DIY Halloween Costume Drop In Open Studio
From thrifted finds to last-minute costumes, come make it happen! Sew, alter, glue, and troubleshoot with fellow makers.
program overview
Got a brilliant Halloween costume idea but need the space, tools, or a little encouragement to bring it to life? Whether you are altering a thrifted find, putting the finishing touches on a masterpiece, or scrambling to pull together a last-minute look, our studio doors are open!
Come use our workspace, bounce ideas off fellow makers, and let’s get crafting.
Who This Is For:
- All Costume Types Welcome: You are welcome to work on costumes for adults, kids, or even pets!
- Adults-Only Workspace: Please note that the studio session itself is strictly for adults (18+). Due to sharp tools, hot glue guns, and limited space, we cannot accommodate children or pets in the studio.
What we provide:
- The Basics: Hot glue gun stations, scissors, measuring tapes, pins, sewing machines, and basic sewing notions.
- The Scrap Pile: Access to a stash of fabrics, felt, ribbons, and random craft supplies to help patch your look together.
- Extra Hands: I will be on hand to help you troubleshoot, brainstorm, pin fabric, and problem-solve!
The Focus of This Session:
- Yes to Construction: This studio is optimized for sewing, altering, gluing, and assembling garments and accessories.
- No Wet Mediums: Please leave the liquid paints, dyes, and paper mache at home—we don’t have the setup for drying or heavy wet cleanup.
- Strictly No Glitter: To protect our workspace and machines, glitter is strictly forbidden. Any fabrics, trims, or accessories shedding loose glitter will have to stay at home!
What to bring:
- Your base costume, clothing pieces, or main fabrics (plus measurements if making it for a child or pet who isn’t there!).
- Any specific materials, fasteners, or structural items your project requires.
- Drop in and let’s make something spooktacular!
instructor Overview
Jill Valavanis
Jill Valavanis is the Visual Arts Director at the Sonoma Community Center and a teaching artist working primarily with fiber. She completed her graduate work at California State University, Long Beach where she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Integrated Three-Dimensional Media, utilizing skills developed in working with fiber, metal, and wood. Currently she is exploring free motion machine embroidery and relief printing on fabric.
Website www.jillvalavanis.com
Instagram @jillvalavanis
Membership Has Its Benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Experience Level
BeginningAge(s)
18-overRegistration Cost:
$20
