Luke and Lila are really drawn to imaginative play and I love to encourage their creativity so a DIY doorway puppet theater seemed like a great idea for a gift. I used fabric pieces from my stash and pieced together ideas from theaters I’ve seen over the years. I never sew like that {I’m a sewing pattern girl} but despite a few oops moments, I loved putting it together and I really like the final result.
I folded the fabric over at the top and sewed a simple casing, pieced various fabric pieces together to create an opening with a hanging curtain, and hemmed the bottom and sides. The puppet theater hangs on a spring-loaded extension rod that slides through the top casing {you can find them in with curtains at any big box store} and fits into almost any doorway in our house, making it super versatile. And when playtime is over, it can be rolled up and put away in the closet.
The curtain covering the window can be raised at showtime and tied up with ribbons that are stitched into the seam above. When the show is over, a simple tug on the bows will drop the curtain.
My favorite details? The machine embroidered NOW SHOWING sign {this could also be painted on with stenciled letters or made with iron-on heat transfer} …
… that sits above the chalkboard fabric marquee for show titles. I included a small pocket so the chalk doesn’t go missing.
I’m really happy with the final result and can’t wait to sit in the audience for some upcoming puppet shows!
For more creative ideas for kids, be sure to check out this DIY rope swing …
… a portable doll house made from a repurposed wooden cigar box …
… and simple DIY monogram erasers that will make homework time way more fun!
What a fantastic idea. I love it. I can’t wait to see a show!
That’s amazing. Have the twins seen it?
Love it!
That is oh so cute.
I would have loved that as a child.
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Genius!!!! Brilliant!
Awesome!
So nice – love the fabrics. Your babies will love it!
Oh, I love it! OK, when I stop by one morning with my starbucks I want to see a show!
What a super cute idea! The kids had a couple of puppet theatres in their smaller days. One was a freestanding, the other a tabletop model, and they both took up so much room! I would have loved something as compact and easy as this.
Now that it is amazing! We had the Ikea one and it was so big and you had to fold it up. I love that it hangs in the doorway and can just roll up! They are going to love that! Next project– cute puppets!
Impressive!!
I love this! A little puppet theater has been on my list and I was going to build it but making it so it can hang from the door is a much better idea. Great job!
great job 🙂 – it’s adorable!
My kids would love this! I really enjoyed looking around your blog! What great ideas!!