Little Indian Vests from Paper Bags

I got the wonderful job of cutting Indian Vests out of paper bags for C's kindergarten class. Yes, I am being sarcastic. Anyway, how hard could it be, right? Well, they were supposed to look like this...

And this is what I did...

So, I searched and searched and I couldn't find any picture tutorials. Finally, I folded the regular vest back up like a bag and I saw how simple it was. Now I can make it very easy for anyone else that wants to do the same.

First you need a brown grocery bag.

Next, open it up and cut that little "V" at the bottom of the bag.

Now, flatten the bag and cut straight up the middle. I cut my line on the back of the bag. That way the printed side will end up on the inside back of the vest.

Fold the bag in half and cut out a 1/2 circle for the neck. Also, cut the bottom off to make your vest the desired length.

Unfold the bag and flip it inside out. You now have your vest.

You can crumple it to give it that leathered look and you can add fringe to your bag.

Our kindergardeners are going to do that part themselves.

Well, there you have it, 22 vests cut and ready. I'm so glad it's done.

Kristen

1st Day of Kindergarten!

C started his first day of kindergarten today. I wasn't sad at all this morning, wasn't really nervous either. But, when I saw another little boy crying I started to get some tears. Then, I looked at C, still all teary eyed, but so thankful that I made the decision to keep him out of school for an extra year. (He just turned 6.) There were no sad or scared feelings from him at all. It was amazing for my shy little boy.

Not so little anymore!

Off they go.

It is so awesome what his school does for the kindergarteners first day. The first day is 2 hours and 20 minutes. A parent or special adult spends the 1st day with the children. It was so incredibly special for the first day. It's such a big transition for kids and it makes it so easy for them. After they had their rug time, we got to go to all the centers in the classroom and do them together. I loved it, because it is so rare for C to have my undivided attention and for it to be in his new classroom really made the transition fun for him. His class room now is a special place. We explored the whole room and playground together today, now tomorrow he knows what to expect. After the first 2 hours, the parents went to listen to the principle for 20 minutes and the kids stayed with teacher. At the end, we picked them up from the door, just like we will every day.

Here is C drawing his face on a plate at one of the centers.

Isn't he handsome? He even has nice eyebrows. He tried to color the teeth white, but it didn't show up so he had to switch to yellow.

As we were leaving, I asked, "So, what did you think of school?" He answered, "I like it!" I was so happy. Our life has now changed to school night routines.