Everyone loves getting dressed up for Halloween. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, the idea of taking on the persona of your favorite monster or villain has a certain appeal that transcends age and gender. A well constructed mask is the final touch that will add that extra air of realism to the costume.

Now, you could take the easy route and just head out to the local store and buy yourself a mask, but where would the fun in that be? Instead, why not make your own?

You can start with something as simple as a brown paper bag.

From this simple piece of processed paper (available at all good grocery stores, nationwide) you will be able to add just a few readily available items along with a dash or two of imagination and end up with an original creation all of your own.

Just throw in some glitter, add some paint, and a little bit of glue and it won’t be long before you have your very own interpretation of your favorite cartoon character.

Sprayed with silver paint, that simple brown bag can quickly become your very own space helmet.

The possibilities are limited only by your resources and imagination.

Have an empty gallon milk container or old plastic pail? Turn it into a mask.

Just cut the bottle to the shape of a robot head using some sharp scissors, remove some slots for your mouth and eyes, paint it silver and voila! You have your very own robot mask.

Not into robots? Then try experimenting with colors and shapes (think jack-o-lanterns for inspiration) and with a little bit of imagination you can turn it into an alien or a demon.

Cut out some small holes on either side of the mask, slot a rubber-band through each and you can loop them over your ears to secure the mask.

Make sure that the edges aren't too sharp. A bit of felt or moleskin will protect delicate skin.

You may already have the makings of a great scary Halloween mask around the house. Look around for a hockey or diving mask, a winter ski mask, or even a cold weather mouth mask.

Add a bit of color, glitter, buttons or bows and you have an inexpensive and unique design.

If you take a simple party mask or even sunglasses and add some face make-up, you will have design that is bound to please any merry maker.

Not that handy? Don’t worry. Head to the Internet and find a suitable picture of something you would like to make into a mask (The Wolfman, Dracula, or your favorite rock-star) and download it to your computer.

Windows comes with its own software that will allow you to blow the picture up to a size that will fit over your face. Print out the picture and stick it to some art card with some adhesive (available at most big stores like Wal-Mart for just a couple of bucks). Carefully trim around the picture and then poke two holes through each side, attach two rubber-bands to secure it to your head (the bands fit over your ears).

Just remember that Halloween is supposed to be all about fun. Take your time and use your imagination and pretty soon you will have the perfect mask for the occasion.

Happy Halloween!