Very spooky! It's time once again to come up with sensational Halloween costumes for the kids. For parents stuck for time who don't want to spend a lot of money, early childhood educator Kathy Sweeting offers these tips on using bits and pieces from around the house to make fast, frugal costumes.

Gather up "junk," craft supplies and accessories: fabric scraps, cardboard boxes, foil, Ping-Pong balls, garbage bags, old clothing, hats and purses, lamp shades, an old shower curtain, pipe cleaners, ribbon, buttons, markers, construction paper.

Plan the costume with your child. Ask "What do you think we could make out of this old box?" Keep safety in mind: use face paints or hand-held masks rather than masks that slip over the head, and keep the costume short enough to prevent tripping.

Keep it simple. Here are some suggestions for "instant" costumes.

1. Pair of dice: For two children trick-or-treating together, cover two large boxes with white paper, paint dots on each to look like dice and cut holes for arrns and head; slip boxes over their heads.

2. Bumblebee: Dress the child in a black sweatsuit and attach rings of yellow construction or crepe paper. Ping-Pong balls at the end of pipe cleaners make great antennae.

3. Giant jack-o'-lantern: Draw a scary face on an orange garbage bag; cut holes for the child's arms and legs to slip through; stuff with newspaper.

4. Cowboy: Dress the child in his jeans and jean jacket, with a handkerchief around his neck; attach a strap to an old hat and make a lasso from rope.

5. Animal costumes: Create paws by stuffing the ends of old socks or mittens and gluing on claws cut from felt.