Celebrate the spirit of New York City and crown yourself as a DIY rock star by making this kick-ass Chrysler Building costume! If you’ve got foil, cardboard, felt, hot glue and a silver dress, you’re ready to rock the Art Deco jewel of the city. Read on for the step-by-step instructions.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
-Large cardboard box
-Roll of foil
-Hot glue
-Black felt or paint
-Silver dress
-Pencil, scissors or blade
STEP 1: CUT YOUR CARDBOARD
First, take a strip of cardboard and measure it around your head to make the lower crown of your hat. Cut it in an arc and hot glue firmly so the lower level crown rests sturdily on your head. Using a pencil, trace four arches for each level of the Chrysler tower, gradually making each of the (four) levels smaller by about one-third. Glue each to themselves to make squares. For the point, cut the cardboard into triangles, and glue into a point.
STEP 2: FOIL
Take each of your pieces and cover with foil. Be sure to use the shiny side of the foil. Use glue sparingly to keep the foil in place.
STEP 3: MAKE YOUR WINDOWS
Choose either black paint or felt, and cut enough triangles to make the windows on each level. Arrange them in an arc and glue (or paint). Wait until thoroughly dry.
STEP 4: ASSEMBLE
Each level should fit snugly inside the next, use hot glue to secure into place. To attach the tower to the crown, you may need to add some cardboard braces to make the tower stand upright. Simply stack and glue sections of cardboard and glue them inside of the crown in the front, back and sides. Now place the tower inside and secure with glue.
STEP 5: WEAR IT!
Put on your silver dress (or suit!) and Chrysler Building hat, then hit the town and show it who’s boss!
All images ©Lori Zimmer for Inhabitat
