What’s Needed: Poly-Fil® Filler- Fairfield

Unisex Knitted Ski Cap (beige)- #311469784114- eBay

Spray Glue- Gorilla Heavy Duty

Hot Glue Gun w/Glue- Gorilla 5X All Temperature

Hair Spray- Aqua Net ONLY

Styrofoam Head Form

Ostrich Feathers (Amazon), Silk Flowers, Gems & Ribbons

8” Non-Stick Scissors- Fiskars

Bamboo Skewers

Felt Square- (to be used as rolling mat, any colour)

Halloween Couture

Eat Cake Party Wigs

Over the top Halloween costumes.

Our DIY Poly-Fil® Party Wigs are fabulously fun.

Make a tall or round pouf wig then decorate it

with curls, colour and other fanciful bobbles.

Instructions given for 4 wig designs below.

Follow our design or create your own!

Tips:

A- Open Poly-Fil® prior to making wigs so it can expand. Slit bag length wise to open so

layers of Poly-Fil® will be exposed.

B- Use a male styrofoam head form to build the wigs as they are closer in size to a

human head. The smaller female heads can be used for children’s wigs.

C- To conceal the glue and give depth to the wigs we used beige coloured caps.

D- Three adhesives are used to make the wigs. Hot glue for the foundation, spray glue

and hair spray to build the height, curls and other hair decorative elements.

1-Styrofoam wig forms are very light. Add weight by taping form to a heavy base (we used a

clay pot). The additional weight is key in keeping the form from tipping over as the wig is

being made.

2- Place cap on form (hat seam to the back). Use straight pins to hold the cap in place.

3- Keep pins on the edge of the cap. Stick a pin in the front, back and on each side.

To give a facial perspective to our form we downloaded a painting of Marie Antoinette, enlarged the face

area and printed it. To fit the paper face to the form, remove the styrofoam nose with a craft knife, cut the

face portion of the painting into an oval and pin it to the styrofoam form.

4- Tailor the size and shape of cap by loosely gather the excess fabric to the top.

5- Center the fabric, pull fabric taut and wrap a piece of upholstery or embroidery thread

around the bottom of the crimped fabric. Wrap several time and knot thread to hold.

6- Try cap on to ensure fit. Adjust fabric if needed. Place and pin cap edges on form.

7- To secure the gathered fabric, place hot glue around the bottom. Flatten out and press

fabric down onto the hot glue. Let dry. Add additional hot glue if needed to ensure fabric is

secured to the top of the cap. Cap will remain on the form until wig is finished.

Preparing Form and Hat:

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8- Create small single layer sheets of Poly-Fil® to hot glue on cap. Sizes can vary.

9- Starting at the right front side place lines of hot glue on the cap.

10- Lay one sheet of Poly-Fil® on top of the glue. Press Poly-Fil® into glue using a craft stick.

Wig Foundation:

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11- Glue the second sheet of Poly-Fil® to the cap. Fit the 1st and 2nd pieces together. Note: Always use a craft stick to press filler into the glue to avoid any hot glue burns.

The wig foundation is made by hot gluing Poly-Fil® onto

the cap. The hot glue will give structure and shape to the

wig while holding the first layer of Poly-Fil® in place.

Note: A wig foundation is needed to make all wigs. The wig foundation can be worn as a short hair wig (fairies) or add

side curls and a pony tail for a basic powdered wig (school projects

or plays).

12- Lift any loose Poly-Fil® from the edges and hot glue in place. Be sure to remove pins

prior to gluing. Replace pins once glue has dried.

13- To fill in uncovered space, place hot glue in open area and cover with a tuft of Poly-Fil®.

14- Repeat above steps to fill in the left side of the cap. The back will be finished last.

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15- Finish covering the cap by hot gluing sheets of Poly-Fil® to the back and top of the cap.

16- Fill in all uncovered or thin areas (step 13 above) and glue down edges (step 12 above).

17- Spray finished wig with 2 coats of Aqua Net Hair Spray. Pat the Poly-Fil® with hand to

press down edges. Let hair spray dry between coats.

Note: Not every piece of Poly-Fil® will be hot glued to the cap. The object to get a good base. The hair spray will bond

all the pieces together.

Making Tall Pouf Wigs:

s: Historically, pouf wigs were 12” to 24” high.

The tallest pouf we made is 18” (see below). When making

tall wigs (15” to 24” high) it is important to building the

height base on the top of the head rather than the back.

This will keep the wig’s weight centered and wearable.

Pictured wig height is 12” high.

T1- To make the first section/dome, remove a large tuft of Poly-Fil® from the bag. Slightly

pull the tuft in all directions to expand the size and create a thick, rounded dome shape.

T2- Flip tuft over. Tuft should be a 7” or slightly larger diameter.

T3- Create spray station by covering work surface with paper. Lay tuft (up-side down) on paper.

Shake glue and spray the tuft, following instructions on the can.

T4- Spray glue can be seen after being applied. Re-spray any areas that were missed.

Note: Once the glued pieces are set in place, it is very hard to remove without pulling up all the Poly-Fil the glue

touches. It’s best to work with any misplaced glued pieces.

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T1

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T2

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T3

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T4

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T5- Dome placement- From the middle of the head back over the crown and sides (represented in pink).

T6- Place dome (glue side down) on the foundation. Use hand to gently pat the edges down.

Use a bamboo skewer to lightly poke into the dome to bonding the inner Poly-Fil® together.

Do not flatten dome as this is the first height section.

T7- Lift unglued edges up, spray with glue and gently pat down in place.

T8- Small holes and crannies will begin to appear in the Poly-Fil® Use spray glue and smaller

tufts to fill them in. See steps T12, T13, T14 and T15 below for instructions.

Spray wig foundation and added tuft with a coat of hair spray. Let dry.

To add the next height sections, create strips of Poly-Fil®. Strip dimensions can range from 3” to 4” wide x 7”

or higher.

T9- Attach strips around the head. Use the attached tuft as a guide. Spray the bottom half of

the strip with glue and place it 2” above the bottom of the dome. Gently pat the strip to

ensure bond.

T10- Continue adding strips around the dome (shown in pink). Only half of the strip should

be attached

T11- A hole has now been created in the center of the attached strips. To fill, spray area

with glue, place a tuft/ball of Poly-Fil ® (large enough to fill the hole) in the center. Spray

each strip with glue and fold over the filler to close.

Spray with hair spray, let dry.

Note: Additional wig height from this point will be built up in sections.

Repeat the above steps for each new section to achieve desired height.

The 18” wig to the right was created in this order, wig foundation, dome,

followed by three height sections

12”

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18”

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T6

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T7

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T8

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T9

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T10

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T11

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T12- Small holes and crevasses will be found all over

the wig. These are caused by inconsistent depths of

filler, adding sections, air holes, or no glue bonds.

Filling is easy (see below) as the Poly-Fil® blends

together well.

Filling gives the wig stability and an even, level

finish.

T13- Locate hole. Lightly separate and open the area.

T14- Spray glue in the opening.

T15- Pull a Poly-Fil® tuft to plug the opening (sizes and shapes will vary between opening). Use the

pointed end of bamboo skewer or toothpick to lightly push the tuft in.

T16- Feather out the edges to blend if needed. Spray area with hair spray. Let spray dry.

Note: Use this method to fill in crevasses created by adding sections if needed.

To bond the Poly-Fil® fibers together apply 2 to 3 coats of hair spray.

T17- Spray the entire wig with Aqua Net. Do not over soak.

T18- Immediately pat down the wig lightly (hand or a plastic ruler) after hair spray has been

applied. This helps the fibers bond together.

T19-Let hair spray dry between coats before repeating.

Your tall pouf wig can be worn as is, styled with curls,

coloured and or embellished with bobbles and bows.

See below for decorating instructions.

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T13

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T14

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T15

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T16

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T17

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T18

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T19

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Round pouf wigs are shorter in height, fuller around the

head and frizzier in texture than the tall pouf wigs.

Round wigs can be made extremely full for a formal

look or a thinner for every day.

The round pouf wig shown is 9” high and 30” around.

Making Round Pouf Wigs:

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R5- Spray half of the one layer with spray glue (grey arrow). Center the layer (glue side

down) on the front of the wig foundation about 2” above the foundation edge (shown in

pink).

R6- Wrap ends around the sides (shown in pink).

R7- Repeat the step for the back of the foundation. Ends will bunt together. Cut off excess

Poly-Fil® or add additional piece if needed (shown in pink). The foundation crown will be

encircled by the layers only, not covered.

R8- Lift ends and apply additional spray glue to secure.

R1- Follow the above

instructions to prepare the

form and hat.

R2- Follow the above

instructions to make the wig

foundation.

R3- Remove 2 layers of Poly-Fil®.

Layers, about 10” to 11” long.

R4- The height of the layers will

vary as the layers will be uneven

in height.

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R4

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R7

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R8

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R9- Secure any unglued Poly-Fil® (attached bottom layer) to the foundation.

R10- Lightly lift the unglued piece up, spray with glue.

R11- Pat piece back in place. Continue securing the bottom of the layer to the wig

foundation. Fill in open or thin areas with Poly-Fil®. Follow steps T11 thru T15 located in the

Tall Pouf instructions. Spray the entire wig with a coat of hair spray. Let dry.

R12- To form the ball shape fill the space between the newly added layers (shown in pink) and

the crown with Poly-Fil®.

R13- Lightly separate the layers from the crown and spray with glue.

R14- Fill in the space between with tufts of Poly-Fil®. Continue until all the crevasses are

filled. Spray area with hair spray. Let dry.

R15-Spray glue strips of Poly-Fil® around the outer layer (shown in pink). Strips widths can

vary but length should slightly fold over the top. Leave the top of the strips unglued.

R16- Working from the back of the wig, begin filling in the crown.

R17- Spray glue tufts of Poly-Fil® to fill in the crown. Spray glue the side strip in place.

R18-Follow steps T11 thru T15 for located in the Tall Pouf instructions it fill in spaces. Spray

with a coat of hair spray. Let dry. Note: The Poly-Fil® blends well when spray glued together.

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R12

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R15

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R18

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R19-Fill in any spaces on the

front of the wig.

R20- To shape, pat wig with

hands to move the inner filler

around. Use both hands, pat

around the wig to push filler in

place.

To bond the Poly-Fil® fibers together 2 to 3 coats of hair

spray need to be applied.

Spray the entire wig with Aqua Net. Do not over soak.

Immediately pat down the wig lightly (hand or a plastic

ruler) after hair spray has been applied. This helps the

fibers bond together.

Let hair spray dry between coats.

Your round pouf wig can be worn as is, styled with curls, coloured and or embellished with bobbles and

bows. See below for decorating instructions.

Colour & Curls:

s: Decorating the wigs is the best part of this project.

We’ve provided the instructions to colour, make the curls

and “how to” put it all together (listed below).

Follow our patterns or go rogue and make up your own.

It’s easier than you think!

Colouring Wigs:

s: To colour the Poly-Fil® used to make the

wigs we suggest using RUST-OLEUM

American Accents Spray Paint (paint and primer).

Follow the spraying instructions on the can.

Spray a light-to-medium first coat, let dry,

then spray a second if a darker colour is

desired. Freshly sprayed wigs will have a

slight odor that will dissipate once colour

dries. Accent or completely cover wigs.

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R20

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Long Ring Curls:

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1-Tear a 6” long (or larger) layer of Poly-Fil® (fibers running horizontally) from the package.

2- Place on a piece of felt or fabric covered surface. With both hands, roll the fibers back

and forth. This will create a coil by interlocking the fibers together.

3- Continue rolling the coil, apply pressure to shape. Roll until coil is meshed together.

4. Spray all sides of the long ring curl with 2 to 3 coats of hair spray. Let dry

5- To finish the ends for long ring curls, cut one end blunt and leave the other fluffy.

6- To give a more finished fluffy, wrap one end with a piece thread, pull tightly and knot. Cut

end blunt. Cut excess thread off.

7. To make shorter ring curls (side curls) cut both ends of the coil blunt. Cut coil into equal

parts.

Spiral Curls:

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1-Make a 7” long (or larger) long ring curl. (follow steps 1,2,3, & 4 long ring curl instructions above).

2- Run a bead of hot glue down the center of the long ring curl just made.

3- Tuck in one end, roll the complete length. Use more hot glue to secure the end piece.

4- Spray the front and back of each curl with 2 to 3 coats of hair spray. Let dry.

Love Knot Ring Curls:

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1- Make a 6” (or longer) long ring curl (follow steps 1,2,3, & 4 long ring curl instructions above).

2- Form a loop with the ring curl.

3- Tuck the top end around the back of the loop and into the center of the loop (do not

push through). Tuck the second end of the loop into the center.

4- Spray the front and back of each curl with 2 to 3 coats of hair spray. Let dry.

1-Shape a loose rectangle of Poly-Fil® by pulling it out slightly.

2- Spray rectangle with spray glue.

3- Start at a 5” end and roll up the Poly-Fil®.

4- Cut rolled Poly-Fil® into desired curl sizes. Spray each curl with 2 to 3 coats of hair spray.

Large Chunky Ring Curls:

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Spikes:

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1-Spikes are made from harden tufts of Poly-Fil®. Pull 4” to 5” tufts from the bag.

2- Spray each tuft with 2 to 3 coats of hair spray. Shape if needed. Let spray dry.

3- Open the bottom ¼” of the tuft (below red line). Spray with spray glue.

4- Place glued area of tuft onto the wig. Continue adding spikes. When finished, spray with

a heavy coat of hair spray.

Put It All Together:

s: Rose Croquembouche

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La Charlotte

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• Tall Pouf Wig

• Pink Spray Paint

• Silk Flowers & Feathers

Make one tall pouf wig (ours is 18”).

Spray the wig with a coat of pink paint.

Hot glue silk cabbage roses and small bud flowers over the wig.

Hot glue fluffy white feathers behind each rose.

The costume instructions for Rose Croquembouche are available

at BluArlan.com (Holiday/Fall page).

• Round Pouf Wig

• 8 Large Chunky Ring Curls, 6 Spiral Curls

• Silk Cabbage Roses & Feathers

Make one round pouf wig, 8 large chunky ring curls and 6 spiral curls.

Hot glue 4 chunky ring curls and 3 spiral curls on each side of the wig.

Spray with hair spray.

Decorate by hot gluing feathers and cabbage roses around the wig.

The costume instructions for La Charlotte are available at

at BluArlan.com. (Holiday/Fall page).

Citron Meringue

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Spiky Montee

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• Round Pouf Wig

• 10 Long Ring Curls (tied ends), 12 short ring curls & 51 spiral curls

• Silk Roses, For-Get-Me-Knots, Gems, Ribbon & Feathers

Make one round pouf wig and all curls listed above.

Starting at the front, hot glue 6 short ring curls on each side of the wig.

Hot glue 10 long ring curls (different lengths) to the back-neck area of the

wig. Fill in the area between with the 51 spiral curls. Glue curls from

the middle of the wig down to the neck. Spray curls with hair spray.

Decorate by hot gluing a ribbon around the center of the wig. Hot glue

feathers, ribbon rosettes, flowers and gems randomly around.

The costume instructions for Citron Meringue are available at

BluArlan.com (Holiday/Fall page).

• Tall Pouf Wig

• 20 Spikes, 10 Love Knots, 6 Swirl Curls, 3 Long & 2 Short Ring Curls

• Black Feather, Ribbon Rosette, Pearl

Make one tall pouf wig (ours is 12”) and curls listed above.

Spray glue spikes to the front of the wig, seal with hair spray. Hot glue the 3

long ring curls on the right side, one short curl on each side, spiral and knot

curls frame the face/ sides. Seal with hair spray. Hot glue accents in place.

The costume instructions for Spiky Montee are available at

BluArlan.com (Holiday/Fall page).

See More DIY Ideas at bluarlan.com