Project #170: DIY Mushroom Theatre

Make your own Mushroom Theatre by Yuliya  from Yufrukt

Young children learn by imagining and doing. When a child engages in pretend or dramatic play, he is experimenting with the social and emotional roles of life. That's why all kinds of puppets and theatre crafts are so popular. Today I decided to make a simple cardboard puppet theatre with a mushroom family for the troupe of actors.

What you will need:
* A piece of paper (for sketching)
* A cardboard box
* A pair of scissors
* A pencil
* A needle and thread for sewing
* A couple of bright colours of gouache paint
* A paintbrush
*A square of cotton fabric (or other thin fabric)
* 5 skewers

Step 1:
Take a pencil and paper and sketch designs for your mushrooms. I made a family of four.

Step 2:
When you have decided on your designs, draw them on the cardboard (try to use your box economically) and cut them out.

Step 3:
Now cut out a frame that will become our "stage".

Step 4:Dress up your puppets with colours. Paint in layers: first, colour the body; and when the paint is dry enough, paint the details.
Decorate your stage too.

Step 5:
Take your piece of fabric and cut it to the size of a frame — it's going to be your stage curtain! Stitch through the top of the curtain so you can "open" and "close" it, but don't cut off the thread (you will need it to attach your curtain to the frame). Make a little cut on each side of the frame and attach the curtain by hooking the thread edges in the cuts.

Step 6:
Carefully stick the skewers in between the layers of cardboard on your puppets. If you are using a cardboard that is too thin, attach the skewers with the tape on the back side of the puppets and the frame.

Step 7:You are all set for the performance!

Have fun playing with your little ones! - Yuliya

.. Yufrukt