Here were the pups’ costumes for Halloween this year — Mario and Princess Peach from the Super Mario Bros game!
I actually made both these costumes about 3-4 years ago. But I had to say goodbye to my original Princess before I finished her crown and baubles and then it was just too difficult for me to pick the project back up until recently.
For Mario, I made the pants wrap around his legs with velcro. The front also velcros down the center. It’s based off his usual pattern, but he’s gotten a little thicker and less flexible in his golden years so it doesn’t quite velcro up all the way. Fortunately his fur covers most of it.
His hat is from the Simplicity 8478 Super Mario sewing pattern, but I naturally added ear cut outs. I purchased the M logo from Etsy because I hadn’t yet figured out how to design my own embroidery patterns yet, but now I would just make my own. Otherwise his costume was pretty straight forward . . . well, as straightforward as making a costume for a 100 lb dog ever is.
The girl dog costumes are always easier since they’re just dresses. Her little puff sleeves actually have a lining so that they can truly puff out. And I just winged it for her little side bustles.
The other thing I had to do for Peach was her accessories. I designed them in Fusion 360. I actually designed my full Daisy crown and then shrunk it down to 50% for my pupper. The gems are resin cast with shimmery mica coloring and liquid colorant as well for the red. Then it has elastic for going over her head and a pin back glued on for her neck brooch. Maybe I’ll post separately about the 3D printing once I finish my own which was a bit more complicated.
Naturally she shook her head vigorously after these photos were taken and managed to crack her crown, but I should be able to glue it back together. All told, for her first costume photoshoot, she did very well!
And you might be wondering how we achieved these photos. It involves taking good care of the talent!
The talent must be rewarded for a job well done. Frequently. Trust me. Without proper incentives they refuse to even look at the camera.
It’s important to give the talent clear direction so there’s no confusion. This is facilitated by high value rewards.
Finally, costumes must be securely attached to ensure the talent is not bothered or irritated on them and can focus on simply looking amazing (and any high value rewards that may or may not be directly next to the camera).
I’ve actually made a Luigi and Princess Daisy for me and my husband. It’s pretty much done except for Daisy’s wig and crown. I’m terrible at wigs and thinking of just purchasing one, but that seems wrong. So we’ll see. I’ve purchased a head block to try and style it. Wish me luck!
