"optimus prime Costume"

Costume Instructions

Costume Materials
Large Box (for body) I used a diaper box - depends on the size of person - I liked ours to fit fairly snug.
4 smaller boxes (for arms and boots)
spray paint
frozen juice can lids (for hub caps)
2 straws ( for antenna's)
heavy duty tape (like packing tape)
Glue
velcro
drain spout garden hose? This was our wheels - we had extra so we just cut a couple inches for each wheel.

Costume Instructions
cut boxes to size - save lots of boxes and find ones that work for you.
for body I first cut one end out( this is where your waist would be) then I cut the box in half and cut a neck hole out, followed by arm holes. The box is then tapes back together on one side so it folds open for someone to fit in then folds back shut.
find shoe boxes with a lid that are close to the size of leg - I ended up cutting mine to hit my boy right below the knee. It's also easier if you can find ones that have the lid attached to the box already. After measuring I cut the bottom off (where the ankle would be) then cut a round opening on other side of box to fit right under knee. Keep the end of the box to cover toe area.
the arms will end up being a three sided box. Measure it to go not quite to the elbow and cut that end off. Then cut one of the sides all the way off( then it can sit over your arm)

Once the boxes are cut, spray paint then whatever color you need. If they have a lot of printing you may have to primer them first. Glue velcro on to keep costume on - I used hot glue. On the body I used a heavy cording ribbon and attached velcro on that to attach the arms and make closures for the body.

I spray painted straws and cut holes in the boxes and they became my antenna's.

I found windows and shapes that looked like my character and printed them on sticker paper or you can just print and glue it on - I did that as well.

Experiment - have fun and let your kids get involved. My 7 year old son helped alot and actually helped figure out how to design a lot of the costume. He was set on being a character that all the costumes were way too much money and we decided to make it. It was a lot of fun we spent time together, he loved it and was a big hit!!!