Cowboy Kimono

Category: Cowboy Kimonos

  • Do These Stripes and Polka Dots Make My Tail Look Big? (T-Rex’s Fashion Crisis) 🦖🎨👗

    Do These Stripes and Polka Dots Make My Tail Look Big? (T-Rex’s Fashion Crisis) 🦖🎨👗


    The Dino Denim Jacket has officially made its mark—and what a roar-some statement it was! Auctioned at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science’s 2023 fundraiser, Cretaceous Couture, this unique hand-painted jacket left buyers and guests in awe, capturing the perfect blend of creativity, fun, and fashion.

    A Dino-Mite Twist on Denim

    The jacket was more than just a piece of clothing—it was a canvas waiting for creativity to come alive. The sleeves were adorned with whimsical, white dinosaur shapes—perfectly poised for little artists to add their personal flair. Buyers had the chance to transform their prehistoric pals, whether it was a T-Rex with colorful rainbow spots, a Triceratops in neon stripes, or perhaps a Stegosaurus in cozy pajamas!

    What made this jacket so special was the interactive aspect. It wasn’t just about wearing a jacket—it was about creating one. The dino designs offered endless possibilities for imagination to take flight.

    The Paint-Your-Own Jacket Kit

    Each Dino Denim Jacket came with a special kit that included 3D fabric paints in a range of vibrant colors, turning the jacket into an exciting craft project. The paint was easy to apply, dried quickly, and—most importantly—lasted through wear and tear, making it the ideal material for young, enthusiastic artists.

    Painted sleeves with frolicking dinosaurs.

    A Jacket with a Purpose

    Beyond the fun of designing and wearing a personalized jacket, the Dino Denim Jacket was also created with a heart full of purpose. The jacket was a featured in the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science’s fundraiser, with proceeds supporting important programs in science education and museum outreach.

    Not only did the lucky winner walk away with an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind piece of art, but they also contributed to a cause that inspires future generations of explorers, scientists, and artists. It was a win-win situation for both fashion and philanthropy!

    Final Thoughts

    The Dino Denim Jacket proved to be more than just a fashion statement—it was a full-on creative experience! The jacket provided the perfect outlet for self-expression, while also supporting a cause that nurtures curiosity and love for science. Whether it was the chance to personalize a favorite jacket or the thrill of owning a unique, one-of-a-kind piece, this product certainly left a lasting impression.

    While this particular jacket is now a collectible, we can’t help but hope that it inspires other dino-mite creations in the future! Keep your eyes peeled—you never know when the next interactive art-meets-fashion sensation might pop up! 🦕🎨

     

  • The Creative Process Behind Each Painted Jacket

    The Creative Process Behind Each Painted Jacket

    Ever wonder how I make Cowboy Kimonos? This quickie tour shows how a doodle morphs into a hand painted denim jacket. Got questions (like how much money did my parents waste on acting lessons) or ideas for a custom Cowboy Kimono? Connect by clicking the button below.

    Connect
  • Fashion inspiration from my travels on the world wide web.

    Fashion inspiration from my travels on the world wide web.

    Denim jacket, infinity scarf, vintage tee, bold stripes, and Converse.
    http://She Knows
    Head scarf, hoop earrings, chunky necklace, and turtle neck.
    Jean jacket, bold patterned dress, colored stockings and knee high boots.
    http://Crazy Together
    Embellished jacket with tiara or flower headband, and heavy metal tee.
    Embellished jacket with ruffled blouse, concha belt, and colored jeans
    http://Sofiaz Choice
    Long coat over a denim jacket, white pants, and white sneakers
    http://Bedazelive
    jean jacket, floral or fiesta dress, floral purse
    http://Who What Wear
    Denim jacket, Pashimina scarf, big brooch, cropped pants
    http://Outfit_Fashion
    Jean Jacket, shirred top, big bangles, wide leather belt
    http://Outfit Fashion
    Denim jacket, cardigan coat, leggings and cowboy boots
    http://Fashion For Living

    To find your one-of-a-kind, hand painted, recycled denim jacket, just click the button below.

    Shop Cowboy Kimono
  • Vines! Sacred Hearts! Itty Bitty Jean Jacket

    Vines! Sacred Hearts! Itty Bitty Jean Jacket

    Child Sized Jacket (Painted Sleeves and Front Panels)

    A new addition to Cowboy Kimono’s Etsy store, this recycled jean jacket has bright green and turquoise vines climbing up each sleeve and shoulders capped with a sacred heart. The “Martian” leaf motif continues on the front panels beneath the pockets, contrasting with the deep indigo blue of the denim. Dimensional paint creates faux embroidery accents. It’s good to know that this child size jacket is washable, durable and one-of-a-kind!

    SHOP NOW
  • Confessions of a Fashion Maverick

    Confessions of a Fashion Maverick

    The Back Story of the First Cowboy Kimono

    Francesca Blueher easily identifies as an independent-minded person. She is my older sister, leader of our clan of six children, and a self- described “hero from zero to now.” She is also the first owner of a Cowboy Kimono. As her birthday approached in 1996, I found myself fund-challenged and needing to come up with a zero dollar present—stat! I took a denim jacket from the closet, dusted off my fabric paints, and spawned the first Cowboy Kimono. 

    It is not unusual for Francesca to act on her own initiative and her Cowboy Kimono (featured above) is a reflection of that. Curious about what appears to be an undying devotion to the garment and an insistence on wearing it well beyond its life expectancy, I asked her to share about her Cowboy Kimono crush.

    Do you still have the jacket or has it crossed the rainbow bridge?

    FRANCESCA: “I still have it and I will never get rid of it. It is 25 years old, a quarter of a century! Perhaps I will include it in my will – maybe going to my (yet-to-be-born) granddaughter.”

    You wear/wore the jacket to tennis matches – what’s the story behind that wardrobe strategy?

    FRANCESCA: “I’m not playing competitive tennis anymore, but I wore it as a form of sunscreen until I hit the court and put it back on as I walked off the court. The wardrobe strategy? To be used as a protective garment.”

    What’s the oddest / funniest / best / most inspiring encounter you’ve experienced while wearing the jacket?

    FRANCESCA: “My daughter said, ‘My gawd, every time you wore that you would get a compliment on it!’ I started putting Cowboy Kimono business cards in the pocket and giving them away when people asked me about it. I’ve worn it to New York, Paris, and Japan. In New York, it gets a lot of compliments.”

    Why did you continue to wear it when the denim began to “evaporate?”

    FRANCESCA: “OMG it just got better and better as the denim evaporated. It didn’t get older, it just got better – just like me!”

    What do you want people to know about it?

    FRANCESCA: “I wear it to gala or formal fundraising events – much to my husband’s chagrin. I wear it because that beautiful design on the back is meant to go with anything and is such a celebratory design. The jean jacket is the fancy. “

    Do you have any special connection to the jacket’s subject matter? 

    FRANCESCA: “It fits me like a glove. The design is stunning. Absolutely love how perfect the colors are. I’ve never had a piece of clothing that I love as much as this Cowboy Kimono.

    If you have a favorite garment that only gets better with time, please share a photo and your story in the comments. #FashionCrush.

  • Denim Day

    Denim Day

    Wear denim April 28, 2021 and help raise awareness of rape and sexual assault. #DenimDay. The history behind Denim Day-

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  • 5 Easy Ways Keep Your Old Denim Out of the Landfill

    5 Easy Ways Keep Your Old Denim Out of the Landfill

    Mother Earth is miffed at the apparel industry. It is the second largest polluter in the world, after the oil industry. Americans throw out an average of 80 pounds of clothing per year. Two River Times

    You know Cowboy Kimono is all about upcycling denim jackets, but did you know that Cotton’s Blue Jean’s Go Program gives you a discount if you turn in an old pair of jeans before buying a new one? Participating companies partner with Cotton to make it easy for you to recycle your denim.

    Click for Recycling Details
    Boro Stitching

    Another trendy way to bring your jeans back from the dead is Boro. Patch the jeans you have using this bold stitching technique and fabric scraps. “Central to Boro is the concept of finding beauty in mending—that nothing should ever be wasted, and that imperfections have their own subtle and simple appeal.” Indigoniche.com

    Learn More about Boro
    Thrifting – Photo by Becca McHaffie on Unsplash

    Breathing life into someone else’s castoff doesn’t always mean a trip to the thrift store or dumpster diving. Online second-hand stores like ThredUP or Patagonia’s Worn Wear line (clothing made from recycled garments) let you shop without leaving home.


    Photo created by wayhomestudio – www.freepik.com

    Share creatively and tread lightly on the planet by trading your jeans for something else in a local BuyNothing group.

    Cowboy Kimono – Rojos Brazos

    Cowboy Kimono’s favorite way to extend the life of denim is to purchase recrafted or upcycled clothing and accessories. Most of our hand painted denim jackets start as thrift store purchases! Patagonia’s Worn Wear has a denim ReCrafted Overnight Bag, $150 and a wonderful red Recrafted Synchilla Sweater, $197.

  • How to Wash Painted Denim

    How to Wash Painted Denim


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  • The Evolution of Denim

    The Evolution of Denim

    Did you know? Bing Crosby was refused a room at a hotel in Vancouver because he was wearing jeans? Levi Strauss & Co. was the first to attach a label to the OUTSIDE of a garment? The evolution of denim from conception to adaptation to perfection – all in one infographic! An interesting, quick read for denim fashionistas.

    The Evolution of Denim #infographic

  • Painted Denim Mash-up

    Painted Denim Mash-up

    My Fashion Relationship: It’s Complicated

    One single style doesn’t usually do it for me. I dig mashing-up fashions like Funky + Fabulous, Mariachi + Tres Chic, Astro + Artsy. Creating Cowboy Kimonos allows me to marry unlikely fashion trends that shout, “I’m an original!” Got a dream mash-up? Create your own using the Mash-up Generator.

    Painted denim custom mash-ups

    Mash-up Generator

    Mix & Match the styles below to make a Mash-up. Don’t know the style? Click the links! (From Sew Guide, Fashion Styles: 40 Types)

    Ready to Make Your Mash-up into a Custom Painted Denim Jacket?

    1. SHARE your style mash-up with me and I’ll create a sketch.
    2. LIST your likes and dislikes, then I’ll tweak the sketch until we agree on a final design
    3. TALK COIN. Price is determined by what parts of the jacket are painted, how detailed the design is, and high or low paint coverage. I’ll prepare a quote and begin painting once we agree on price and payment.
    4. PAINT happens. Once complete, the jacket will dry for 24 hours before it ships.
    5. SHIP and SHARE. Once you get your custom Cowboy Kimono, show it off, take a pic and I’ll post it!
    Make A Mash-up!