bluteddi

U can still get metal slinkys... and they come in a miniture version as well. I made a "tigger" costume, for the springy tail , I used a miniture metal slinky and merely tacked one end to the end of the tube ( tail) and then tacked the other end of the slinky to the top edge... it worked great... very "bouncy"!

Jodie02b

What if you play with wire hangers, they can be stretched out for length and easy to pose or you can check home depot for flexible metal or pvc, what about the cardboard inside of wrapping paper? Better yet I like the Broadway show look, a long skirt with the 6 tentacles and her real arms with the matching fabric.

lab fairy

Maybe instead of trying to cut Lame for a dress you could use wide ribbon. It won't shredd. I'd stay away from hangers. They are really hard to work with. If you are looking for something to connect tentacles to the child's arms you might find braided fishing line useful. I've made a lot of stage costumes over the years and learned weight is important. I also learned that teachers are often unrealistic in expectations.

Relax. Be unique and creative. I'm pretty sure no one will mistake who she is supposed to be. Her make up and hair will be a big clue.

bdanbom

use boning that is used in corsets, they come in a plastic form and easy to bend. i am a costume design major, and i have used boning in several costumes