Two cardboard boxes make a roomy stable for corraling toy animals.
| Prep Time: Afternoon or Evening | |
| What you need: | |
| Craft knife
Cardboard box, 15 x 18 x 21 inches Cardboard box, 8 x 8 x 13 inches Ruler and pencil Duct tape Extra cardboard Small paint roller Acrylic paints and brushes Paper fasteners | |
| Seasons: Rainy day, Year round | |
| Materials: paints | |
| Instructions: | |
| 1. | Using the knife, cut a 4-inch slit down each corner of the larger box (a parents job). Fold the two 18-inch sides in toward each other so that they form a peak (to make them fold in more easily, lightly score the folds on the outside of the box). |
| 2. | Holding the peak in place, raise up the other two flaps to meet the peak. Trace the peak shape on each side flap, then cut away the excess with the knife. |
| 3. | Make the ridgepole by cutting out a 1 1/2 by 21 inch strip of cardboard. Cut a small notch in the top center of each side flap. Set one end of the ridgepole in each notch, then fold up the roof so it meets the ridgepole. Tape all the roof edges in place. |
| 4. | To make the left Dutch door, measure and mark a 6 by 9 inch rectangle that is at least 1/2 inch from the bottom and top of the front, and 1 inch from the left edge. Cut along the top, right and bottom edges of the rectangle and also cut the door in half. Repeat, reversing the directions, for the right door. Score down the hinged edges on the inside of the box. (If you're using a different sized box, adjust the dimensions to your liking, but leave a 1/2-inch sill above and below the door to maint |
| 5. | For a four-stall barn, cut doors on the opposite side as well. Cut a 2 by 3 inch window on each side of the barn. |
| 6. | Make the stalls by cutting a 4 1/2 by 18 inch and a 4 1/2 by 14 inch piece of cardboard. Make a 2-inch notch in the center of each strip, then interlock them to form a cross. Slip the cross shape inside the barn. Use the roller to paint the barn and the roof; when dry, use the brush to paint on the trim. |
| 7. | To make the tack room, fold in the peak of the small box and measure and cut the side flaps as for the barn. Tape in place -- minus a ridgepole this time. Cut a door and windows. To attach the tack room to the barn, poke four small matching holes through one side wall of the tack room and one side wall of the barn. Slip a paper fastener through each hole and bend it to hold in place. |
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