Recycle 'Old' Costumes at Halloween Costume Swap

Tired of that vampire get-up? Bored with celebrity-look-a-likes? Have your kids outgrown their ballerina and superhero costumes?

Don't just throw them away — recycle those costumes, by trading them with someone else, says Sarah Gingold, clothing artist and owner of clothing art studio, Think Outside The Store.

Gingold is partnering with Monica Buitrago to hold a Halloween Costume Swap, this Saturday afternoon from 1-4 p.m. at the studio. Buitrago has run Silver Spring Swaporama events for more than three years.

The idea came from a previous swap the two organized last month. They decided to try a Halloween swap this time, "so people could bring in costumes or pieces they may not want to use again," said Gingold. "Swaps are a great source of recycled materials. It's a way to find something you would otherwise wouldn't."

At the Halloween swap, you can bring in clean, gently-used Halloween costume items — and take home another donated costume.

"Things you bring in that you don't want anymore, you can trade with others," Gingold said. "I like to alter things instead of always making from scratch."

Gingold adds that the items brought in don't have to have been made strictly for Halloween. "Maybe that weird thing in your closet might make a good costume"

Items can be altered "to fit your taste" as well, Gingold said. "If you want advice, Monica and I will be there to provide ideas and help." She said both will assist with alterations or suggest new ways to use old costume materials.

The costume swap is also about creativity and Halloween fun, Gingold said.

"Just bring it [your item] in and see what happens."

Think Outside the Store is located on 816 Thayer Ave. (next to Create Arts Center). The Halloween Costume Swap is 1-4 p.m Saturday, Oct. 22. Admission: $10 at door. Gingold said those who come to the swap will be offered a discount the week before Halloween.