Classic Wizard

20 min · $3-8 · Easy

Tall black pointy hat, flowing plain black robe, tall straight wooden staff, gray beard optional.

You need

Tall black pointy wizard hat, 1 (buy: costume aisle or craft store)
Long plain black robe or graduation gown, 1 (own, or buy: thrift store)
Tall straight wooden staff, about 5 feet (make: from a dowel or sturdy branch, or buy: craft store)
Gray face paint or stick-on gray beard, 1 (buy: costume aisle, optional)
Belt or rope sash, 1 (own)

Size the hat to the head BEFORE decorating, a hat decorated then found too small is heartbreaking. Put on the robe. Roll the paper into a tall wizard hat or use the store-bought one; confirm it sits without covering the eyes. Stick the star stickers on the robe and hat.
Safety: keep the hat brim above the eyes so vision stays clear, and carry the staff upright. Never swing it at anyone.
Draw on a gray beard with the face paint, or stick on the fake beard.
Tie the belt or rope sash around the waist over the robe.
Put on the pointy hat last, tap the staff on the ground, and strike a pose.
Optional pro finish: tape a battery tea light to the wand tip. A wand that glows when you cast is the detail kids remember for years, the gasps are worth the tape.
Optional pro finish: tape a battery tea light to the wand tip. A wand that glows when you cast is the detail kids remember for years, the gasps are worth the tape.

How tall should the wizard hat be?: About as tall as the head. Taller looks impressive but flops without internal support, roll a cone of cardstock inside for structure.
What goes in the spell book?: Write silly spells on the pages in marker ('Spell for extra dessert: say please three times'). People WILL open it, make it funny.

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