A simple DIY cardboard play house that children can decorate themselves.
Emma and Johnny wanted a house to play with their little animals in, so I took a cardboard box, cut off the corners of the end flaps, and taped the longer flaps to the now-diagonal end flaps to create a house shape (with an opening in the roof, for easier access for play). Then we I cut a door and windows and they took it outside to paint.
Here’s Emma’s side:
And here’s Johnny’s side, which is less bright primarily because Emma gave him the paints she watered down too much the other day. I would have made her share the non-watered-down paints, but these were the colors he wanted, anyway… I do like the way he used tape to make a partial windowpane:
It’s nothing fancy, but Emma and Johnny had a BLAST with this – and so did their friends who came to play Saturday morning! At one point they had sticks across the opening in the roof, and then pieces of grass they had picked – almost like a thatched roof!
MaryAnne lives in Silicon Valley with her Stanford professor husband Mike and their four children. She writes about parenting through education, creativity, and play. Mama Smiles - Joyful Parenting is a space to share crafts, hands on learning activities, and family outings that enrich lives and bring families together.
Thanks for your comment on my blog! This looks very creative and fun!
.-= Maria – Förskoleburken´s last blog ..Efterlysning! =-.
I love your kid’s cardboard creations!
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Weekending =-.
It’s a very cute house, and it proves how little is needed to spark kids’ imagination. Emma sounds like a thoughtful big sister ;)
.-= Natalie´s last blog ..What My Child Is Reading – September 11- 2010 =-.
Yet another great use of cardboard! I think of you whenever I put any in the recycling bin… “I’m sure MaryAnne would think of something clever to do with this…”
.-= Elisa | blissfulE´s last blog ..Vi’s spring collection =-.
So far we’ve only made cardboard club houses that the girls can fit in, but I like this idea better… takes up much less space!
.-= Quadmama´s last blog ..The Question =-.
That is so cute. Very creative!
.-= Christy´s last blog ..Fletcher and the Falling Leaves =-.
@Maria – thank you!
@Elisa – and I am sure your house is MUCH tidier than mine ;)
@Jen – thanks =)
@Natalie – I know, such empathy…
@Quadmama – Yes, this is much more practical!
@Christy – thanks =)
I have to be honest, I never thought of using a small cardboard box for a house! Whenever my kiddos ask for something they don’t have I always end up thinking more elaborately! Love the simplicity! I’ll have to think that way more often!
I love that you let them decorate it themselves! Looks like lots of fun.
.-= lynn´s last blog ..Mark Rothko-inspired Toddler Art =-.
I had never thought about cutting the corners off to make a roof! So simple and so effective!
And, simple toys always seem to be the favourites and the best :)
I love all that y’all have been making out of cardboard! I also love the way thekids painted this.
Oh my “simple”, but WONDERFUL! Love it how they made it themselves!!
Would love for you to stop by at Kids Get Crafty and link up too? Every Wednesday at Red Ted Art. This week’s link is here:https://www.redtedart.com/2010/09/15/kids-craft-the-mona-lisa/
Hope to “see” you later?
Thanks!
Maggy
.-= maggy, red te art´s last blog ..Kid’s Craft – The Mona Lisa =-.
Did my last comment save? :-(
Just wanted to say that it looks wonderful and love that they did it themselves…
And that… I would love for you to stop by at Kids Get Crafty and link up too? Every Wednesday at Red Ted Art. This week’s link is here:https://www.redtedart.com/2010/09/15/kids-craft-the-mona-lisa/
Maggy
.-= maggy, red te art´s last blog ..Kid’s Craft – The Mona Lisa =-.
nothing like the blank canvas of a cardboard box
.-= kelli´s last blog ..Oh the places youll go =-.
Thank you for indeed stopping by!!
See you again next week (?)
Maggy
.-= maggy, red te art´s last blog ..Kid’s Craft – The Mona Lisa =-.
I love this craft! How wonderful that they could paint it too.
Oh now that is super cute! I let ER go to town on the boxes we get her little animal friends in, from Build A Bear but this is even better. It’s always easy for Brad to get boxes from work and then it won’t cover up any cute designs on the BAB houses! Would love you to join me at A Crafty Soiree, every Thursday.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Craft Fail- Photo Transfer Tote =-.
Whoops, I see I added the wrong linky info on the bottom of that one. Sorry, it was supposed to say: Thank you for joining us at Show & Tell on ABC & 123: A Learning Cooperative!
Now you know my secret, I copy and paste the end bit on to everyone’s comment☺ Saves me typing AND I would of course love it if you also joined me for A Crafty Soiree too☺
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Craft Fail- Photo Transfer Tote =-.
I love the design they chose for the house. It looks like early moderism.
.-= JDaniel4’s Mom´s last blog ..Angel Hair Attracts Ageless Ladies =-.
Great idea! I have a few cardboard boxes here screaming for an idea. :) thanks!
.-= adrienne´s last blog ..Thats My Best Friend =-.
Like amandab, I never thought to cut the corners off to fashion the roof like that, what a great idea. We have a much less interesting cardboard house on the go at the moment, which may just need a revamp in the morning :)
Thanks for linking to We Play.
.-= Christie – Childhood 101´s last blog ..Stop- Merge Left- Give Way- On the Road to Reading =-.
cute – watered down paints and all :)
Just to let you know, I featured you today on “Recycled Get Crafty” – https://www.redtedart.com/2011/01/01/recycled-get-crafty/. Thank you for a fabulous craft idea!
If you like you can grab a Featured button here: https://www.redtedart.com/get-crafty-badges/
Many thanks
Maggy