Indianapolis Crafter Shares DIY Cardboard Costume Ideas

Local resident Jennifer Sterrett showcases affordable Halloween costume designs made from simple cardboard boxes.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Arts & Crafts

Bold vector editorial illustration of a painted cardboard box costume sitting on a table, representing DIY Halloween craft trends. — Indianapolis resident Jennifer Sterrett is promoting affordable Halloween traditions by showcasing handmade costumes crafted entirely from repurposed cardboard boxes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prefer making your own Halloween costumes to save money instead of buying them?

Jennifer Sterrett recently demonstrated how to create creative, low-cost Halloween costumes using common household items like cardboard boxes. These projects serve as a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought options for the holiday.

Why it matters

Store-bought Halloween costumes can be prohibitively expensive and are often only worn a single time. Creating custom designs offers a practical way for families to save money while participating in festive traditions.

Most DIY cardboard costumes can be assembled in just 10 to 15 minutes of active work time. Five distinct design concepts, including a coffee cup and a box turtle, were featured in the demonstration.

The players

Jennifer Sterrett

An Indianapolis-based crafter who specializes in creative, budget-friendly DIY costume design.

The details

Crafters cut holes for the head and arms into basic cardboard boxes before decorating the surfaces with paint, markers, or colored duct tape. Additional supplies used in the designs include googly eyes, poster board, and leftover gift wrap.

Jennifer Sterrett visited the News 8 studio on October 20, 2026.
This report was published on October 27, 2026.

Culture Shift

This focus on upcycled crafting reflects a growing movement toward sustainable living and the rejection of disposable consumer habits. By prioritizing creativity over convenience, participants are increasingly favoring personalized, low-cost alternatives to mass-produced holiday goods.

Residents can significantly reduce their holiday spending by repurposing cardboard boxes they already have at home instead of purchasing commercial costumes. This project requires minimal specialized tools, allowing families to complete costumes quickly without needing a dedicated workshop.

The takeaway

Using basic supplies like duct tape and markers allows anyone to transform common household waste into unique holiday attire. These accessible designs prove that you can achieve a festive look while avoiding the high costs associated with store-bought seasonal items.