Emma Dawson
In a world where store-bought Halloween costumes are as common as candy corn, 16-year-old Emma Dawson is taking a different approach. While her friends are content with pulling costumes off the shelves at big-box stores, Emma’s busy turning her living room into a makeshift workshop for a one-of-a-kind creation that’s already turning heads—even before it’s finished.
In a world where store-bought Halloween costumes are as common as candy corn, 16-year-old Emma Dawson is taking a different approach. While her friends are content with pulling costumes off the shelves at big-box stores, Emma’s busy turning her living room into a makeshift workshop for a one-of-a-kind creation that’s already turning heads—even before it’s finished.
“I’ve always been crafty,” Emma says, sitting at her kitchen table, surrounded by fabric, thread, and a hot glue gun, the kind of setup that would make most teenagers run for the nearest Wi-Fi signal. “But this is the first time I’ve tackled something this big.”
For Emma, Halloween isn’t just about candy and costumes—it’s a stage for her creativity. This year, she’s set out to design and sew her own costume: a woodland fairy with delicate wings, intricate embroidery, and a flowing gown. It’s a challenge, but one she’s excited to take on. And she’s not doing it alone—her best friend, Lily, is lending a hand, though it’s more moral support than anything else.
“Lily’s great at telling me when things look ‘super cool,’” Emma laughs, as Lily sprawls on the couch nearby, scrolling through Pinterest for ‘inspiration’ but mostly looking at cat memes. “She’s my hype-woman.”
Emma could have just gone to the store and bought something off the rack.
“But where’s the fun in that?” she shrugs. “I wanted something unique, something that has a little piece of me in it. Plus, I figured if I’m going to spend hours on YouTube learning how to sew, I might as well put those skills to use!”
Emma, who learned to sew from her grandmother, has spent weeks working on the costume. She sketches out designs, handselects fabrics, and meticulously stitches every detail. The wings, made of wire and gauzy fabric, are decorated with glitter and tiny beads, while the dress features layers of earthy tones and soft textures, mimicking the natural beauty of a forest.
“It’s a lot of work, but I love it,” she explains, her fingers moving deftly with the needle. “It’s kind of like when you bake a cake from scratch instead of using a box mix—it just tastes better, right? Except this ‘cake’ is going to have wings.”
Her inspiration comes from nature— Emma loves hiking through the nearby woods, gathering leaves and flowers to use as references for her design.
“I’ve always been drawn to the forest,” she says. “It’s peaceful, and there’s so much beauty in the details. I wanted my costume to reflect that.”
Emma’s friends, Lily included, are amazed by her dedication. While most of them plan to wear something simple—a witch, a cat, or a superhero—Emma’s creation is shaping up to be a work of art.
“People keep asking me how I have the patience for it,” she says with a grin. “But when you’re doing something you love, it doesn’t feel like work. Plus, I’ve got Lily to distract me when I start to go cross-eyed from all the stitching.”
Her mom, Kelly Dawson, couldn’t be prouder.
“Emma has always been artistic,” she says. “She’s never been afraid to take on a project, no matter how challenging. I think it’s great that she’s putting her talents to use in such a fun way.”
With Halloween fast approaching, Emma’s costume is nearly complete, and she’s excited to reveal it to the world.
“I still have a few finishing touches to make,” she says, “but I’m really happy with how it’s coming together. I can’t wait to wear it—and Lily’s promised to be my personal photographer for the night, so I’ll have plenty of pics.”
For Emma, the process has been about more than just creating a costume—it’s been a chance to push her skills to the next level and express herself in a unique way.
“I love Halloween because it’s the one time of year when you can really be whoever you want,” she says. “And this year, I’m going to be a fairy. But not just any fairy—one that I created myself.”
Just Folks is Your TIMES way of honoring the regular people of Sequoyah County, recognizing their unique talents, personalities, jobs, abilities, etc. Your TIMES appreciates the cooperation of each Just Folks and the public’s nominations for this feature. If you know of someone you think might be a good story, contact Amie at 918-775-4433.
