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
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A Beautiful Mess is all about creating a beautiful life. We share daily inspirations, DIY projects and recipes. We believe that the best things in life are homemade.
Cool!! What a fun idea.
Posted by: tara | January 14, 2013 at 05:42 PM
AHH!! so cute! I love what "thecharleygirl" says about making them for pets!!
What a wonderful project idea
Thanks for sharing!
xo
Sarah
http://atticlace.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sarah | January 14, 2013 at 05:43 PM
These are sweet! What an adorable idea. I need to get craftier :)
http://charliececile.blogspot.com
Posted by: Charlie Cécile | January 14, 2013 at 05:45 PM
I used to love play houses when I was younger :)
Carina http://carstina.blogspot.co.nz/
Posted by: Carina | January 14, 2013 at 05:46 PM
I'm in awe. These are so pretty that it almost makes me sad to think that a toddler will probably rip off the roofing tiles within the first week of the house's "life." Love this. You did a fantastic job and I will be sharing the link!
Posted by: Jelli | January 14, 2013 at 05:47 PM
These are amazing! If only my sister was a little bit younger, I'd have so much fun making some of these!
Jodie xx | Future Freaks Me
Posted by: Jodie | January 14, 2013 at 05:52 PM
These are amazing!
Posted by: Jane | January 14, 2013 at 05:55 PM
if i was a kid i would have loved these! who am i kidding, i'm in my 20s and i still love them!
Posted by: Kerri from Happy Tuesday | January 14, 2013 at 05:57 PM
Love these! I had a Wendy house when I was little. Apparently that's the Brit name for them because any time I've mentioned it here in the US people don't know what I'm talking about.
Need to send this post to my sister, she makes playhouses for her nephews all the time.
Posted by: Sarah | January 14, 2013 at 06:03 PM
Katie! This is such a wonderful project. I love it. I bet the girls loved it and it was worth all the effort.
Carlee
http://almostendearing.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Carlee | January 14, 2013 at 06:04 PM
My mother used to make these when we were little. I must admit though (shh!) yours are so much nicer!! Always love your posts :) Keep em coming!
Posted by: Melanie | January 14, 2013 at 06:15 PM
That would almost be better than having a play kitchen!
Posted by: Rachel | January 14, 2013 at 06:16 PM
"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!" So, so true, Katie. By the way, I just want to say how much I appreciate your creativeness and your willingness to share it with the world. My husband and I used your play kitchen DIY to create one for our boys as a Christmas gift. And, they love it! I'm getting ready to blog about it ( and you and your wonderful ideas + blog ) on Thursday. Again, thank you so much for all of these beautiful, achievable ideas!
Posted by: sarah kate | January 14, 2013 at 06:17 PM
Such cute playhouses!Kinda want to make one for myself lol
Posted by: Karen A | January 14, 2013 at 06:19 PM
These are amazing! Also I would imagine that you could store them away as they are cardboard if you are caught for space! Another plus ;)
Cathy
http://www.turquoiseflamingo.com/
Posted by: Cathy | January 14, 2013 at 06:23 PM
SHUT THE FREAKIN' FRONT DOOR! I can't even handle how cute this are! LOVE love love them!
Posted by: andrea | January 14, 2013 at 06:36 PM
this is ADORABLE! i wanna make it for my niece!
Posted by: Crista | January 14, 2013 at 06:53 PM
How darling. My kids love playing in cardboard boxes. They would LOVE these!
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
Posted by: shannon | January 14, 2013 at 06:57 PM
We loved playing in cardboard boxes when we were kids, our weren't that fancy tho.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Posted by: Rachel | January 14, 2013 at 07:03 PM
omg, these are TOO CUTE!
Posted by: Gina_AcuteDesigns | January 14, 2013 at 07:37 PM