Thursday, October 09, 2008

A Handcrafted Christmas: Puppet Theatre

I am really excited about this gift! Months ago, I checked out Amy Karol's book Bend-the-Rules Sewing. I was very interested in making this puppet theatre for a family Christmas gift, but felt uninspired about the colors it should be. So, I returned the book and kept the idea in mind.

Then, recently - I put the book on hold again and was inspired to get going on this project! Just a little over 24 hours after picking up the book from the library - I had found my fabric (note: I found all of my supplies at Wal-Mart), washed it and had the entire project completed!

I am thrilled with how it turned out and how quickly it came together! I spent about three hours total cutting the pieces out and assembling everything including making the case to store it. One thing I love about this is how little space it takes to store!

Curtains closed:
Love the trim!
Curtains open! Let the show begin!
I hope my littles have many hours of fun playing with this and putting on lots of puppet shows or any other show this may invite! Now comes the hardest part - waiting two and a half more months to give it to them!

25 comments:

Katy said...

OH! It looks fantastic Monica!! I love it! Wonderful job!!! :)

Laine said...

That's so cool! Is there any way that you could put basic diretions on here because I would love to make one. Also, would it work okay to have it on shower curtain rods?

Thanks again for another awesome idea!

asnipofgoodness said...

I love this Monica, and the fabrics you chose are just fab!!! I love the trim too!!! We aren't allowed to have a clothes line up in our neighborhood, so I am trying to think of some other way. I just love this idea!!!

Thanks for all the comments on my blog!!

Monica Wilkinson said...

I should clarify that it doesn't need a clothesline - it has a spring rod that fits in any doorway to use. But, I couldn't figure out how to take a flattering pic that way! :)

Basic directions are just to sew a small pocket for the spring rod and embellish as you choose including curtains. This one has two dowels on the back to stabilize the opening and keep it from sagging.

I'm not sure a shower rod would work unless it can be made shorter and fit in your door or other area.

Hope all that helps! :)

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. Whenever I read it I feel inspired. I know that God speaks to everyone in different ways. It is up to us to listen. Please don't let an insensitive comment change the way you do your blog. You do a beautiful job of illustrating how meaningful scripture is in our everyday lives.

MamaBirdEmma said...

I just saw someone make a puppet theater similar to this, but instead of hanging it on a clothesline, they used a tension rod in a door frame. Great job!!

MamaBirdEmma said...

ooops! I just read your comment, Monica!

More than Survival said...

VERY cute!!!!
Thanks for the clarification about the tension rod...I was trying to figure out how we could use this in the winter!!!!!! I just might have to do this for my kiddos for Christmas, too!
Thanks again for your inspiration!
Heahter

Kathy said...

Very, very cute! They will create many memories playing. :)

Fe said...

I was very interested to see this:-) I have just (today) copied out the list of materials so that I can shop tomorrow—except I'm going to be making it for my daughter's birthday:-)
Very cool to see it in another colourway (and a 'full length' shot:-) )

Debra said...

That is darling!! You are so creative. Thanks for sharing.

Amy said...

I think I have this book. I can't sew, but you are constantly inspiring me to give it a try. What a cute project- I love it!

Wendi said...

That is super cute!

Anonymous said...

It is so cute!

Jada said...

Very cute! Great job! I need to take sewing lessons! My sister is pregnant and I'm hoping for a niece! She married (www.mywedding.com/scottlovescorie) a pastor with two girls and she has a son and my youngest sister has two boys. So I "need" a little girl to spoil!

Sarah from In the Midst of It made a puppet theater, too...from the same book! http://inthemidstofit.blogspot.com/2008/01/fun-new-things.html

Deb Burton said...

That is really, really cute! And it looks simple enough that someone with my meager talents might be able to handle it. I have two grandaughters that just might think this is the greatest thing they've ever seen. thanks for the idea.

faerieeva said...

Oh, that is wonderful. I am new to your blog but love all the creativity I see. I'm a beginning knitter and mother of one active little boy myself and I'm just in awe of this project.

Be loved and blessed,

Eva

Bella @ Lil Daisies said...

Monica,
I have this book too and LOVE IT. I haven't made the puppet theater yet, but that would be a great present idea for my girls.

Your Theatre looks adorable! Great job!

Blessings,
Bella

Elise said...

Now that is adorable!!
Elise

Jenny said...

That has got to be one of the BEST sewing books! I've been eying that puppet stage for awhile now.

Yours turned out REALLY cute! I chose the same choices of fabric for my first born sons'nursery bedding. He had a cowboy room.

Mary Ann said...

This is really cute. My sister has that book and made me a purse for Christmas last year out of it. After reading your post, I went to my library website and requested the book. Can't wait to get it!

*carrie* said...

As with all your projects, Monica, you did a wonderful job!

Dawn said...

I'm so excited Monica. Michele is going to help me make one for the kids for Christmas! I can't wait to get the fabric and hopefully find some puppet patterns too.
I'd love to have some puppets ready made to go with it.
Dawn

3boysmama said...

I Was JUST thinking the other day that my son would love this for Christmas.

I will have to find that book at the library!

Mrs Mary Joy Pershing said...

I have been browsing around your blog and just found this post. Oh my goodness! How wonderful!!! I am going to have to figure out a way to do this! Thank you!!!