DIY Cardboard Playhouses

Over the last few months I've found myself pinning various styles of cardboard houses on Pinterest. I've been wanting to make one, so when my daughter's 2nd birthday party was coming up, I knew this was the perfect opportunity. Baby/toddler birthday parties always feel a little tricky for me. They can't really play organized games yet, and January is too bitter cold in our area to play outside. These houses were the perfect "what to do with the babies" solution. 1. Supplies: large cardboard boxes, box knife, wallpaper or wrapping paper, paint, masking tape and/or packing tape, hot glue, double sided tape  2. Tape your box together and draw out where you'd like the windows and door to be.  Lay it down and cut out the shapes with your box knife. 3. Paint any doors and trim. Use your double sided tape or glue to adhere the wallpaper/wrapping paper to the box. 4. Use hot glue to glue shingles onto the roof and any other ornamentation you'd like on the outside of your house.  These houses went over really well with the kiddos and (mostly) contained them to a single room. The part I love about a project like this is that it can be used for a party, but it is just as much fun every day!  xo. Katie

Comments

[Sondra]

Elsie, how do you get rid of shadows in all of your photos? I've noticed that there are never shadows in yours and I can never figure out how that is done!

Thanks!

[melissa]

These are precious. I love the print of the middle one and they are the perfect size! I would have loved to have these as a kid. Even now actually.

Melissa
http://shakeshakee.blogspot.com

[bee]

this is such an incredible idea! as a kid, i would have completely went crazy for something like this.
wow. totally ingenious. really in love with this idea. my 5 year old self is giddy!

[Amanda Nowak]

I don't have babies yet, but I lurve this idea for a party! :) So fun.

[Elsie Larson]

Sondra,
Thanks so much! We try really hard to get the best natural lighting possible in all our photos. We (almost) never use a flash for any photos on this blog. :)
XO!

[Helen]

oh wow! these look amazing, so many different possibilities, so much fun to be had, a gingerbread house one would be so cute.
http://ahandfulofhope.blogspot.co.uk/

[Raquel]

Omg! They are beautifull!! I wish I would had these houses when I was a child...

http://doitnaturalnow.blogspot.com.es/

[Sarah m]

These are so cute!!
Sarah M

[The Charley Girl]

These are so sweet! I remember making some as a kid but the wallpaper is SUCH a cute touch!

http://www.thecharleygirl.com

[Britt]

I'm going to build one for my future cats ;)

[LARY@ Inspiration Nook]

These are adorable. At first I thought you used fabric for them, wrapping paper makes more sense. LOL Your girls are so lucky to have such a creative mom! :)

[Alexandra]

Love it!!!

[Pili]

lovely!

http://inavintageworld.blogspot.com.es/

xo,
Pili.

[Marie]

Absolutely adorable!!!

[karen]

All three of my kiddos would love these! Ages 2, 4 and 6. And the houses would look simply adorable in our living room. I might have to dry this diy!

[Beth]

mind. blown.
This is such a creative project! amazing job!!

[Courtney Howard]

I was watching these on her instagram and wondered when you all would post it! love them!!

http://run2thewild.blogspot.com/

[Margherita]

Awww my niece would love that!

http://www.theironyou.com

[mel]

Oh Katie has that `midas touch` that turns everything to GOLD she creates! Love these too!
From one crafty mama - to another - here`s another fun option.. fabric tablecloth playhouses:
http://needleandnestdesign.blogspot.ca/2012/04/dream-home.html

mel ;o)
needle and nest design

[Jennifer]

These are too cute!

xo Jennifer

http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com