Need a last-minute costume? tbt* has you covered

You swore you wouldn't bother with a Halloween costume this year. You were going to stay home passing out candy and watching 20/20. But then at the last minute, that hottie from work invited you to Guavaween. Or your nephew begged you to take him trick-or-treating. You need a costume, and fast. Don't panic. The answer is in your hands. Literally. For all you slackers, tbt* has come up with eight costumes you can make using this newspaper, office supplies and a few other common items. Will these get-ups win you the $2,000 prize at Jackson's Bistro (see Page 29)? We doubt it. But they will help you pass as someone with Halloween spirit — and great taste in newspapers. — Dalia Colón dcolon@tampabay.com

Witch

Hat: Fold a piece of newsprint in half. Along the folded edge, cut a large semi-circle so that when you unfold it, you have a circle. Fold your new circle in half and cut another semi-circle from it so that when you open it, you have a large ring. This is the brim of the hat. To make the body of the hat, tape together two sheets of newsprint so you have a square. Roll this large sheet into a cone. Even out the open end with scissors. Secure with tape. Tape the cone to the brim.

Cape: Tape together four full pages of newsprint, two pages long by two pages wide. Tuck this larger rectangle into the back collar of your shirt.

Broom: Using one piece of newsprint, roll the paper longways to make a narrow tube. Tape several half-sheets of newspaper to one end of the tube. Make narrow cuts to resemble bristles.

Cowboy or cowgirl

Hat: Make an origami cowboy hat by following the instructions at tinyurl.com/yevttvh.

Vest: Staple together the long sides of three sheets of newsprint. Using this new giant rectangle, fold each end toward the center. Crease the fold. Cut arm holes on either side. Open the folds and place your arms through the holes.

King or queen

Crown: Fold one page of newsprint in half, longways. Along the open side, cut a row of triangles. Staple together the two ends. Place on your head, securing with bobby pins if necessary.

Robe: Tape together four pieces of newsprint, two pages long by two pages wide. Tuck this larger rectangle into the back collar of your shirt.

Scepter: Roll one piece of newsprint longways to make a narrow staff. Secure with tape. Wad a piece of newsprint into a tight ball. Wrap with tape, and tape to one end of the staff.

Three Blind Mice

For the ears, stack several sheets of newsprint. Cut out two circles, each about 6 inches in diameter. To keep the papers together, staple around the perimeter of each circle. Staple the two circles to a headband. Put on sunglasses. Find two friends, and repeat.

Mummy

Stack several sheets of newsprint. Cut into 3-inch strips. Tape the strips together, end to end, until you have one strip long enough to wrap your body. Get a friend to wrap you up, leaving eye, nose and mouth holes. Wrap each leg separately so you can walk.

Bird

Body: Ball up several dozen sheets of newsprint. Stuff them into your clothes.

Feathers: Using several pages of stacked newsprint, cut a few dozen feather shapes. Tape to your clothing. (Or if you have access to yellow Post-its, stick them all over your body for feathers.

Beak: Roll one sheet of newsprint into a cone. Secure with tape. Secure around your mouth with a rubber band.

Unicorn

Roll one piece of newsprint into a cone. Secure with tape. Tape to the center of a headband.

Lion

Mane: Fold a piece of newsprint in half. Along the folded edge, cut a large semi-circle so that when you unfold it, you have a rectangle with a giant hole in the middle for your face. Cut fringe around the rectangle for fur. Use a rubber band to secure around your head like a mask.

Ears: See Three Blind Mice instructions.

Tail: Cut two 3-inch strips of paper. Tape together to make one long, narrow strip. Wad a piece of newsprint into a small, tight ball. Wrap with tape, and tape the ball to one end of the tail. Tuck the tail into the back of your pants.