I'm directing a kids play at my church, and the majority of the cast is to be dressed up as sea creatures. I have some good ideas on how to make costumes for the kids. (Keep in mind that I have basically no budget available & very little help. I also do not sew - I use the hot glue gun to adhere fabric together. It might sound dumb, but it's always worked for me!) I am struggling however on the octopus costume - i made the 8 legs by cutting long, slanted pieces of fabric, gluing the edges together, & stuffing with cotton. But I'm not sure how to make the head so that it is the same color fabric as the legs as well as having the legs attatched to the head while being adjustable.  I was considering paper-mache over a large balloon, but not sure how to cover the paper mache with fabric & make it adjustable. Also, I'd like to have clams/oysters but can't think of any costume ideas. Also, any ideas on how to convey the look of a tropical fish? Let me know if you have any fairly inexpensive, easy sea creature costume / prop ideas. Thanks!

How about taking the hood off a sweatshirt, that is a similar color to the glued legs and attaching the legs to the hood, so that the actors face actually pokes out the front of the hood when the strings are tied. the actors face can be painted to match?