We now have a neighborhood theater—in our backyard.
This project was the brainchild of my eight-year-old and my dad after a conversation that went something like this:
SHE: I really wish I had a stage in our backyard where I could do plays.
HE: I’ll build you one!
Ask Granddaddy, and you shall receive.
My dad sketched this out and built it one weekend when they came to visit. (My parents don’t sit down when they come to see us. Can you tell??) He constructed the stage and the “marquee” and left the rest up to me.
We used a mossy green paint for the background, and I customized it with wood cut-outs from the craft store that I spray painted.
Then, I headed to IKEA for the fun stuff. Their children’s section had exactly what I needed to create a colorful prop basket and (ready-made) costumes from the LATTJO play collection for our “productions”.
I’ve teamed up with IKEA once again as one of their brand ambassadors for this project, and I love that it fits right in line with their democratic design philosophy of “life at home” and creating a playful atmosphere. Truth is, you can drag your kids to every activity and event that comes along, but sometimes, it’s just the most fun to be at home and PLAY.
It’s also an amazing thing to see something that sparks their interest more than a screen. Imagination is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? We’ve seen a few plays, several talent shows and some gymnastic demonstrations, complete with popcorn and tickets. I have this grand idea in my mind that we’re going to have a Christmas carol sing with a bunch of the of the neighborhood kids. Can you picture it?! (We’ll see how that all works out once December rolls around. . .)
I used red RITVA curtains; the 57″ length worked perfectly and they’re only $14 for a pair. I also added the SOMMAR reversible outdoor rug and picked up one of these striped toy bins for prop storage. I picked up a variety of stuffed toys for the “props”–big and colorful! The best part is that they’re machine washable so they can easily be cleaned if/when they get dirty outside.
And of course, you have to have an audience. I added a couple of outdoor FALSTER benches (with colorful pillows) for seating. They’re aluminum; I love them! As you might expect, some audience members are less enthusiastic than others.
I’m not sure what the next show will be, but I did hear them singing “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” at the top of their lungs the other day. . .
I’m proud to serve as a 2016-2017 IKEA brand ambassador.Thanks to IKEA for sponsoring this post.
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This is adorable! Every child should be so lucky. :)
How utterly adorable! Anything to get kids outside is a huge win. My dad always has a project list when he comes to visit too! He says he enjoys it so I’m going to just believe that and keep adding to my list. :-)
I love every single bit of this! Hours of fun ahead for your family and neighborhood. You’ve got me putting on my grandparent hat this morning dreaming of how we could bless our sweet grandkids.
Well this is amazing. I can only imagine how much creativity this will foster. What little kid doesn’t love putting on shows for an audience (of family)? Hopefully the audience doesn’t mind too much, haha! I hope you post photos of the Christmas carol sing if that comes to fruition.
Now that is just too cute for words! Granddad did a great job of designing.. What wonderful memories y’all are making. Love the way you finished the theater with cutouts, etc.
What a beautiful picture of extended family! It’s so fun seeing children being creative and using their precious imaginations!
This is just wonderful. What a creative way for your children to spend the summer.
Best Grandpa Ever!! And of course it is designed perfectly. 😊👍🏻
What an awesome dad and grandaddy!
This is precious and I’m all for imagination over screens!! And bonus? It’s outside time too!! Yay for Grandad!
This is adorable! My grandparents used to go out of their way to make “sets” in garages/basements for us during the summer – hours and hours of great memories. I am almost 50 and I get a twinkle in my eye every time I talk about it : ) They did not have a lot of money but they gave us their time and attention which was better than any trip to a “boring” museum as a kid
Yes!!! Love this sooooo much. We are all about the play productions over here. This is just so darling. Way to go Granddaddy. I want a seat at one of the benches for the next show!
Totally worth the cost of a cross-country plane ticket, I’m sure! ;)
Neat project!
Wonderful! All you need now is a karaoke machine!
We have one. . . but I’m thinking our neighbors might not enjoy our musical talents. :)
Lovely and attractive!