Want to do a messy art project, and looking for a super-fast, inexpensive smock? You can make one easily from a garbage bag! This works very well for painting projects with a group of children.
Here’s how to make your own smock:
Lay garbage bag on a flat surface, and cut a large hole for your child’s head from the bottom of the bag.
Next, fold the bag in half and cut arm holes along the sides, as shown.
Your smock should now look like this.
Help your child get into it…
Here’s the trick to a good fit. Gather the shoulders, and tie a knot in back of your child.
I’ve found these work well for protecting clothes, and we have re-used our smocks many times.
Mark, if you are wondering where your large collection of old, ratty, hole-y t-shirts ended up…. we didn’t use them for smocks, or anything. Umm… Noooooooo… not us!
April 30th, 2009 on 6:44 pm
A very useful tutorial! Thanks
May 1st, 2009 on 2:11 pm
You’re welcome! Now you’ll be prepared for all your messy art projects!
May 1st, 2009 on 6:34 pm
Another super idea.
May 1st, 2009 on 6:52 pm
I’ve actually done this one before! But I didn’t know to tie it in back to make it fit better… that would definitely make all the difference! I will certainly try this. Little Bear and Pufferfish are INFAMOUS for getting paint all over their clothes… so much that I usually have them paint nekked!
May 1st, 2009 on 10:06 pm
Thanks, jennwa!
Little Bear, I know you are not alone in the nekked painting strategy. LOL I found just by tying a knot in the back made the fit much better, and the kids were more comfortable in them. Thanks for stopping by!
May 2nd, 2009 on 2:11 pm
very nice and easy! Love the easy clean up
Thanks for linkng to Kid Friendly Friday. I love your header. SO cute!
May 2nd, 2009 on 3:50 pm
Sarah, you are very welcome, and thank you so much for hosting Kid Friendly Friday. I think that is a fabulous idea and I love seeing what all the other bloggers come up with!
May 5th, 2009 on 9:05 am
We use old uniforms from retail work way-back-when!