With Halloween coming up, we're challenging readers to create homemade Halloween costumes using the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and other household items.

Submit photos of your costume by Oct. 17. Our fashion editor and other staff members will judge the entries based on originality and most creative use of the newspaper.

The overall winner will receive a $50 gas card and free horror DVDs and may be featured in the Post-Gazette Magazine section on Halloween.

We've also added a category for those 12 and under, with the winner receiving a $25 gift card of his or her choice.

E-mail your photos to vlinn@post-gazette.com by Oct. 17 with HALLOWEEN CONTEST in the subject line. You can also mail photos (postmarked by Oct. 17) to Virginia Linn, lifestyle editor, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 34 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. If you have questions, call 412-263-1662.

Entries must include your name, address and daytime phone number.