Years ago we shared an adorable gumball machine costume for kids, and I’ve wanted to create an adult version ever since. This year I accepted a challenge from Savers to build a costume using thrifted finds, all for under $10. When I spotted a red pencil skirt at the store, I knew it was finally time to make my adult gumball machine. The thrifted top, skirt, and belt I purchased cost about $12 total, which made it easy to play, paint, and glue without worry.
Thrift stores are fantastic for costume shopping because they’re affordable and encourage creativity. You can customize items freely or grab something new for just one night. For this gumball machine costume I used a red dress (or skirt and top), a wide black or silver belt, a white tube top, and colorful ping pong balls to mimic gumballs. I also used a nail buffer to create the coin-crank, aluminum foil to cover it, and a hot glue gun to attach the balls.
Supplies
Red dress or red top and skirt
Wide black or silver belt
White tube top
Ping pong balls in assorted colors (we used a mix and added a few locally purchased orange and white balls)
Nail buffer (used as the machine crank)
Aluminum foil
Hot glue gun
How to make it:
1. If your top is stretchy, insert a piece of cardboard inside to create a stable surface while gluing. Heat your hot glue gun and begin attaching ping pong balls along the top edge of the tube top. Place them snugly together to minimize visible gaps.
2. Continue gluing ping pong balls across the front of the shirt until the desired area is covered. If you plan to tuck the shirt into a skirt, only glue the exposed portion so the fabric can still tuck comfortably.
3. Wrap the nail buffer in aluminum foil, folding the foil neatly as if you were wrapping a small gift. This becomes the crank for the machine.
4. Secure the wrapped nail buffer to your belt. If your belt has an adjustable buckle, fasten the belt first and attach the crank afterward so it sits in the correct position.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
With your costume complete, plan the rest of your party look. This gumball machine pairs well with playful accessories and bright makeup. Share your thrifted Halloween creations and celebrate sustainable, budget-friendly costume making. If you make this costume, tag your photos so others can see and be inspired. Have fun, be creative, and enjoy the party!
This post was created in partnership with Savers. All content and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that help keep creative projects like this going.
If you make a Studio DIY costume, share it on Instagram with #studiodiyincostume to be featured on the blog and for a chance at other surprises!