How to Make a Paper Bag Poncho

Are you looking for an easy-to-make Cinco De Mayo Craft? This paper bag poncho craft made out of paper bags and streamers is just in time for a Cinco De Mayo party or school cultural day.

paper bag poncho craft
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Paper Bag Poncho Craft

Cinco De Mayo is the perfect holiday for this fun, colorful Mexican-themed craft. I love all of the colorful streamers that represent such a vibrant culture. Many times, when we think of Mexico, we think of beautiful ponchos, colorful sombreros, and pinatas. and maracas.

At the end of the year, when all the state testing and big academic learning is done, our elementary school holds a cultural day for each grade. It is a day filled with food samples, displays, crafts, dances, and games from cultures worldwide.

This year, the second grade had South America. Unfortunately, I was assigned the food and dance room. So, being the crafty and pushy lady I am, I naturally wriggled a craft into this fun room. The second graders will learn the Mexican Hat Dance. But NOT before they make Mexican ponchos out of paper bags

A big shout-out to Trader Joe’s. They didn’t even blink when I asked them to donate over 100 paper bags for this school function. Thank you, Trader Joe’s.

Supplies You’ll Need

supplies for paper bag poncho

Paper Bag

Party Streamers – They should be a little longer than your bag so they hang off.

Glue

Equipment Needed

Scissors

How to Make the Poncho

Cut the two sides of the bags out for the arms – if you go all the way up to the base of the bag, the bag looks less like a robot.

cutting out arms for poncho

Cut a large oval for the head in the base of the paper bag. Leave an inch or two on the edges of the oval untouched. This will help keep the bag nice and sturdy.

cutting hole in paper bag for head

Cut 14 streamers that are a little bit longer than the length of the bag

making paper bag poncho

Glue the streamers to what is now the top of the bag on both sides of the oval

making paper bag poncho

Kids can slip the poncho over their heads and wear their new paper bag poncho

Mexican Poncho Craft - Cinco De Mayo Craft

Expert Tips

If you need a lot of bags for a classroom craft, most grocery stores will donate them to you.

Variations

Let kids paint fun patterns on the paper bag

Cut a V neck out of the paper bag before decorating

Hang tassels or fringed tissue paper from the bottom of the poncho bag

More Cinco De Mayo Party Ideas

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    Printable Instructions

    paper bag poncho craft
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    5 from 1 vote

    How to Make a Paper Bag Poncho

    An easy-to-make poncho craft for kids
    Prep Time5 minutes
    Active Time5 minutes
    Total Time10 minutes
    Yield: 1 poncho
    Author: Melissa Haines
    Cost: $5

    Equipment

    • Scissors

    Materials

    • 1 paper bag
    • 14 pieces of party streamers assorted colors – cut a little longer than the length of the bag
    • glue

    Instructions

    • Cut the two sides of the bags out for the arms – if you go all the way up to the base of the bag, the bag looks less like a robot.
    • Cut a large oval for the head in the base of the paper bag. Leave an inch or two on the edges of the oval untouched. This will help keep the bag nice and sturdy.
    • Cut 14 streamers in an assortment of bright colors that are a little bit longer than the length of the bag
    • Glue the streamers to what is now the top of the bag on both sides of the oval

    ~Melissa – KidFriendlyThingsToDo. com 

    Cinco De Mayo Kid Friendly Party Ideas!
    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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