Fans have bought tickets and are counting down the days until the opening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Dec. 18 (Friday). University of North Texas Costume Shop supervisor and adjunct professor of dance and theatre Suzanne Shockley shares tips to help fans recreate Princess Leia's hair, shine like C-3PO or pull together their best scruffy-looking Nerf herder style:

• Once you decide on a character, search online for costume patterns and how-to tips. You also can find costume patterns at fabric stores.
• Gather photos of the character and can check thrift stores or costume shops for items that are already made, such as vests, boots or belts.
• Don't forget craft stores: "If you want to be Princess Leia, you can buy brown yarn to recreate buns for her hair style," Shockley says. "Be creative."
• Consider materials you might not think about right away, including cardboard and spray paint: "Gold or copper spray paint can recreate C-3PO's shine," she says.  
• Fabric stores will have a lot of choices, so check photos of your favorite character online to look for textures, colors and how garments drape.
• Once you're at a fabric or craft store, don't be afraid to talk to employees and ask questions about fabrics or materials and how to add color, shine or texture: "Natural fibers such as linen, cotton, silk or wool will take dyes, but in different ways," Shockley says. "Some man-made fibers won't take color at all. Don't be afraid to ask questions."

Shockley can be reached by email at Suzanne.Shockley@unt.edu or by phone at 940-565-2309.