DIY Moth and Porch Light Costume: 40-Min Cardboard Build

DIY moth and porch light costume built from neutral shirt and pants in gray, brown, large cardboard box, and brown and tan markers or paint

AI-generated concept photo

Pictured: the moth and the porch light.

Time40 minEffortMedium

⏱️ We timed it, but results may vary.

Plan this costume →No signup · 2 minutes.

One wears neutrals with cardboard wings; the other wears yellow and carries a lampshade. The moth cannot resist. Forty minutes, a medium build: a neutral shirt and pants, a large cardboard box, and brown and tan markers or paint. The moth should orbit the lamp person all night.

3 of 8 things covered, counting basics we assume you have.

Tap a supply to tick what you own.

Still need:

Neutral shirt and pants in grayPipe cleaners (multi-color pack)Headband (any color)Yellow t-shirt and yellow pantsCone lampshade

Update my pantry

Tip: curl the wing tips slightly forward and tape them so they cup inward.

Materials

Neutral shirt and pants in gray, brown, or tan, 1 set (own: from closet)
Large cardboard box, 1 (own: cut two wing shapes from it)
Brown and tan markers or paint, 1 set (buy: craft store)
Brown craft pipe cleaners, 2 (buy: craft store; brown yarn works too)
Headband, 1 (own: from the drawer)
Yellow t-shirt and yellow pants, 1 set (buy: thrift store, or own: from closet)
Cone lampshade, 1 (buy: thrift store)
Tape, 1 roll, and scissors, 1 pair (own: household tools)

Steps

Draw both wing ovals on the box first.
Have the moth hold their arms out to check the span.
Cut two large oval wing shapes from the cardboard.
Buy the pipe cleaners, markers, and cone lampshade.
Draw eye spots and scalloped edges on the wings.
Tape one wing to each arm of the plain shirt and pants.
Bend the pipe cleaners into feathery antennae.
Tape them to the headband.
Put on the yellow t-shirt and yellow pants.
Pop the cone lampshade over the head like a hat.
Stand next to the moth with arms out, buzzing.
Optional pro finish: curl the wing tips slightly forward and tape them so they cup inward.

Start this costume in the planner

Common questions

How do the wings stay on the arms?

Tape one wing to each sleeve of the neutral shirt with two strips of tape per wing. Tape on fabric holds for an evening; tape the wings to the sleeves, not to skin.

What size lampshade for the porch light person?

One that fits over the head like a hat without covering the eyes, a medium table-lamp shade works. Check thrift stores.