Western Vest

crayola supplies

Construction Paper™ Crayons
Blunt-Tip Scissors

household supplies

aluminum foil
brown paper grocery bag
ribbon

Why

Ready to dress up like a ranch hand? Make your own cowpoke "leather" vest with "silver" rosettes and spin a yarn or two.

Steps

1. Ah, life on the open range--sleeping under the stars, eating beans from the chuck wagon, lassoing a steer. You’ll be ready to jump into the saddle when you wear this cowboy (or cowgirl) vest.
2. Cut the vest. Ask an adult to help cut a recycled paper grocery bag to fit you (turn bag inside out if there is writing on it). On a flat surface, cut from the center of the bag’s open edge to the middle of the bottom with Crayola® Scissors. Cut out a neck hole on bag’s bottom. Cut arm holes in bag’s sides. Trim the front edges to complete the vest.
3. Decorate your Western wear. Tear along the bottom of the vest to fringe the edge. Use Crayola Construction Paper Crayons to fill your vest with designs such as cow brands, boots, and hats. Mark stitching (short lines) around the edges.
4. Add rosettes. Tear two aluminum foil circles (one smaller than the other) to make each silvery rosette. Put a small circle on top of a larger one. With the help of an adult, poke ribbon or yarn through layered rosette and into the vest. Knot both ends. Crumple foil so your rosette looks real.

When & Where

"My son gave our whole family cowboy nicknames. He calls me Cookie."
- Li M., mother of 5- and 7-year-olds.

"Life on the Cattle Trail was our most popular camp theme. This craft really unleashed kids’ creativity!"
- Mac G., camp counselor.

Interesting Info

Cowboys used to sing lullabies and hymns at night to keep the cattle calm and prevent stampedes.

Safety Guidelines

Costumes & Masks— CAUTION: When children wear hand-crafted costumes and masks, make sure the crafts do not obstruct the child’s vision, hearing, or impede movement. Do not use feathers, fabric, or raffia on wearable costumes and masks because these items do not pass costume flammability tests. Wearable masks are those held in place on the face with elastic, yarn, or other materials. Keep away from open flames.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.