How to Make a Cardboard Box Play House
After the birthday or holiday presents are open, children can often be found playing with the boxes the gifts came in, rather than the gifts themselves. Because kids enjoy using their imaginations and playing with boxes, why not take an empty cardboard box and make a playhouse for them to enjoy? Making your own playhouse is much more cost-effective than buying a store-bought playhouse and kids can use their creativity to help with the project. The result will be an inexpensive plaything that may provide them with hours of entertainment.
Things You'll Need
- Large cardboard box
- Scissors or utility knife
- Primer and latex paints
- Acrylic paints
- Paintbrushes
- Poster board
- Dishtowels or cloth napkins
- Small tablecloth
- Duct tape
Instructions
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1
Use the utility knife or scissors to cut off the top of the box. Flip over the box so that the open side is on the floor.
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2
Cut a door in the side of the box with the utility knife or scissors. Make sure one side of the door is still attached, so it can swing open like a real door. Cut out a peep-hole in the door; make it in the shape of a heart, a moon or simply a round hole. Paint a fake handle on the door if you like.
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3
Cut out two large windows on the opposing ends of the box.
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4
Paint the exterior portion of the box with one coat of primer paint. Allow it to dry. Follow up with one coat of paint in your choice of color. Let it dry completely.
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5
Decorate the outside of the box with the acrylic paints. Paint on flowers, pets, birdbaths or anything you like. The kids will want to help with this part.
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6
Cut four rectangular sections out of poster board to create shutters for the windows. Draw or paint a design on the shutters. Glue the shutters onto the box so that they frame the windows like real shutters.
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7
Use duct tape to adhere towels or dishcloths above each window inside the box to create curtains.
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8
Place a small tablecloth on the roof and tape it in place. Fill the playhouse with small cushions and pillows for comfort.
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Tips & Warnings
Supervise children when building the playhouse. Use caution when working with a utility knife or scissors.
References
- Photo Credit cardboard box image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
