10-Minute Paper Pirate Costume for Pretend Play

Avast, ye landlubbers!

My daughter wanted to be a pirate. Oh, happy day! You must understand, I come from a long line of pirates (well, my brother and I, see above) and I had been hoping even before she was born that my daughter would continue the family tradition. However, ever since she discovered Sofia the First, all I hear is Sofia this, Sofia that. So when she asked me the other day if she could have a pirate costume, naturally I said yes.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to make a real pirate costume. Who knew how long this whim would last? I had to act fast or risk losing her to the princess crew forever.

I did have paper, a printer, some leftover ribbon from Christmas, and 10 minutes to spare while my second cup of coffee brewed and I needed to get back to work. So, while she napped, I hacked this quick and cheap fix. (Please remember that this took less than 10 minutes so it's not meant to be long-wearing or authentic.)

Found: a Practical—and Pretty—Princess Costume

Joining what seems to be the majority of girls under five, my daughter asked to be Princess Sofia the First for Halloween. She has fully, undoubtedly, and, it seems, inevitably entered the princess phase.

For perhaps an hour or so, I entertained the thought of making her a costume from scratch. I knew I could get tulle, after all, and there are all these fabulous tutorials for tulle toddler ball gowns online. How hard could it be?