In early October my grandchildren’s school has a book parade based on a book selected by the teacher. Last fall the 4th grade class read The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling . From the story each child was asked to make a written book report and dress in character to illustrate the book in the book parade. My granddaughter wanted to be a Hershey bar. I was excited because I could see a costume totally suited for using my Klic-N-Kut 15″ Maxx and vinyl available from Accugraphics.
I fashioned it like a sandwich board with 2 sides, each measuring 14″ x 30″, connected with straps that go over each shoulder. Each side was foam core covered with 15″ wide chocolate brown vinyl that wrapped to the back side approximately 1/4″ on all edges.
The biggest challenge for a project of this size, where vinyl is applied to vinyl, is to get the placement right. The hinge method for applying the letters, like Deb did when applying the vinyl words on her wall, will keep you in control. Also, Chad tells me that if I had lightly misted the brown vinyl with water before applying the silver and white vinyl words, application would have been more forgiving.
The inside finish isn’t anything to brag about, but it was functional. I sewed Velcro to one end of the shoulder straps and stuck it to the Velcro that I had stuck to the back side of the board. My plan was to have a fitting and do the same to the other end of the straps. But, when I took it for the fitting, no one wanted me to take it back, saying, “no need for Velcro, we’ll attach the loose strap ends with Duck tape.” If I had anticipated that happening, I would have gone with Duck tape in a dark color…not red! But the red Duct tape worked perfectly and continues to hold securely. So the lesson learned is …use what you have. Forget the Velcro…Duck tape both ends of the straps. They won’t be seen anyway.
These boards have been amazingly durable. After the book parade, it was again worn as a Halloween costume and I have hauled it to two retreats. When I returned it recently, I was told that we need to save it for a sibling who wants to wear it when he is in the 4th grade, 2 years from now. I wasn’t aware that the costumes for the book parade are judged for originality. We received no recognition because it was thought that we purchased the costume. That’s quite a complement for Klic-N-Kut! Don’t you think?
Priceless! lol. It really does look like a giant chocolate bar 😀 Thanks for the share, Lynn!
Thanks, Chad. It took vinyl to get realism for sure. So happy it was an option.
Great costume! Your grandchildren REALLY benefit from having such a talented grandmother! 🙂
They keep me busy, but I wouldn’t trade the opportunity for anything. I spent the weekend working on this year’s parade costumes.
Lol…Duck Tape to the rescue as always! I’m sure she was the best dressed for this!
Duck tape is like Post-its. I wish I had invented either one of them…or had stock from the beginning. 🙂
Another great idea! It turned out great and your granddaughter is adorable!
Thanks!
Amazing, Lynn! Your grandchildren are convinced that there is nothing you can’t do or make with your cutter. And, they are right!! I’ve seen it ‘in person’ and pictures don’t do it justice.
You are right about their opinion of me. This past weekend I was asked to make duck feet, deer antlers and a water spout, which were all cut from fun foam on the KNK for this year’s parade on Thursday. Thanks for the complement.
Wow! This looks yummy, just like the real thing. Great job. Thanks for the files too.
You are very welcome for the files, Esther. Thanks for the complement.
LynnK that was so nice, Great!!!
I just love seeing this. It was great to see it in person. Too bad your cute model wasn’t there to show it to it’s full advantage.
I saw this “Up Close and Personal” at the KNK Denver Retreat! Lynn…you’re are an amazing woman and a super crafter! Martha Stewart should be taking lessons from YOU! 🙂 ♥
Thank you so much just looking for costume ideas…
Could probably make another bar design LOL too! With almonds…
Great idea. She looks proud to show off your work.