Today, I want to share with you a piece of creative genius that really caught my eye this world book day —a homemade DIY Amelia Earhart costume, brought to life by the talented Hannah May Carpenter.
This cardboard aviator costume is a brilliant tribute to the iconic Amelia Earhart, perfectly timed for Women’s History Month this March as well as World Book Day, and could even be adapted as an imaginative Halloween get-up!
This costume was made for Hannah’s 7-year-old girl Bobbi, who was in the same due date group as my daughter Noora. It’s crazy to think about not so long ago I remember them taking their first steps and now they are off in the world, with lots of big opinions and ready to make a difference.
So, how did Bobbi come to be slipping into the role of the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic? Well, it all began with the delivery of new car seats, or rather, the boxes they arrived in.
Hannah transformed two simple cardboard boxes into a wearable piece of history: one box shaping the body of the plane and the other expertly crafted into wings, a tail, and a propeller.
“Our little aviator’s crafty biplane was all glued together with a hot glue gun, with ribbon straps for easy wear,” Hannah shared. “And the best part? The kids got to paint it together—a wonderful craft for the family to enjoy as a team!”
“It was made just using two boxes that we got when new car seats were delivered! One box for the body and then the other can be used for the wings, tail and propeller, All glued together with a hot glue gun. Used ribbon also for the straps!
For the kids to paint it together so good craft for the family to do together! Kids also made the steering wheel on their own”
Hannah May Carpenter
The young co-pilots also made the steering wheel on their own.
For a large cardboard project like this, it’s a great idea to take the painting outside which is exactly what they did, and this really helps to avoid mess and remove any stress from this type of large size craft project.
Bobbi’s choice of Amelia Earhart didn’t come out of the blue. “They had been learning about Amelia Earhart as part of a school project. She loved that Amelia was one of the first women to fly solo across the Atlantic,” Hannah explained. Bobbi’s fascination grew from reading about Amelia in the inspiring “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls” and the “Little People, Big Dreams” series.
“They had been learning about Amelia Earhart as part of school project. She loved that she was one of the first women to fly solo across the Atlantic. She had read about her in a book called good night stories for rebel girls and asked for the little people book!”
Hannah May Carpenter
I’m in awe, not just of the costume’s creativity and how it’s cleverly made, but also of its educational value. It’s a costume that tells a story, one of daring adventures and breaking through sky-high barriers.
It reminds us that with some cardboard boxes, a bit of time, and a splash of imagination, the sky is truly the limit.
Kudos to Hannah for this idea and for fostering such a wonderful learning experience for her children. It’s so inspiring to see young minds choosing to celebrate historic icons in such a hands-on, inventive way.
Who knows? Maybe Bobbi, donning her cardboard wings, is ready to take flight into her own history-making journey.
Completing Your Amelia Earhart Pilot Costume
To elevate the cardboard airplane into a full-fledged Amelia Earhart costume, it’s all about the right outfit to wear underneath.
A classic brown leather jacket is the ideal choice for your amelia earhart outfit, mirroring the iconic aviator style that Amelia made famous.
Pair it with a crisp white scarf—gently fluttering like the wings of a plane—and top it off with a vintage-style pilot hat adorned with goggles. This ensemble won’t just complete the look; it will bring the spirit of Earhart’s adventurous skies right down to earth, ready for takeoff at World Book Day or any dress-up occasion!
To all the parents out there, we hope this homemade Amelia Earhart aviator costume idea can inspire you to think outside the ‘box’ for your next family project.
Whether it’s for World Book Day, a history lesson, an amelia earhart halloween costume, or just for fun, the possibilities are as boundless as the skies once braved by Amelia herself.
This Amelia Earhart costume is perfect for girls, inspired by the achievements of women throughout history. It’s a great choice to get our girls empowered, whether they want to have a future in STEM like Amelia Earhart herself, or want to go into a different industry.
Identifying with strong and successful female role models give them the the belief to know that they can achieve whatever their hearts desire.
You can also size up the cardboard boxes and make an adult amelia earhart costume for yourself! This could be a brilliant option for teachers on world book day, if you have the time to put it together.
Soar high and happy crafting!
Related: 50 fun and easy transportation crafts for preschool kids
More Homemade Costumes
If you enjoyed this amelia earhart costume diy, check out some more of these ideas for homemade costumes and unique costume ideas that you’ll love whatever the occassion.
- DIY World Book Day Dictionary Costume
- DIY Shark Costume
- World Book Day Costume Ideas
- Dragon Cape Tutorial from The Knight Craft Book
If this high-flying costume idea has your heart soaring, be sure to share the love!
Spread the word by sharing this blog post or pinning it on Pinterest. Let’s inspire more families on creative adventures that celebrate history’s heroines and the power of imagination.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.