Celia Mae is a gift for anyone who likes to make things. The colour story is simple, a green scaly dress against purple skin with a teal fluffy collar, and her two odd features, the five snakes for hair and the single big eye, are both fun to build. Her lower half has tentacle legs, which you can suggest or skip. I've laid out versions here from a closet-and-cardstock job you can finish in an evening to a fully sewn cosplay, plus takes for kids, toddlers, maternity, wheelchair users and anyone who can't stand face paint. Pick the build that matches how long you'll wear it and where.
Making Snake Hair That Stays Upright
Almost every Celia costume lives or dies on the snakes. A droopy headpiece is the most common problem I see, and it nearly always comes from too much stuffing and too little support. Here is the method I use for a headband version that holds its shape through a party.
- Start with a wide plastic headband at least an inch across. Narrow bands rock side to side under the weight and dig in behind the ears.
- Wrap the band in purple fleece or felt and stitch or glue it closed underneath. The fabric gives the snakes something to grip and stops the band slipping on hair.
- Cut each snake as a tube of fleece, felt or stretch fabric, about two to three inches wide before sewing. Run a length of floral or craft wire down the middle, folding the ends over so they can't poke through.
- Stuff lightly, just enough to round the tube. Heavy stuffing pulls the snake forward over your face.
- Leave a short tail of wire at the base, bend it around the headband and bind it with purple thread or fabric tape. Space the five snakes evenly from ear to ear.
- Add the faces last: two small felt eyes and a pink felt tongue on each head. Bend each snake into a different curve so they look alive rather than lined up.
Hot glue works for attaching felt faces, but I wouldn't trust it to hold the snakes to the band, especially outdoors on a cold night when it turns brittle. Wire and stitching survive hugs, car rides and being pulled off in a hurry.
1. Classic Celia Monsters Inc Costume
This is the version I'd make first, because every other one on the list is a variation of it. A fitted lime sleeveless dress, scale print if you find it, plain if you don't. Purple opaque tights, then two lightly stuffed purple fabric tentacles at the hips for the four-legged look. The snakes are flexible purple foam tubes on a padded headband, each with a small felt face and pink tongue. One oversized felt eye goes on a second elastic band across the forehead, so you can adjust it separately. Lavender face makeup, a fluffy blue-green collar, purple flats and a round green purse that nods to Mike.
2. Easy Celia Monsters Inc Costume
No real crafting needed here. A sleeveless green shift dress, purple leggings and slip-on sneakers. Twist purple pipe cleaners around a wide headband and glue small felt snake heads onto the ends. Keep them short, because long pipe cleaners droop and start poking at the scalp within an hour. The big paper or felt eye sits above the eyebrows rather than over the face. Lavender shadow, pink lipstick and a little purple blush, a teal faux-fur scarf at the neck, and a lime round handbag or cardboard eye prop.
3. Last-Minute Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Cardstock and tape will get you there in an hour. A bright green tank tucked into a green skirt, purple tights and ballet flats. Cut snake shapes from purple cardstock, draw friendly faces and tape them firmly to a headband; I put a strip of tape on both sides of each one, since cardstock snakes bend backwards the first time you hug someone. The eye is layered paper circles in white, blue, black and purple on elastic. A teal scarf or fuzzy collar gives the neckline, purple shadow and pink gloss do the face, and a small green ball with one paper eye makes a cheeky Mike prop.
4. Glam Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Sequins push Celia toward a party look. I'd choose an emerald or lime sequin mini with a neckline high enough to move in, glossy purple tights and metallic lavender block heels. For the snakes, purple velvet tubes stuffed lightly with batting and given a floral wire spine, with crystal eyes and little pink tongues. A jeweled eye headband sits above bold lavender makeup, winged liner and bright pink lipstick. A teal faux-fur stole and a rhinestone green sphere purse. Sequin dresses snag velvet and fur, so keep the collar slightly loose at the neck. Make the tentacles short and removable if you plan to dance.
5. Y2K Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Her look already feels early 2000s, so this one barely needs pushing. A lime cowl-neck mini over a fitted purple mesh top, lavender flared leggings and chunky purple platforms. Glossy stuffed snakes on a wide metallic headband, set high like space buns. A blue-and-white eye on a narrow elastic band. Frosted lavender shadow, shiny pink gloss and a few face gems. A fuzzy turquoise collar, a tiny green shoulder bag and bangles. Clip the two tentacles to the back of a belt instead of the sides, so they swing behind you rather than catching on table edges.
6. Plus-Size Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Stretch jersey keeps the sleek shape without pulling. Look for a lime, chartreuse or emerald wrap dress, which lets you adjust the fit at the waist, with high-waisted purple leggings and cushioned purple ankle boots. A wider headband with a non-slip lining spreads the weight of the foam snakes, so they don't press at the temples. The felt eye goes above the forehead. Lavender blush, purple eye makeup and pink lipstick. Removable teal faux-fur trim at the neckline. Two stuffed purple tubes on a wide fabric belt worn over the dress, and a round green crossbody bag to keep your hands free.
7. Modest Celia Monsters Inc Costume
A long-sleeve green knit midi or maxi gives full coverage and still reads as Celia once the colours are right. Purple leggings underneath, lavender ankle boots or sneakers. I sew hidden snaps to attach the teal faux-fur collar, so it sits flat and comes off for washing. Five short felt snakes with flexible wire cores and embroidered faces keep the headpiece neat. The eye accessory rides above the forehead. Soft purple makeup, pink lipstick and lavender gloves cover the hands too. Two fabric tentacles at the back of a wide purple belt and a green circular handbag.
8. Cold-Weather Celia Monsters Inc Costume
For a cold night of trick-or-treating, start with a thick green turtleneck sweater dress over thermal purple leggings. Insulated lavender boots with grip and purple gloves. Pin or sew teal faux-fur trim around the collar. Fleece is my pick for the snakes outdoors, as it stays soft in the cold where foam stiffens and hot glue can let go; a length of craft wire inside each one lets it curl. The felt eye sits on a fleece-lined headband. Lavender face makeup and pink lips. Two short fleece tentacles pinned to the coat or dress, and a round green crossbody for essentials.
9. Warm-Weather Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Heat changes everything about this costume. A loose lime cotton sundress with wide straps, purple bike shorts under it instead of tights, lavender low-tops or sandals with back straps. Hollow mesh tubing or thin foam for the snakes, since stuffed tubes trap heat right where you sweat most. A ventilated headband with one felt eye. Light lavender shadow, pink lip colour and a bit of purple shimmer on the cheeks. Swap the faux fur for a teal ruffled cotton collar. Short mesh tentacles on a light belt, and a round green belt bag.
10. Work-Friendly Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Her job is the reference here, which makes it work for the office. A knee-length green sheath or a green blouse and skirt, opaque purple tights and low lavender loafers. Five small felt snakes on a narrow purple headband keep the headpiece compact enough for a desk chair and a monitor. The eye sits above the forehead so you can see perfectly. Soft lavender shadow, rosy lipstick and a teal detachable collar. A clipboard, a headset or a handmade reception desk badge points straight at Celia's job. A round green crossbody adds the Mike nod. Skip the tentacles or clip two small fabric curls to a removable belt.
11. No-Sew Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Fabric glue, safety pins and clothes you own carry this build. A plain green tank dress, purple leggings and flats. Cut scales from darker green adhesive felt and press them on in rows; on polyester they peel within a few hours, so on a synthetic dress I'd dot fabric glue under each one as well. Purple mesh tubing for the snakes, ends sealed with glue and felt faces added before they go on a headband. Layered felt circles make the eye. Safety-pin a strip of teal faux fur at the neck. Stuffed purple knee socks closed with hair ties become tentacles, pinned to a wide belt.
12. Thrifted Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Thrift racks can supply nearly all of it: a green cocktail dress, purple leggings, lavender shoes and a teal scarf or fuzzy collar. The greens and purples don't need to match, because the snakes and the eye are what tell people who you are. I hunt for purple scarves, tights or sweater sleeves to stuff into snakes, then add felt eyes and tongues on a cheap headband. The forehead eye comes from fabric scraps in white, blue, black and purple. Two more thrifted purple stockings make belt tentacles. Finish with a secondhand round green purse, or paint an old circular bag.
13. Celia Costume With Four Tentacle Legs
Four legs is the showpiece version. A short green scale-print dress over a smooth purple bodysuit; your own legs count as two tentacles and two stuffed purple tubes hang from a padded hip belt. Wire inside the false ones lets the tips curl outward, but keep them well off the floor or someone will step on them in a crowd. Purple shoe covers over sneakers blend your feet in. Add the five-snake headpiece, a big forehead eye, lavender makeup and the teal collar, plus a light green eye-shaped purse. Practise sitting and turning in it before you go out; the belt tentacles change how you fit through doors.
14. Celia Costume With Purple Bodysuit
A purple bodysuit gives you Celia's skin colour without face and body paint. Choose an opaque, breathable one with long sleeves and full legs, then layer a sleeveless green mini over it. Lavender ankle boots or purple dance sneakers. Two stuffed tentacles at the hips suggest the extra limbs. Five long snakes go around a wig cap here rather than a headband, which spreads the weight across the whole head and lets them sit like real hair. A blue-and-white eye on soft elastic. Pink lipstick and a little purple contour, natural eyes left visible. A teal faux-fur collar and round green handbag.
15. Lightweight Celia Convention Costume
Over a long day on your feet, weight and sweat matter more than detail. I'd start with a moisture-wicking purple top and leggings, then a loose green athletic dress or sleeveless tunic, and cushioned lavender sneakers. Hollow EVA foam or mesh tubing keeps the snake headpiece light, and hidden combs plus a padded band stop it creeping backward. The eye sits above the forehead. Transfer-resistant lavender makeup, waterproof mascara and pink lip stain hold up better than cream products. A teal fabric collar is cooler than fur. Detach the hip tentacles with snaps and carry supplies in a round green backpack.
16. Kids Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Kids pull off anything that pokes or itches, so build for that. A green cotton dress, purple leggings and supportive lavender sneakers. Short stuffed felt tubes for snakes, never wire or hard plastic toys, sewn or firmly glued to a wide padded headband and kept away from the face. The felt eye goes at the top of the headband, not on the forehead. Lavender shadow is optional; a touch of pink lip balm is plenty. A soft teal collar and two short tentacles stitched to the back of the dress. A light green round treat bag the child can carry.
17. Teen Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Teens want it to look current, so I lean into everyday pieces. A lime ribbed mini, purple tights or leggings and chunky white-and-lavender sneakers. A cropped teal fuzzy shrug stands in for the collar and gets worn again afterward. Purple foam tubes with pipe-cleaner cores and felt faces make a light snake crown. The eye goes on a thin elastic band above lavender graphic liner. Pink gloss and a little purple shimmer. Two curled fabric tentacles on a removable belt come off when sitting. A green mini backpack or circular crossbody holds the phone and doubles as the Mike prop.
18. Toddler Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Toddlers need everything flat, soft and attached. A green jersey dress or tunic over purple cotton leggings, non-slip lavender sneakers with hook-and-loop straps. I sew flat purple felt snakes onto a stretchy fabric headband instead of anything that sticks up, with one soft eye in the centre, all well above the child's own eyes. No face paint. A teal fleece collar feels good to touch. Two small stuffed tentacles stitched to the back of the tunic stay out of the way of walking. A soft plush ball or light treat bag. Tug every piece hard before they wear it; anything that comes loose can go in a mouth.
19. Maternity Celia Monsters Inc Costume
A stretchy green empire-waist dress sits above the bump and gives room as the evening goes on. Soft purple maternity leggings and supportive lavender sneakers or low boots. A teal faux-fur collar resting loosely at the neck. A padded headband with light felt snakes and the big eye above the forehead. Lavender shadow, pink lipstick and purple shimmer on the cheeks. Skip the tentacle belt, which presses exactly where you don't want pressure, and snap two curled tentacles to the back hem of the dress instead. Wear the round green crossbody bag high or to the side.
20. Wheelchair-Friendly Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Design this one for a seated view, since that's how most people will see it. A bright green dress or tunic over purple leggings, lavender shoes with secure closures, a short teal faux-fur collar and a light snake-and-eye headband that leaves vision clear. Lavender eye makeup and pink lipstick. Long tentacles near the wheels are a real hazard, so I fix two curled purple fabric shapes to the chair back or upper frame, well away from spokes and brakes. Removable green and purple ribbon can wrap the frame. Hang the round green bag within easy reach.
21. Sensory-Friendly Celia Monsters Inc Costume
For a wearer who finds fur, paint or tight headbands hard, keep the colours and drop the rest. A tag-free green cotton T-shirt dress, soft purple leggings with flat seams and the sneakers they already wear. A soft teal jersey ruffle in place of faux fur. A flexible fabric headband with flat embroidered snakes and one felt eye, or put the snakes and eye on the dress itself if headwear is a no. No makeup. Two flat felt tentacles sewn to the skirt. A soft round bag or plush. Let them wear each piece at home for a while first, and pack a plain layer to change into.
22. Celia Costume Without Face Paint
The eye can live on a band instead of your skin. A sleeveless green dress, opaque purple tights and purple flats. Layer felt for the big eye and mount it on soft elastic that sits above the eyebrows. Five light purple snakes go on a separate padded headband, arranged around the eye but never over it. The teal faux-fur collar frames the face and carries a lot of the colour. Two stuffed tentacles on a belt over the dress, with room to walk. Wear your everyday makeup or none, and take a round green purse with a removable paper eye.
23. Celia Costume With Cyclops Makeup
Here the face does the heavy lifting. A green scale-print mini over purple tights, lavender platform sneakers and a teal faux-fur collar. Paint the cyclops eye in the centre of the forehead with face-safe makeup in white, blue, black and purple, leaving your own eyes visible and framed with lavender shadow. Patch-test the paints on the inside of your wrist the day before, and press a little setting powder over the finished eye so it doesn't print onto the snake headpiece. Pink and purple on the cheeks, glossy pink lips. Five stuffed snakes on a wig cap, two hip tentacles and a round green bag. Remove with an oil cleanser rather than scrubbing.
24. Crochet Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Crochet makes the cosiest Celia, and it's the one I'd choose for a cold night. A green crocheted sweater dress with a smooth lining, so the stitches don't snag tights, purple leggings and lavender ankle boots. Crochet five long purple tubes, stuff them lightly and sew them to a beanie or sturdy headband; heavy stuffing makes them flop forward. Embroider the eyes and use pink yarn for tongues. Layered crocheted circles make the eye. A fluffy teal yarn collar, two curled crocheted tentacles on a belt behind the hips, and a round green crocheted bag.
25. Felt Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Felt can make almost every part of this costume, and it cuts cleanly without fraying. A plain green shift dress, purple leggings and lavender slip-ons. Darker green felt scales go on with fabric glue or removable adhesive. Five lightly stuffed purple felt snake tubes, with cartoon eyes and pink tongues, around a padded headband with a layered felt eye in the middle. Craft felt pills and stretches with wear, so for pieces you'll handle a lot, like the snakes, I'd buy wool-blend felt if you can. A teal felt collar with a scalloped edge, two larger felt tentacles at the back, lavender makeup and a green felt circle bag.
26. Celia Costume With Mesh Snake Hair
Mesh tubing gives you volume with almost no weight. A lime sleeveless dress, purple tights and lavender block heels or sneakers. Cut long sections of purple mesh, twist or braid them, and run floral wire through where you want a controlled curve. Close each end with a soft felt head, small eyes and a pink tongue, then attach the snakes to a wide purple headband. Mesh frays at cut ends, so I seal them with a dab of glue before the felt goes on. A separate felt eye across the forehead, lavender cheeks, pink lipstick, a teal collar, two mesh tentacles on a belt and a green round purse.
27. Celia Costume With Toy Snake Headpiece
Painted toy snakes are the fastest way to sculptural hair. Use lightweight rubber or foam snakes, coat them in flexible purple paint, since stiff acrylic cracks when the rubber bends, and fix them across a wide headband or breathable wig cap. Check for sharp moulding edges and keep them away from the eyes. Pair with a green scale-print dress, purple leggings and lavender sneakers. A felt eye above the forehead, soft purple shadow and bright pink lipstick. A teal faux-fur collar. Two stuffed purple stockings on a waist belt, curled with craft wire, and a round green handbag or plush eye.
28. Neon Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Neon takes her palette to its loudest. A fluorescent lime dress over vivid purple leggings, electric-purple sneakers and a turquoise fuzzy collar. Foam-tube snakes in neon purple on a padded headband, with reflective felt eyes and tongues that catch car headlights, a real plus walking outside after dark. A big white-and-blue eye above the forehead. UV-style lavender makeup, vibrant pink lipstick and a bit of body-safe shimmer, which looks bright even without blacklights. Two bright tentacles on a belt, a glossy green circular bag and colourful bracelets.
29. Pastel Celia Monsters Inc Costume
Pastels soften her without losing the shape. A mint dress with lilac tights and pale purple Mary Janes, and a fluffy aqua collar or short fuzzy shrug. The snakes are lavender fleece tubes with embroidered faces, set gently around a padded lilac headband. The eye is white, periwinkle, black and lavender felt. Soft violet shadow, rosy-pink lipstick and a little cheek shimmer. Two pastel tentacles on a ribbon belt tied at the waist. A mint circular purse with one removable eye. I'd pick this for a daytime party or a family photo where the full neon would shout over everyone else.
30. Deluxe Celia Monsters Inc Cosplay
This is the full build, with real sewing in every piece. A fitted green dress from textured scale fabric with a removable blue-green faux-fur collar. A custom purple bodysuit under it, with boot covers drafted to run smoothly over supportive shoes. Two articulated hip tentacles from lightweight foam, batting and flexible supports, balanced on a padded belt so the weight sits on the hips rather than dragging the dress. Five purple snakes on a breathable wig cap, each shaped into its own curve. A dimensional forehead eye with eyelids, lavender makeup, contouring and pink lipstick, plus a handmade round green purse. Wear the whole thing for an hour at home first to find what rubs.
Purple Paint, Shedding Fur and the Trip Home
Two parts of this costume make a mess if you don't plan for them. Faux fur sheds from every cut edge, so I trim it from the back with small scissors, snipping only the fabric backing rather than the pile, then shake the strip outside before sewing it on. A quick pass with a lint roller over the green dress afterwards keeps it from looking furry by midnight.
Purple and lavender face makeup is the other risk. Cream colours stay tacky on a warm night and transfer onto the teal collar, which is hard to clean. Set cream makeup with translucent powder, then lightly mist with water to soften the powdery look. If you're painting arms or a neck, wear the collar slightly loose so it doesn't rub the paint off where it meets skin.
Getting everything home in one piece
The snakes crush flat in a bag, so carry the headpiece on your lap or hang it from a coat hook by the band. Tentacles on snaps or a belt come off before you get in the car, which saves the wire from being bent out of shape. Afterwards, store the headpiece loosely in a box rather than a drawer and the wire curls will still be there next year.
Five Snakes and One Big Eye Do Most of the Work
Celia comes down to a green dress, purple skin or legs, five snakes, one oversized eye and a hint of teal at the neck. Every version above swaps the materials around those pieces to suit a budget, an age, a body, the weather or a sensitivity. Whichever you build, keep the headpiece light, keep the extra tentacles off the floor and wear shoes you can stand in for the whole event. If face paint isn't for you, a felt eye on a band reads just as clearly. Start with the snakes; once they're done, the rest of Mike's favourite receptionist comes together fast.
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