween). It will add to the look of decay.

9. After the mummy has been completely wrapped and painted, sprinkle with dust or powder.

10. Don't forget the shoes. The tops of shoes can be covered with any leftover sheets, or, if necessary, gauze.

Use these ten tips, and you will surely be the best looking mummy on the block...or should I say scariest?