How to Make a Teepee Out of Cardboard

Embellish your teepee with geometric designs, straight lines or zigzag patterns.

Design a teepee using cardboard for a replica of Native American homes. Use this project as an introduction to the different types of housing found in the early United States. You can also make this quality craft model to add to a diorama featuring American Indians. Add a small mock fire inside the teepee, positioned in the center, to give the teepee a more detailed appearance. Surround your teepee with plastic horses for a complete arrangement.

Things You'll Need

• Cereal box
• Scissors
• Compass with pencil
• 6 6-inch wooden dowels
• Twine or yarn
• Hot glue gun
• Acrylic paints

Instructions

1. Open the bottom flaps of an empty cereal box. Cut down one of the folds alongside either the front or back panel. Spread the cardboard out flat.

2. Divide the cardboard, so that each large panel is connected to one side panel, and you have two equal pieces.

3. Turn both panels, so the printed sides are facing down. Draw a circle using a compass on one of the panels of cardboard: Make the circle as wide as possible. Cut out the circle; then cut through half of the circle along the radius to its center point.

4. Form a cone shape with the circle, so the edges overlap half an inch; apply hot glue between the overlapping edges. Measure one inch down from the tip of the cone and cut across the cone to form a hole.

5. Hold six 6-inch wooden dowels in a bundle. Wrap twine around one end of the bundle one inch from the end: You can use yarn instead of the twine, if desired. Tie the twine in a knot.

6. Paint the remaining cardboard rectangle green to symbolize grass and allow it to dry.

7. Cut the base of the cardboard cone, so that it will stand level on a flat surface. Cut a 3-by-3-inch semi-circle along the base of the cone for the entrance to the teepee.

8. Insert the dowels inside the cone, with the bundled end emerging from the hole in the top. Spread the ends of the dowels outward inside the cone; position the dowels so that none are blocking the entrance. Use hot glue to secure them to the cardboard.

9. Place the teepee in the center of the green cardboard. Squeeze hot glue along the seam at the base of the teepee, to hold it in position.

References

• Enchanted Learning: Tepee
• Artists Helping Children: House Making Crafts for Kids -- Making Paper Indian Tepees