Candy Cane Elf: A Quirky Renaissance Costume with a Twist

Seeking a unique and festive ensemble for the Renaissance Fair’s “Celtic Christmas” theme, I embarked on a creative journey to craft a costume that would embody the spirit of the season while adding a touch of whimsy.

A Dazzling Hat: The Foundation of the Costume

My costume’s centerpiece was a grand hat crafted from a cardboard base and copious amounts of hot glue. To add a touch of Christmas cheer, I adorned the hat with vibrant red velour fabric and an assortment of sparkling ornaments from Hobby Lobby. The hat’s oversized silhouette and bold red and white hues ensured that it would make a grand entrance at the fair.

Bloomers to Match the Big Hat

To complement the hat’s dramatic proportions, I opted for a pair of equally flamboyant bloomers. Initially, I ordered a tutu from Amazon, hoping it would provide the desired volume. However, the tutu fell woefully short in length, failing to cover even my buttocks.

Undeterred, I turned to a red and white polka-dot skirt thrifted from Goodwill, repurposing its ample fabric to create the bloomers I envisioned. For added fullness, I incorporated heavy tulle material around the hips, salvaged from a discarded wedding dress. The leftover tulle even served as a stylish hatband, seamlessly tying the two elements together.

A Mix-and-Match Extravaganza

The rest of the costume was a harmonious blend of pieces from my personal “costume graveyard.” A corset adorned with swirling candy cane pasties from Hobby Lobby, a whimsical handheld lollipop, and a repurposed Christmas stocking transformed into a festive pouch completed the ensemble.

A Costume that Turned Heads

My Candy Cane Elf costume proved to be a crowd-pleaser, attracting numerous compliments and photo requests, particularly for the eye-catching hat. Even the Renaissance Fair’s King was impressed, and he graciously requested that I lead the costume parade for the judging ceremony.

An Unexpected Turn of Events

As the parade commenced, I playfully asked the King if he desired a lick of my lollipop, using an exaggerated English accent. Unfortunately, my jest was misconstrued, and the Queen, overhearing the exchange, exclaimed, “Off with her hat!”

Amidst laughter and chaos, my friends and I hastily fled the courtyard, the King’s words echoing in our ears. Despite this unexpected turn of events, the day remained incredibly memorable.

A Costume with Lasting Appeal

The Candy Cane Elf costume was not merely a one-time affair; it has become a cherished part of my costume repertoire. Its unique blend of festive cheer, quirky humor, and unexpected adventures ensures that it will continue to delight and entertain audiences for years to come.