A balloon basket costume turns a garden gate into the beginning of a pretend voyage. The child stands inside a woven paper basket with cream shoulder straps, slender bamboo uprights and a crown of red, gold, green and pink balloons above her head. Her green gingham dress and burgundy tights echo the rich colors of the autumn garden.

Her mother kneels beside the latch, smiling as she helps one of the small burlap sandbags clear the opening. The girl rests both hands on the rim and looks back at her with delight. Visible ties, paper strips and simple supports keep the extravagant costume grounded in ordinary homemade materials, with chrysanthemums and fallen leaves around their feet.