Craft Ideas for a Breast Plate

Poster Board

• Poster board breastplates are easy for younger children to make. All they need is poster board, scissors and string to make the breastplate. Select a T-shirt; use it to estimate the neckhole, shoulder straps and length of the breastplate. After you have traced the pattern on the poster board, cut it out and attach the shoulder straps with string, using the tip of the scissors to make holes in the shoulder straps. Proceed to the fun part of decorating with paint, crayons, tin foil or whatever suits your fancy.

Cardboard

• Cardboard breastplates are a trickier to make than poster board versions because the cutting of the cardboard requires a utility knife. Also, it might take a little leg work to find a piece big enough for both the front and back of the breastplate. To make the design, follow the same steps for making a poster board breastplate. If available, use the poster board as a template for the cardboard. Lay the cardboard on a flat surface and trace the poster board or other template over the cardboard, using a utility knife to cut it out. Decorate as desired, adding decorative touches like a belt, shoulder pads or waist belt, if desired.

Tin Foil

• Tin foil can be added to the cardboard design to make it flashier. It also can be used on its own if it's sturdy enough tin foil, like that from a roasting pan. The trick when using heavier tin foil is to flatten it out well before attempting to cut out the breastplate. Use the poster board or other type of template. Place it on the tin foil, using a permanent marker to trace it. Cut it out, and attach it using duct tape or make holes in the shoulder straps and use string.

Fabric

• Fabric breastplates can be made by simply gluing fabric to the poster board, cardboard or tin foil design. Place the fabric on a flat surface. Position the poster board template on top of it. Trace around it, leaving a one-inch gap all the way around. This excess will wrap around the breastplate and be glued to the back of it. Try to find heavy-duty materials like a burlap bag or heavy-waled corduroy for a rugged design.