Pages

Friday, April 5, 2013

Adorable Glamping Play Tents



Supplies:
2 - 1x2's (8ft.each)
2 - 1/2" dowels (4ft long)
1 - 3/4" dowel (4ft long)
2 ft 1/2" elastic
1 yd wide ribbon (or 2 - 18" long pieces)
approx. 2 1/2 yd 44-45" wide fabric
1.5 yds of wide rick rack or ribbon (optional)
fabric for pennants - scraps, fat quarters, etc. (optional)
1/2" and 3/4" drill bits
Drill, sandpaper/sander, sewing machine, saw, etc.
Frame:
Cut 1x2's in half, then trim one end on each at a 22.5 degree angle (or not. It just looks better, and the legs sit on the floor better). Sand all pieces smooth. Drill a 3/4" hole approximately 5 inches from the non-angled end of each piece. Drill 1/2" holes approximately 1.5-2 inches from the angled ends. These holes are for the dowels, obviously. :) Set all wood pieces aside.

Cover:
 Fold one bottom edge of fabric over 1/2 "; press flat. Fold edge over 1.5" to form a rod pocket; pin and press. Stitch close to edge, about 1/8" or so. Insert the 1/2" dowel into the pocket.
 Lay 2 leg pieces down together, angled ends forming an inverted "V". Place one on top of the other and slide the 3/4" dowel through the holes. Repeat with the other 2 pieces on the opposite end of the dowel. Leave about an inch of dowel sticking out of each end. Stand it up and spread the legs to form the tent frame.
It will NOT be very stable at this point, but everything works out when it's fully assembled. Drape the cover over the top, and insert the 1/2" dowel into the holes at the bottom of the legs on one side of the tent. Insert the other dowel into the other side's holes. Gently pull the fabric down to stretch it tight over the frame. Now, measure where the second rod pocket should go. Leave a 1/2" to fold over so the seam is sealed. :) This part can vary, which is why I didn't give you exact measurements. It all depends on where you drilled your holes. :) Once you have this figured out, remove the cover, trim the fabric, and repeat the steps to create the second rod pocket.
Optional pennant decoration:
Cut 6 triangles from your fabric scraps - top edge is 6" long. The points on mine are 8" from the top.
Hem or serge the side edges of each triangle, about 1/4", folded over once.
 
Finishing the Tent:
Cut your elastic into 4 pieces, about 6" long or so. Assemble the frame and cover. The fabric should be stretched, but not so tight that it bends the rods. Wrap a piece of elastic around the first leg bottom, pinning it to the backside of the fabric just above the rod pocket (so it doesn't show from the front). The loop should be snug enough to help hold the frame together. Repeat on other 3 legs.
If you are adding the pennant, pin the ribbon or rick rack at the peak of the tent on both sides, folding the edges over about 1/2" to hide raw edges. Pin each pennant under the ribbon, spaced evenly. You will want LOTS of pins so nothing moves around while you're sewing it on. Pin one of the 18" ribbons to the peak at both ends, as well. Remove the cover from the frame carefully. Stitch down the middle of the pennant ribbon, then sew on the ribbons and elastic loops.

To Assemble/Take Down:
Insert 1/2" dowels into rod pockets (leave these in when taking it down). Insert 3/4" dowel into holes at tops of legs, and spread them out. Lay cover over the top, pulling sides down. Wrap elastic loops around leg bottoms, then insert smaller dowels into holes at bottoms of legs. Tie ribbons at peak ends around the tops of the legs and beneath the inch or so of dowel sticking through the holes. This should provide the tent with more stability. The legs will collapse outward if pushed or slid along the floor (tents work best on carpet or grass).
To take it down, untie the ribbons, slide elastic loops off, and take small dowels out of the legs - DON'T take them out of the rod pockets, though. Remove the cover, fold it in half with the dowels together, and lay it on the floor. Take the legs off the top dowel and lay all 5 pieces on the cover at the end wit the small dowels. Roll everything up, and then use the ribbons to tie around the bundle for easy storage. (THAT part was unintended brilliance on my part!!)


69 comments:

Kirsten said...

Are you kidding? That is what you make other moms compete with for parties?! Seriously, that is incredible, and so you. My girls would have loved that when they were little. Actually, they would probably like it now.

Channa said...

Thanks, Kirsten!

Aimie said...

I want to do this any pictures yet. I need to make 10

Channa said...

Oh my gosh! I get sooo busy that I forget to come back to this sometimes! I added some pictures of the construction - hope it helps!

Anonymous said...

Cool I may do this for a sleepover im throwing

Anonymous said...

Such a wonderful idea. I've been looking to create some portable tents for classrooms; especially our infant classroom. So colorful and soothing. Perfect for naps. Thank you for sharing. When we redesign our classroom, I will send you pictures. Thank you, again.

Olathe Fire Auxiliary said...

How much fabric did you use?

Channa said...

About 2.5 yards, give or take an inch. :) The exact measurement depends on where you drill the holes, but 2.5 should be enough.

Channa said...

Thanks, Patricia! I would love to see pictures!

Channa said...

Thanks, Patricia! I would love to see pictures!

Channa said...

About 2.5 yards, give or take an inch. :) The exact measurement depends on where you drill the holes, but 2.5 should be enough.

Unknown said...

Great ideas! really impressed with your original and genuine way you have put your story across - you're an inspiration and I am following your journey - awesome work!

Jay said...

hi.. great idea. I'm not quite sure how the elastic loops at the bottom corners, and the ribbon at the tops, improve the stability?
It seems like the side walls can still slide outward and flatten the whole tent? Unless, you use a string to connect the 1/2" dowels,
or the angled bottoms of the 1x2 frame legs? This would limit the width of the tent and at least prevent it from spreading out flat?
Unless I'm misunderstanding, or missing something obvious. Thanks again for this write-up. I think I'll be building a bunch of these for my daughter's slumber birthday party coming up soon! Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I think I am going to do this at the sleepover party me and my BFF are hosting at her house. This is a great idea and I love how they fold. I can now make this at my house and bring it over and put it together at her house.

Anonymous said...

How expensive would this be?

Channa said...

It's been awhile, but I believe they cost around $7-10 each. It really depends on the fabric used. That's the biggest expense, so I used $4 twin sheets for most of them.

Channa said...

It's been awhile, but I believe they cost around $7-10 each. It really depends on the fabric used. That's the biggest expense, so I used $4 twin sheets for most of them.

camping with kids said...

really amazing tips for making the play tents. this will be really helpful to make one for my small baby. he will really like it, thanks for such beautiful blog.

Unknown said...

I think this is an amazing idea I did this with my friends but made it a little bigger and it great idea

Unknown said...

How much did you spend for just one, because I am considering making 5??

Unknown said...

Hi. The 3/4 in dowel seems to big. Do you think I could go smaller on all dowels - use 1/2 inch for top and something smaller for bottom? ALso, what is the purpose of the elastic?

Unknown said...

Hi. Such a great idea!! Do you think you could do smaller dowels. Maybe 1/2 in at top and smaller for bottom? Also, what is the purpose of the elastic?

Channa said...

Hi, all! The larger dowels help provide stability. Smaller ones flex too much. The elastic loops wrap around the legs and dowels to help keep them from sliding apart. :)

Anonymous said...

How long does it take to make??

Unknown said...

Where do you get the sticks

Channa said...

Maybe an hour or 2, depending on your skill level.

Channa said...

Home Depot. :)

Anonymous said...

Fun idea! Where did you find $4 twin sheets? Thanks!!

Anonymous said...

What is the average cost to make one of these? I'm going to have 10 kids.

Unknown said...

What was the cost to make one? This looks like an easy project and would honestly make cute gifts if it wasn't too expensive. Great idea!

Channa said...

Smith's Marketplace and WalMart. :)

Channa said...

Thanks! They cost about $7-10 each, depending on the fabric used.

Channa said...

Smith's Marketplace and WalMart. :)

Anonymous said...

Have read many blogs in the net but have never come across such a well written blog. Good work keep it up.
Play Tent

Mahavira Tents said...

Such a wonderful tent it is, I have seen many types of tents but you gave me the information of a wonderful Luxury Tents which I can use in my night party and I can also make it at my house with the help of your great information.

BamaGlamper said...

How cute.

Tents Manufacturer said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Superb its really amazing tips for making the Glamping tents. It will be helpful to make Glamping . I like your post thanks for sharing this blog .

Patricia Carter said...

Thanks for sharing the step b y step guidance. Couldnt have done it without.
milwaukee bucks tickets
milwaukee bucks event tickets

Suzan Baker said...

I am really grateful for the DIY tips. Thanks for helping.
cheap airport parking
airport parking deals

christmathew huston said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Kristy said...

Oof

belltent village said...

Bell tent Village Company is wholesale bell tent suppliers in United Kingdom,Europe.
https://belltentvillage.co.uk/

Muhammad Hassan said...

I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. Best Pop Up Canopy Tents

Unknown said...

10$ a set including fabric and wood?

seo expert services said...

Excellent Service for your Business Must Rank #1 on Google
You can get Best SEO Solutions by Assistance Experts provide digital marketing, website development, seo expert services and social media internet
SEO Expert Services Your branding Solutions. SEO Expert Services
,best seo expert services,online seo expert services,

Monu Enterprises said...

Nice post.Really amazing.With Monu Enterprises you will find wide range of Wedding Sofa And Chair, Tent Decorative Items, Decorative Lantern And Lamp.

Ceiling Tent manufacturer

Shubham said...

Thank you so much for this post, it is so helpful for making homemade Canopy Tent, keep sharing this type of posts.

aqwal sayin said...

you should also consider your camping style. This will help you further to buy a tent to make your whole camping experience memorable. Indeed price is one of the most important factors to consider
best 4 person tent under 200
Best Family Tents For Bad Weather

Exploreoutdoorsco said...

You can choose the right outdoor adventure accessories for your tours. Find everything you need for your next adventure at Exploreoutdoorsco.

NATIONAL TENT AND PARTY RENTAL said...

Nice article. Really you write wonderful stuff.
We offer a Party Tent Rental Minneapolis to ensure your event successfully. Hire us for your next event and get unforgettable and in-order management!

INVEST WITH $200 AND GET A RETURNS OF $2,000 said...

Invest with 200$ and get a returns of 5,000$ within seven business working days.
Why wasting your precious time online looking for a loan? When there is an opportunity for you to invest with 200$ and get a returns of 5,000$ within seven business working days. Contact us now for more information if interested on how you can earn big with just little amount. This is all about investing into Crude Oil and Gas Business.

Email: HappyInvestment-world_inc@protmail.com

Derek jamieson said...

love the site
https://www.tentpitched.com/best-tent-for-dog-owners/

herymeelon said...

Your individual accelerate inside of extremely academic. After i attain regarded the specific exegesis software package safety an individual assent brought up in addition I truly do withstand oahu is the satiate After i take witnessed as a result withstand. My partner and i implore you to definitely multiply how the unique admittance treatments are typically on account of. glamping yorkshire

trustedreviewever said...

Kid Tents

HarryLuper said...

Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you're using? I'm planning to start my own blog in the near future but I'm having a hard time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Features of your Glamping Pods

Anonymous said...

amazing article http://topofoutdoors.com

John Doe said...

https://barbietrip.tumblr.com/post/615389536646823936/type-of-camping-tents

John Doe said...

https://cuddlycasdean.tumblr.com/post/615390219126128640/types-of-camping-tents-2020
https://dakigalaxy.tumblr.com/post/615391747315564544/how-to-choose-tents-for-camping
https://forsw0rn.tumblr.com/post/615395098046447616/camping-for-beginners
https://keattg.tumblr.com/post/615396757695758336/best-tents-for-your-next-family-camping-trip-2020

https://mobile-tricks-tips.tumblr.com/post/615397224748302336/camping-apps-for-next-outdoor-adventure

https://travel-to-uk.tumblr.com/post/615398247167590400/features-in-a-camping-tent

Sheryl D. Taylor said...

Really this is a nice stuff. It will help us for next camping., Hopefully people will get a lot of help from this checklist.Thank you..
best family tent for bad weather
best sleeping pad for hammock
best tent for camping with dog
best camping chair for bad back

TH said...

Nobody can beat the tent rentals services of Valley Luxury Events.

Lucifer Smith said...

camping tents factory

Lucifer Smith said...

castle princess tent

Anonymous said...

I never thought that I will be qualify for a loan that Officer Pedro and his loan company granted me which was very smooth and transparent in every conversation that we make through the loan process, I will once again thank him and his loan organization for a job well done by offering me a loan of 22 million Euro with the low rate of 2% annual return they are genuine and loan register company with simple terms and conditions.
Contact the loan company through pedroloanss@gmail.com whatsapp: + 1-8632310632.

AffordableMag said...

Thanks for your interesting ideas. the information's in this blog is very much useful for me to improve my knowledge.
best offset smoker grill combo

brijana090 said...

It's also remarkably compact, weighing only three pounds, making it easy to transport. Discover here for more details regarding tent camping.

Anonymous said...

this tent worked out very well for my granddaughter's slumber party (made 8). I found twin sheets at the christmas tree store for 5.00 each. the flat sheet worked perfectly and the fitted sheet fit great on a blowup mattress. I added each girls name on the pillow case. Thank you for sharing the directions.

Limousines said...

This blog is nice an provide me good information. Thanks for sharing it Party Bus Rental Long Island

Calisto Asher said...

These adorable glamping play tents are just too cute! 😍 I can imagine setting up a little glamping site for the kids in my backyard and using these tents for a fun adventure. And when it comes to convenience, I'd definitely opt for Express Parking to save time and make the whole experience even smoother. Thanks for the inspiration! 🏕️✨