Ice Cream Shop Play Tent

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• 47' of .1/2" PVC pipe [available at hardware stores]
• 45 degree elbow 1/2" PVC connectors, 4
• Tee fitting 1/2" PVC connectors, 4
• 3-way 1/2" PVC connectors, 6
• 4-way 1/2" PVC connectors, 2
• 5-way 1/2" PVC connectors, 2
• PVC hand cutter [available at hardware stores]
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Fabric fusion [optional]
• Super 77
• 1" wide Velcro® or hot glue gun/glue gun sticks
• Foam core
• Utility knife
• Ribbon
• Paper fasteners [brads]
• Paint
• Paintbrush

DIRECTIONS:

1. This project creates a 30" W x 49" H x 29" D play tent. You can adjust the armature to fit your unique theme, space considerations, or child's height. We used 1/2" PVC and connectors for a lightweight and transportable play text; however, 1" PVC would work as well.
2. Using PVC cutters, cut twelve 20", eight 30", four 10", four 9" pieces of PVC for your armature.
3. Start assembling armature from the ground up using the connectors and PVC following the pattern provided.
4. To make the side/vertical curtain panels cut two 23"x 48" pieces of fabric.
5. To make the horizontal curtain panels cut two 33"x 27" pieces of fabric.
6. Drape all panels about 4" over their PCV crossbar and affix with Velcro, glue gun or sew, creating a simple "curtain pocket."
7. To make the play counter, cut foam core to 32 1/2"x 12" using a utility knife. We layered three pieces of foam core and put them together using Super 77 to create a play surface 1/2" thick for studier play. Cut 3/4" notches in the two front corners to fit foam core snugly in place around the front PVC posts.
8. Still working with your utility knife and foam core, cut an additional piece at the same 32 1/2"x 12" size to use as a base for the awning.
9. Cut a 36 1/2"x 26" piece of fabric for the awning. Position the foam core and awning fabric with 2" of fabric remaining on three sides and 12" remaining on the front. Using Super 77 or a glue gun, fold over and adhere the three 2" pieces to finish off the edge on three sides. To create the 5" awning drop in the front, fold the remaining 12" of fabric so 2" overlaps foam core and glue. The remaining fabric will fall gently and become the awning.
10. To make the top sign cut a piece of fabric to 35"x 21". Fold to 35"x 10 1/2". Decorate with paint, stencils or stickers. Drape over top of the armature and add paper fasteners [brads] or stitch the sides.
11. To make the "menu" sign cut a piece of fabric 24"x 14". Fold the four sides backward and use Super 77 or fabric fusion to a finished size of 20"x 12". Decorate with paint, stencils or stickers. Velcro to the front of the play tent.
12. Add ribbons to decorate.

JOANN HACKS:

• By creating fabric panels with curtain pockets that slide on and off PVC, your playhouse can disassemble for easier storage.
• Use pinking shears to dress up the fabric panels.
• Iron the folds of cut fabric before using fabric fusion or Super 77 for a crisp look and to more easily indicate areas for applying adhesive.
• This project was designed as a no-sew project, but much of the gluing can be replaced with simple sewing.