Meowlnir, the Hammer of Thor

Object may not be actual size.

It's time for us to pull the curtain back a little. Our stripey little friend who has been so helpful through many of our projects (Computer Wrist Rests, Paper Holiday Wreath) is named Thor. Apparently he was an energetic little cuss who was "as fast as lightning" at the shelter and was affectionately nicknamed before we took custody of him. We liked him, kept the name, and Thor became a member of the family. (As an aside, a member of my gaming group/regular reader of the site adopted a Loki the same week. Total coincidence.) He enjoys throwing his toys, and it occurred to me: I have a Thor who hurls objects down the hallway. Get this cat a hammer of the gods! Meowlnir would be forged here in Midgard!

You'll Need:

• Felt. I used a heather gray and a brown.
• Pipe cleaners. Mine are brown, but technically any color works.
• Polyfill stuffing
• Needle and thread. I used a light silvery gray.
• Fabric glue
• Graph paper
• Marking and cutting implements

Budget Superhero Cowl

A few years ago, I was invited to a themed costume party, "Favorite Fictional Character." I was out of town, living out of a suitcase for three months, and the expectation was I would arrive to the party as Batman. This would have been impossible if I held to any reasonable standard of construction, so I built the entire outfit from a store-bought black t-shirt, a roll of black duct tape, electrical tape, and the cardboard from a Diet Coke box. The only tools used were a Sharpie and my Leatherman. The night before the party.

To make your own superhero/luchador cowl on the cheap, you'll need:

• Trash bag
• Duct tape: Cheapest silver you can find and the main color or colors of your character
• Electrical tape for details (Optional)
• Shoelaces, at least 45"
• Pair of scissors
• Permanent marker
• A trustworthy assistant