Crafting Custom Outfits for Operation Game Characters
In 1964, John Spinello, a University of Illinois industrial design student, invented the Operation game that tested players' fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Fast forward to today, and the Operation game is still a popular choice for family board game nights. But did you know you can transform this classic game into a fun and easy DIY Halloween costume?
Here's what you'll need to create your own DIY Operation costume:
- A grey long sleeved t-shirt
- Grey sweat pants
- Red felt
- White felt
- Fabric glue or a sewing machine
- Black permanent markers
- Sewing machine or safety pins
- Pliers
- String
- A clown nose
- Scissors
- Light blue scrubs (optional)
- A stethoscope (optional)
The Operation game features 11 unique game pieces, including the apple, broken heart, piece of bread, wish bone, pencil, bone, basket, wrench, horse, spare rib, and rubber band. To create your DIY costume, you'll need to cut out these shapes from white felt and place them on a red felt background. The red background pieces do not need to be precise, as long as they resemble the corresponding game piece.
Each white felt piece can be used as a stencil to cut the red background pieces. For example, the bread box, which is the lowest piece on the Operation game board's stomach, is an example of a red felt shape's placement.
To make the costume more authentic, you can write the names of the game pieces in all capital letters on the t-shirt and pants using black permanent markers. Space them out so no group of words is too close together and all can be read easily.
To add a touch of humour to your costume, tie a string to one end of the pliers and then to your bra strap for easier access. A red clown nose and a pair of pliers are essential accessories for the DIY Operation costume.
Sewing the game pieces to the t-shirt and sweatpants is easy, but may be a bit tricky on the two pieces on the arms of the t-shirt due to its tight sleeves. You can use fabric glue or safety pins to secure the game pieces in place if sewing proves to be too challenging.
For a complete Operation game board costume, you can follow the tutorial for the couples Operation costume, which shows how to make an Operation game board. If you prefer, you can also wear light blue scrubs and a stethoscope to complete the look.
The DIY Operation costume is not only simple to make, but it's also warm and cozy, making it perfect for any climate. Plus, it's a great conversation starter at Halloween parties!
For more DIY costume ideas, check out our collection of 27 DIY couple costume ideas, 39 DIY adult Halloween costumes, 37 homemade animal costumes for kids and adults, and 29 DIY kid costumes. Happy Halloween!
[1] Operation Game History [3] John Spinello Biography [5] Operation Game Invention
