How To Make Penguin Costume

There are a few things to consider prior to making a penguin costume; time, cost and materials.  

 
Time
Can you budget the hours that you are going to need even to assemble a simple one?  Think about the shopping, planning, crafting and sizing you might have to do.  Don’t forget to allow drying time if you use paints or glue.
 
Cost
Depending on how elaborate that you are going to make you need to thing about what materials, fasteners and even layers that you might have to bundle under the costume due to the weather.  I’d write down a temporary budget for each category and try to stick to it.  The workers at the craft store might be able to suggest cheaper items and let you know where you are going to have to splurge. 

 
Materials
Once you start buying the budget can quickly become a thing of the past.  I suggest elaborate planning and over buying things that you can return later to save time. 

Go shopping.  Bring your ideas, budget and open mind.  They might not have the right shade of orange that you had your heart set on but you might come up with another idea as you are searching.  I’d shoot to pick up the material first, then accessories such as mask, bowtie or tutu.  Then figure out how you will assemble it.  If you are sewing you will need thread of multiple colors,  needles, scissors and a keen eye. 
  
Here is one version of a penguin costume that you can make.   Pick up long a black shirt with long sleeves.  Then look in your closes for black pants.  If you are out of luck you an always wear jeans.  Take white fabrics and cut it into a huge oval to attach to your stomach.  I would tac it to your chest and knees area with stiches or glue.  Be sure to leave room so someone can sit down with ease.  Next, you can cut out material to place over you shoes. I prefer orange but you can use yellow.  If you want to put spandex material that slips over your heel prior to putting your shoes on, that would be a good start.  Lastly, you need a beak.  You can take an old baseball cap and paint the brim yellow.  You might need a few more coats.  To make it look realistic you can add black ovals for nose holes.  You can also attach ping pong balls for eyes.  As far as accessories, you can get black gloves and even a bow tie if you want to look like one from Mary Poppins. 

Are you looking for an even cheaper idea?  For children you can paint a brown paper bag.  Cut a whole in the top to place the bottom over their heads.  Paint a huge white oval on the front surrounded by a thick black oval to make it stand out.  Easy peasy!