Materials:puppet theatre shell
wood trim and molding
canisters or paint buckets
wooden peg toys
blackboard paint
magnetic paint
tinted stains
shellac
polyurethane
Crown1. Measure and cut out decorative molding (figure A) for the top of the theatre to act as a "crown" for another playing space.
2. Repair any missing or broken details, and then apply amber shellac.
3. Apply tinted stain to all of the trim pieces. Allow to dry.
4. Apply more tinted stain to the puppet theatre. Allow to dry.
5. Attach all of the trim and decorative pieces to the theatre using glue, screws and nails (figure B).
Backstage
1. Measure and cut a piece of 3/4 inch plywood to create a floor for the unit.
2. Sand the edges and one side smooth.
3. Stain one side (floor), and then apply two coats of shellac. This will help the unit to be mobile on carpet. Don't attach until the backstage painting is finished.
4. Apply one coat of primer to the walls with a foam brush. Allow to dry, and then lightly sand.
5. Apply two coats of magnetic paint. Allow to dry.
6. Apply two coats of chalkboard paint. Allow to dry.
7. Attach wooden peg toys on both sides of the stage using screws or bolts. These will serve as interactive toys for young children as well as puppet holders.
8. Attach metal canisters using bolts underneath the stage window to hold blocks and puppets.
Sides
1. Cut a plywood drawer in half on the table saw, and then stain.
2. Pre-drill holes and screw the two pieces into the plywood from the other side of the theatre. These will serve as book holders.
Project Expense:
Puppet theatre molding: Free
Canisters: Free
Toys: $10
Paint materials: $30
Total: $40