Cut the white gauze fabric long enough to reach the ankle on both sides when folded in half lengthwise. This will, of course, depend on the height of the person intending to wear the costume. Create a hole for the head by cutting a narrow ellipse from the folded edge and adding a small slit down the back of the costume middle.
Cut both sides of the white gauze fabric approximately eight inches wider than necessary for the wearer's shoulders and hips. The Cleopatra costume should not be tight. Cut these evenly on both sides by folding the fabric in half vertically before cutting.
Hem both long edges of the white fabric to make a clean edge. Turn under the opening for the head and stitch that to prevent fraying. This hole will be covered on the final costume, so it does not have to be exceedingly neat.
Stitch from mid-calf height to just under the arms. For adult costumes, you might like to start at the knee or even mid-thigh for a more tempting Cleopatra. You now have the basic Cleopatra costume sewn.
Cut two equal length of the narrow gold cord or ribbon. Tie each one around the fabric that covers the costume wearer's shoulder. The fabric should be bunched to rest just on the shoulder, but not wadded into a bump. Use a needle and thread or fabric glue to fix this cord to the costume so the ends do not show.
Cut the turquoise or other color felt into a circle wide enough to cover the chest from the top of the shoulders in. Then cut a circle out of the center that will fit comfortably around the neck. Cut a slit up the back so it can be taken on and off easily.
Use the gold beads and acrylic gems to decorate this piece of felt in an Egyptian motif. Peacock feather designs, scarab beetles, or sun rays done in gold are all ideal. Affix the velcro tab or snap to the back of the jeweled collar.
Wear the Cleopatra costume with gold spray-painted sandals, gold bangle bracelets and an armband, and a straight black wig. Apply black eye-liner liberally and use blue or gold eye shadow all the way up to the eyebrows. You are now ready to step out as Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile.