The ghoulish games continue with another costume idea for you: Marie Antoinette. Marie Antoinette is a perfect dress up option if you’re into decadence and going over the top, which, of course, we are. This costume, along with the rest that we’ll be showing has at least one DIY component to it. Here, it’s obviously the dress. Ha! Wouldn’t that be amazing?! No, it’s the paper wig! I created a tutorial on how to make the paper wig along with some makeup tips. Much simpler than the dress! I had a ball creating this costume recipe. See the full instructions below.
The recipe for this one is simple if you’re willing to learn how to make a paper wig, and spend some moo-lah on renting a costume or lots of time creating a dress. We worked with Hale Theater Archive Costumes, which has an amazing selection of costumes and props. Paul and I also rented costumes from them for a Jane Austen ball we attended earlier this ear and they were wonderful to work with.
How to Make a Paper Wig
- Cut a strip of cardboard against the grain of the cardboard. I cut mine about 1 1/2″ thick and measured it to the size of my head (see above). Glue it together.
- Next I cut out the same thickness of strips and glued one on one side of the circle and over to the other side.
- Start constructing a frame by adding in more strips around the circumference of the circle.
- Cut strips of white paper however thick you want for the “hair.” I started out with thin paper, like 1/2″, but it took a lot of time so I re-cut them to 1″ thick and the process was much faster.
- Glue one strip of paper on the circumference of the circle and then glue it at the top of the crown. This will give you better control over the shape of the “hair.”
- Slightly overlap each strand of hair.
- Keep on going until it’s all filled in.
To Create Fringe
- Cut thin strips of paper about 1/4″ thick.
- Using the edge of your scissors, curl it like you would gift wrapping ribbon. Easy squeezy!
- Glue these pieces to the edge of your circle.
The Ponytail
- Do the same process as the fringe but use a strip that’s about 1″ thick. I glued a few of the loops together so that it wouldn’t pull as much.
The Feather
- Use this template for the feather shape.
- Cut it out on cardstock.
- Paint it with grey and then fine black lines.
To Create a Paper Flower
Make-up Tutorial by Rubie Huber
White Face
This one is really simple make-up-wise. You just want to start with a plain white face paint base. I mixed Mehron FX with a bit of liquid foundation so it wasn’t so stark white, but any range works. Apply with a make up sponge so you can get it pretty even around the entire face.
Pink Cheeks
You don’t want any contouring, just some super pink cheeks! I like stick or liquid blush better than powder for this. Smear some on the back of your hand and then blend it in big oval swoops across the apples of her cheeks. Don’t let them get too circular, or you start entering doll realm.
Black Lash Line
Eyes tend to vanish in this pale white painted face, so I used a very liquid, very precise black eyeliner just on the top lash line. You don’t want it bold, just as close to the lashes as possible. My trick is pulling on the outer corner of the eye to tighten the skin, it makes it easier to make a straight, thin line.
Red Lips
To be (possibly) historically accurate, paint the lips a very straightforward red since I doubt Marie Antoinette had access to the rainbow of reds we can find at your local grocery store. To apply, use a small brush if you can, it helps you make more defined edges than just straight from the stick.
Crafting and art direction by Brittany Jepsen
Make-up by Rubie Huber
This post is sponsored by the Hale Theater Costume Department. If you’re local and wanting amazing costumes, go there! And they’re amazing to work with!
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