Transforming into a Phoenix looks like it’s exhausting work, even if you don’t explode into flames. Instructables user BreannaC spent about 40 hours just designing the mythical creature’s costume and countless further hours to bring it to life. I’m especially impressed with the fact that she painted the full body unitard by hand to get the right look. Foam, liquid latex, and lots of paint were used in the construction and though the headpiece looks elaborate, it seems simple (if time-consuming) to make:

Create paper patterns of each spiral piece and cut them out of polyethylene foam. Glue the pieces together with hot glue so that the flat sides are together and there’s a space for your head. It’s almost like making a helmet. Cut out pieces of the thin craft foam for the beak and side “feathers” and glue on with hot glue. Give the entire headpiece a base coat with spray paint, then add accents of color with acrylic paint and any leftover fabric paint.

Get all the details at Instructables.