A few weeks ago, our school hosted an exciting contest where the challenge was to create recycled or eco-friendly costumes. As the advisor for a class of creative and hardworking students, I was thrilled by the idea. However, there was one major hurdle: how could I make a unique and impactful costume that would stand out in the competition?
I wanted the costume to embody something magical and fierce, something that blended both beauty and strength. After much thought, I decided on an angel-warrior theme. But here’s the catch – I needed to use eco-friendly materials. That’s when inspiration struck: I could use ginit sa lubi (coconut brown fiber) as the main material! It was sustainable, unique, and had endless potential for creativity. And so began the journey of creating the most eco-friendly costume I’ve ever made!
Step 1: Gathering Materials
I started by asking my students to gather the ginit from the local community. It was a bit of a task, but it was important to me that we use every bit of this natural material. Once we had enough, I set them to work cutting the coconut fiber into leaf-shaped pieces. The ginit had a rich, earthy texture that would form the perfect backdrop for the angel-warrior look I had in mind.
Step 2: Adding the Gold Accents
I wanted the costume to have an ethereal, yet fierce, glow. So, I decided to use gold cord ropes to border the edges of each leaf-shaped ginit. This addition not only made the leaves look more vibrant and attractive, but it also added a royal touch to the entire design. The gold was eye-catching and complemented the earthy tones of the coconut fiber beautifully.
Step 3: Assembling the Dress
Next, I began the tedious but rewarding task of putting the ginit leaves together into a cohesive piece. I used a strong adhesive to secure them, making sure each leaf was perfectly aligned to create a flowing, elegant dress. This part was particularly fun because it felt like I was weaving a tapestry of nature itself. Every leaf was carefully placed to ensure that the final product was visually striking and well-constructed.
Step 4: Adding the Final Touches
For the top part of the gown, I used cord ropes to give the costume a more structured, warrior-like appearance. I decorated it with a few beads for a subtle yet sophisticated touch. I also created a belt using the ginit and some cardboard, adding another layer of texture to the overall look.
But I wasn’t done yet! To give the costume an extra magical element, I added LED lights to the dress. The soft, glowing lights made the outfit appear even more elegant, almost otherworldly. It added a beautiful contrast to the earthy, organic feel of the ginit, creating an enchanting visual effect that was both striking and unique.
Step 5: The Angel Wings and Gold Paint
What’s an angel-warrior without wings? To complete the look, I crafted a pair of majestic angel wings from feathers ang corn peel and added a touch of gold paint to tie everything together. I sprayed both the male and female versions of the costume with a light coat of gold paint, making them shimmer under the lights. The result was nothing short of breathtaking.
Step 6: The Big Day
The day of the contest arrived, and I was both nervous and excited. My students proudly wore the costumes I had worked so hard on. As the models strutted down the runway, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with pride. They looked stunning – my female contestant embodied grace and strength, while my male contestant exuded power and courage. Their confidence shone through, and I knew we had created something truly special.
And then, the moment of truth: we won the contest! The judges praised the creativity, sustainability, and uniqueness of our costumes. But more than anything, they saw the love and dedication that went into every single detail. I was beyond proud of what we had accomplished. It was a true team effort, and I couldn’t have done it without the help and enthusiasm of my students.
This experience taught me that with a little creativity and a lot of heart, anything is possible. We didn’t just make a costume – we made a statement about the importance of sustainability and the power of community. It was a reminder that we can always find beauty in the materials around us and that even the simplest things, like coconut fiber, can be transformed into something magical.
The costumes may have been eco-friendly, but the pride and joy I felt that day were priceless. It’s a moment I will always treasure. And I have no doubt that my students, with their confidence and creativity, will continue to shine wherever they go.
For more DIY like this, just follow @jeanieviv84.
Click the link to see the back detail of the costume: https://studio.youtube.com/video/Ff_cOfvP5F4/edit
Thank you for reading.
