I planned to rig a string through two of the arms to operate the claws on those arms.

The new spring and hinge arrangement worked much better. I was able to yank the claws shut without much effort, and the springs were able to snap it back open from any orientation.

My heart almost stopped when I found a silky red material with a black web pattern. It was perfect!

Spiderman needed some hands, so I crafted them out of heavy wire in front of the television.

First, I bent the wire into a hand-shaped outline.

Stacy and I were watching "About a Boy" on DVD, starring Hugh Grant.

Then I taped small rolls of newspaper into place, creating fingers and a thumb.

We borrowed the DVD from Amanda and Eric, who subscribe to Netflix.

A little square of folded paper made a palm, and the hand was ready.

The feet went together in the the same way, although I made them too long in my first attempt.

I prepared an answer if anyone noticed the oversized feet: Peter Parker was not only the Amazing Spiderman, he was also Ronald McDonald.

Please read page four of the Doctor Octopus Costume.