Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Box

When I first proposed my Box idea to my husband, he didn't seem to understand why I wanted to make the Sprouts a plain wooden box. But here's my reasoning behind it... every time a sizable cardboard box comes though the house, the Sprouts have SO much fun with it. They crawl in and out, on and under, as it transforms into a house, a car, a boat, and a rocketship. However after a couple days, the box is no longer a box, but just flattened heap of cardboard.

Soooooo, my idea was to make a wooden cardboard box that could stand up to my three Sprouts. A quick sketch, a trip to the hardware store, and a few hours later... here's the finished product:

The Box measures 2 feet tall, 2 feet wide, and 4 feet long. We made sure to make it as sturdy as possible to withstand climbing. Only half the top is covered, so it doesn't feel too cramped and the Sprouts can get in/out easier (although a blanket can be draped over the second half if need be).

And of course, a window to peep out of...

These pictures were taken on Christmas morning, but The Box has since been sanded even more, making all edges rounded and smooth. We still need to put a clear coat of sealer on it, but with all the snow, we haven't had the chance. But that's it... any other details or features will left to the Sprouts' imaginations. ^.^

12 comments:

Elizabeth @ My Life, Such as it is... said...

That is a cool idea! My grandpa had my sister & I a similar playhouse in their backyard when we were little. It was just a plain wooden type box with a door & 2 windows. Nothing fancy but we played in it for years.

Jen @ Rolling Through Looneyville said...

What a FANTASTIC idea! I'll have to pass this on to my husband. We have some of those Playhut pop-up tents that the kids love, but you're right, there's something so appealing about a plain 'ole box.

Come to think of it, this would be a neat 1st birthday present for a kid. Turned on its side, the hole could be an easy place for a little one to crawl in and out of. Super fun! - @monsterchew

Mama Campbell said...

Such a great idea!!! I love it!

Amy said...

What a great idea. Maybe sometime this summer you can take it outside and let the sprouts have at it with paint and paintbrushes.

KeriAnne said...

What a great idea! I'm ure it will get tons of use!

Amy @ Six Flower Mom said...

This is brilliant! I really like this idea so very much!

Desiree said...

This is such a great idea! I love it!

Kate said...

I love this idea so much. Am enormous chest freezer sized box came into our house today. It has been painted and cut out and I am loving watching the games it conjures up. I love the idea of a more permanent box.

Angie said...

You go girl! This is an awesome idea.

Unknown said...

Great idea! Kids love boxes and with it being plain, they can decorate it how ever they want too! My son comes to work with me in the mornings and I have 2 cardboard boxes set up for him, but they are getting kind of worn.

Kim said...

That is a wonderful idea! Our kids love boxes to. :-P

coffeemom said...

Brilliant!!!! Why didn't I think of that!! And now I know my husbands' next project....