Okinawa to Louisiana Costume

Gianna (daughter) and Adrianna bring a piece of Okinawa back to Louisiana in the form of a beautiful kimono. Because we always match, this Halloween is no exception. When asking my daughter what I should dress as to go with the theme of her costume, her response was a shisa. Shisa is the dog/lion creature typically seen as guadian of the entry door to Japanese homes. The closest thing I could think of was a Chinese lion dance costume, but they were entirely too expensive. So, I decided to try to build my own. My daughter and I had a fantastic time working on this project and cannot wait for Halloween!
Her costume is traditional dress & fan brought back from Okinawa. My shisa costume consists of a frame made with pool noodles and camping mat, covered in fabric. The eyes are fabric covered paper plates, poster board and fabric covered styrofoam, accented with a button pupil. Pool noodles covered in fur fabric create the brows and mouth. The lower mouth piece is fabric cardboard detailed with poster board and foam sheet teeth. The beard is made of fabric scraps. The train/tail is made of fabric and detailed with thin boas and foam shapes. Everything is hot glued. The body is made of nearly 1000 yards of 6" toulle tied on elastic bands. The total shisa project cost just shy of $100. Gianna's kimono and accessories cost $40 at a thrift store in Okinawa.