How to Make A Paper Bag Vest
Most people can remember making a paper bag vest at some point in their life. It was probably in elementary school, right around Thanksgiving. The paper bag vest is still a staple of the childhood experience. This is a creative project that is only limited by one's imagination. It can be a made to represent an Old West sheriff, an American Indian warrior, a '70s hippie, a piece of flair from one of those family restaurants or just about anything else you can think of. Share the experience with a child and carry on the tradition with the next generation.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic tablecloth
- Brown paper bag - standard grocery size
- Scissors
- Glue
- Construction paper
- Markers or paint
Instructions
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1
Cover the table with the plastic tablecloth to protect it from glue and paint. Lay out all the decorating supplies.
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2
Cut the bag down the front for the opening of the vest. Cut a circle in the bottom about twice the circumference of the child's neck. Cut a hole large enough for an arm to go through on each side of the bag, about 3 inches from the bottom where the neck hole is.
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3
Allow the child to do as much of the decoration as possible. Depending on the age of the child, you may have to help more with the glue, paint and scissors. Yet this is the perfect project for your child to complete with as little help as possible.
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4
Let the vest to dry completely before allowing the child wear it. This should not take more than a few hours, depending on how much glue and paint are used.
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Tips & Warnings
The vest can be made to look more stylish by using the scissors to shape the opening with rounded edges.
Be careful not to use too much paint or glue. This can cause weak spots in the paper bag, making it less sturdy.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
