An angel on Halloween? Such a costume may seem contrary to this most mischievous of holidays, but somebody has to keep an eye on all those little devils running around. Our model, six-year-old Miranda, proved that point quite well: Upon changing into her snowy raiment, she transformed into the very picture of sweet-natured patience, even, miraculously, offering to share her candy.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Pencil, corrugated cardboard, utility knife, gold spray paint, white sheet or fabric (approximately 2 yards long by 1 yard wide), 2 yards of gold ribbon (optional), 8-foot length of gold cording, 5-foot strand of star garland (available at party stores).

THE WINGS
Draw a wing shape on the piece of cardboard. It can be as simple or elaborate as you like, but should extend roughly from the top of your child's hips to the back of her head and no more than 8 inches beyond her shoulders (our angel has a 2-foot wingspan). Cut out the shape with a utility knife. Poke three holes—two near the top, one near the bottom—in the wings. In a ventilated area, spray-paint the wings gold.

THE ROBE
Fold the piece of fabric in half so the two short ends meet. In the center of the fold, cut an approximately 7-inch slit for your child's head. Slip the robe over her head and have her stand with her arms extended. If the robe is too long, cut it to the right length (and hem it, if you want to get fancy). You can also add a stripe of gold ribbon as we did. Just attach it with a loose running stitch about 6 inches up from the bottom hem. (If you like to sew, McCall's makes a slightly more lavish angel robe: pattern #8436.)

PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Have your child put on her fitted robe. Thread one end of the gold cord through one of the top wing holes and the other cord end through the other top hole; adjust so the cord hangs evenly. Hold the wings up to your child's back, laying one cord over each shoulder. Cross the cords over her chest, then around to her back and through the bottom hole in the wings. Wrap the cord ends under the base of the wings and around her waist to the front, then belt them. For the halo, wind the star garland into a hoop shape.