How to Make Children's Western Vests
Rough and tumble cowboys have been admired and imitated by American children since the 1800s. Original cowboys are known for taming the West with the help of horseback riding, shooting and rope skills. The traditional cowboy look started appearing in the 1850s, and children today recreate the look during Halloween and play time. Creating Western vests at home will encourage your child's imaginations to run wild as he comes up with his own cowboy persona.
Instructions
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1
Cut a vertical slit in the front of the brown paper grocery bag, turning the bag inside-out first if there is writing on it. Cut a neck hole at the top of the bag that is connected to the vertical opening.
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2
Cut arm holes in the vest on the sides of the bag, and have the child try on the vest. If needed, trim a little more paper from the arm holes and neck hole so the child is comfortable.
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3
Cut 2-inch slits around the bottom of the bag about 1-inch apart to create a fringe-like trim for the vest.
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4
Draw on the vest with markers or crayons, giving the vest its own look and personality. Some decoration ideas include stitching, desert scenes or horses.
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5
Cut two aluminum foil circles, one about 1-inch in diameter and the second slightly smaller. Place the small circle on top of the larger circle, and poke the ribbon through the center of the circles and into the vest. If needed, carefully use the scissors to poke the hole near the lapel-area of the vest.
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6
Tie a knot in the ribbon inside of the vest, push the circles against the vest and let about 4 to 5 inches of ribbon hang from the vest. Repeat if you want to have more than one rosette in the vest.
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Tips & Warnings
Let your child decorate the vest, or help design the cowboy's look.
To prevent injury, do not let children cut the vests themselves.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
