How to Decorate a Teepee

Decorate your teepee in the style of the Native Americans for an authentic look.

Teepees were the typical dwellings of the Plains Indians. They are tent-like formations that were once made out of buffalo hide and tended to be spacious enough for a number of people to gather around a fire inside. The outsides of teepees were usually painted with designs as well as images of animals and gods. If you have erected your own teepee, decorate it in your own style while basing it on the Native American style.

Things You'll Need

• House paint or oil paint
• Water
• Pencil
• Paint brushes
• Sponge or cloth

Instructions

1. Spread your teepee flat on the ground. Do not decorate the teepee while it is erected.

2. Map out your design in pencil. If you want to mimic the style of the Plains Indians, make up magical animals and draw them on the teepee and draw patterns of lines near the top and bottom of the teepee.

3. Wet the teepee with water before you begin to paint. You may use a clean sponge or damp cloth to wet the area that you are going to paint.

4. Paint over your sketches. Earthy tones like dark oranges, reds and browns will look most authentic, but you may use whatever colors you like. If you are using oil paints, do not cake the paint on thickly or it will take a long time to dry.

5. Allow the paint to dry completely. This may take up to 48 hours depending on the type and thickness of the paint used.

References

• Shelter: Plains Indian Tepee
• Manataka American Indian Council; Plains Indian Tipi