Where (and What) Art Thou, Fake Whiskers
October 8, 2007 12:31 AM Subscribe
I'm making a rat costume for my son and I need to know where to buy "whiskers".
You probably know what I mean; that thin plastic filament that's stiff enough to stick out straight, but bendable enough to to hand sew. I haven't been able to find it at the local franchised craft stores and I'm not sure how to even search for it online. Anyone have any clues where I can find this stuff, or at least learn what the technical term for it is?
Thanks!
You probably know what I mean; that thin plastic filament that's stiff enough to stick out straight, but bendable enough to to hand sew. I haven't been able to find it at the local franchised craft stores and I'm not sure how to even search for it online. Anyone have any clues where I can find this stuff, or at least learn what the technical term for it is?
Thanks!
do you have a broom?
there ya go.
(this costume sounds like it has some serious potential to be traumatizing... but I am sure that's just my fragile self.)
posted by krautland at 1:02 AM on October 8, 2007
there ya go.
(this costume sounds like it has some serious potential to be traumatizing... but I am sure that's just my fragile self.)
posted by krautland at 1:02 AM on October 8, 2007
The school supply store I work at has these wires covered in fuzz, in the arts and crafts section. I have no idea what they're called, but they're used for the "feelers" on craft butterflies, caterpillars, etc. Perhaps those would work? Although they won't be washable, due to having a wire core.
posted by Xere at 1:51 AM on October 8, 2007
posted by Xere at 1:51 AM on October 8, 2007
I'd second pipe cleaners, have used them for many things in the past.
If you can't get those, try a local florist for the stiff wire they use in displays.
posted by ceri richard at 2:55 AM on October 8, 2007
If you can't get those, try a local florist for the stiff wire they use in displays.
posted by ceri richard at 2:55 AM on October 8, 2007
Response by poster: Look, krautland, this wasn't my choice. In fact, he originally wanted to be a rat driving a bus. I appreciate the crazed imagination of a 5 year old, but my meager skills lead me to insist on one or the other- bus driver or rat. He chose rat. I can only do my best now, without judgment. I like a challenge, anyway.
posted by maryh at 3:42 AM on October 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by maryh at 3:42 AM on October 8, 2007 [1 favorite]
Man, Rat is cool - I dig your kid.
posted by strawberryviagra at 4:15 AM on October 8, 2007
posted by strawberryviagra at 4:15 AM on October 8, 2007
If you can't get those, try a local florist for the stiff wire they use in displays
Or a gardeners supply store, for the wire that you use to tie in your espaliers.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 4:31 AM on October 8, 2007
Or a gardeners supply store, for the wire that you use to tie in your espaliers.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 4:31 AM on October 8, 2007
Careful if you go with pipe cleaners, though. Those ends are sharp and your young son may not know to be careful with them. One turn of the head in a crowd of children could find someone with a whisker in the eye.
I'd recommend either a softer material, or some means of covering the tips.
posted by Riki tiki at 5:17 AM on October 8, 2007
I'd recommend either a softer material, or some means of covering the tips.
posted by Riki tiki at 5:17 AM on October 8, 2007
Response by poster: Pipe cleaners are out- too stiff, possibly dangerous, not even remotely whisker-ish. I'm looking for something soft that holds it's shape. If I could find that broom nylon in bulk I'd be thrilled. If I can't, I'm happy to cannibalize my husband's car brush.
posted by maryh at 5:33 AM on October 8, 2007
posted by maryh at 5:33 AM on October 8, 2007
Sorry, but I have to know -- how did he come up with the "rat driving a bus" idea? Is there a new cartoon show I should know about?
posted by amtho at 6:31 AM on October 8, 2007
posted by amtho at 6:31 AM on October 8, 2007
Arts & Crafts store sells just what you need. They are most commonly used used for making stuffed toys.
posted by misspat at 9:27 AM on October 8, 2007
posted by misspat at 9:27 AM on October 8, 2007
With a little kid, I'd opt for drawn-on whiskers, using an eyeliner or any of the stuff they sell specifically for face painting with costumes. I'd be too nervous about anything pointy near the eyes. You know, his friend the Jedi Warrior waves his sword and suddenly the Rat is poked in the eye with his own whisker. Plus, drawing the whiskers on means they can't fall off and it makes eating all the Halloween candy a lot easier.
posted by Kangaroo at 9:39 AM on October 8, 2007
posted by Kangaroo at 9:39 AM on October 8, 2007
Response by poster: Sorry, but I have to know -- how did he come up with the "rat driving a bus" idea?
He's a big fan of Ratatouille, and a big fan of public transportation. Last year he was a garbage truck and he was set on a bus version of that costume until he saw the movie. Afterward he wanted to dress as a rat AND a bus, preferably a rat driving a bus. Makes perfect sense to a 5 year old...
posted by maryh at 1:08 PM on October 8, 2007
He's a big fan of Ratatouille, and a big fan of public transportation. Last year he was a garbage truck and he was set on a bus version of that costume until he saw the movie. Afterward he wanted to dress as a rat AND a bus, preferably a rat driving a bus. Makes perfect sense to a 5 year old...
posted by maryh at 1:08 PM on October 8, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by strawberryviagra at 12:48 AM on October 8, 2007