Handmade Children's Tent DIY
"DIY" is not something you'll see much of on my blog unless it involves food, but this is just too cute not to share. So, I'm interrupting my unannounced blogging hiatus (really, where I've been lately?!!) to share a rare crafty moment of mine....
In anticipation of Charlie's birthday, I've been hitting Hobby Lobby and breaking out the glue gun...
I'm a BIG believer in keeping children's parties small and easy on the Mamas. But when I come across something that is really special, fun AND easy I get a little giddy. Since we are doing a "woodsy" themed party, I thought I'd buy a fun children's tent that could be used afterward in the playroom.
While searching I came across a tutorial for an DIY A-Frame Tent. Hmmmm... it seemed simple enough, so I gave it a stab. Here's how it turned out...
Soooo cute, right? And the best part is that if I can make this ANYONE can make it. Really.
This is what you need:
Materials:
- 4- 1'' x 2'' x 48'' whitewood moulding
- 1- 3/4'' x 48'' poplar dowel
- drill with a 3/4'' spade bit
- measuring tape
- pencil (marker)
- fabric large enough to cover frame (approx. 46'' x 85.5'' un-hemmed; 44'' x 83.5'' hemmed)
- coordinating thread
- elastic
- scissors
If you don't want to sew, you can use a twin sheet. I used left over linen from my stash. I made the toad stools out of felt (cut freehand, no templates) and just glue gunned them on. This would make such a terrific gift. It took about 1 hour to make 2 tents.
A step by step tutorial can be found here.
The toad stools probably make me more happy than Charlie. When I was a little girl we lived in Germany. I went through a phase where I was forever drawing elaborate toad stool homes. This was before the Smurfs too. They are just so whimsical and sweet. This is probably the last year I can get away with something so cutesy for a boy birthday party!