How to Make a Shield from a KFC Bucket Lid

It's always nice when you can take something you would normally throw away and turn it into something functional or fun. When you eat KFC, you throw the buckets and lids away, but there's no reason to do that! There are lots of cool things you can make from this "trash".

What young boy wouldn't love a shield he can wear while playing? It's really easy - and cheap - to make these realistic shields and give your boy - or girl - hours of fun. If you love Kentucky Fried Chicken you'll have one more reason to love it when you see the shield upon completion.

The shape of the lid of a KFC chicken bucket makes it easy to create a life-like shield. Add a few embellishments and your child will never want to take it off. Although it won't really protect him from injury he'll be proud to wear it just for play.

There are any number of way to decorate the shield. Choose a fabric that has images of warriors or select scrapbook papers that are metallic and textured. You can even use simple tin foil to cover the lid. Whatever you choose you'll need to cut two pieces - one for the front and one for the back of the shield. Select one fabric or paper for the front, and something else for the back, or cover both sides alike.

Glue the fabric or paper onto the front side of the shield then set aside for a moment. Cut pieces of elastic that will hold the shield on the chest area of the child. Have the child hold the shield to his chest and measure for the elastic you'll need. Cut one piece of elastic that goes from the top left of the shield, around the back and up to the bottom left of the shield. Cut a second piece which will attach to the right side in the same manner. You'll cut one more piece which stretches from one side of the shield, around the back, and to the opposite side.

If you don't want to use ordinary white or black elastic you'll find other types in a sewing supply store. Wide elastics, made for creating suspenders, works great for making the shield straps. You could also use old, narrow belts to make the straps.