Since our last Creating With Colors project with the cardboard pirate fortress was so much fun, we decided to that we were ready to take on the challenge of decorating a cardboard rocket playhouse from Color Me House.
Today's Creating With Colors is not going to be quite the step-by-step instructions that we usually provide. There are so many possibilities when it comes to how you would like to decorate this child-size rocket, so we will just tell you what supplies we used and how we chose to use them.
Today's Project: Cardboard Rocket Playhouse
Help your child assemble and decorate this cardboard rocket to resemble what your child might envision a rocket might really look like.
Supplies We Used:
7) Newspaper
8) Smocks or Aprons (Optional)
Step 1: Assemble the rocket in 3 easy steps . . .
A) Put together the 6-sided body by attaching the 3 panels together using the tabs and pre-cut slits.
B) Assemble the pointed top of the rocket by using the tabs and pre-cut slits.
C) Attach the 3 fins by using the tabs and pre-cut slits.
Step 2: Mix white tempera paint with a touch of black tempera paint to create a light gray. Then paint the entire body of the rocket light gray, excluding the point and the fins. We only used one coat, but you can opt to apply two.
Tip #1: If you have young children painting, it is a good idea to go back and smooth over any extra thick areas of paint, so that it dries quickly.
Tip #2: We removed the fins to paint separately. This makes the job of painting the rocket's sides easier and also prevents the fin paint color from getting on the rocket.
Step 3: Paint the top of the rocket red from the tip down to the line where the rocket starts to bend. We used two coats.
Step 4: Paint the fins with two coats of red paint on one side. Then repeat on the second side after the first side has dried completely.
Tip #3: Reattaching the fins should be the very last thing you do. This will prevent any paint from accidentally dripping on them while the rest of the rocket is being painted.
Step 5: Add whatever accents you think will make your rocket special. We add the following . . .
- Black trim along the bottom of the red top using a paint brush
- Black trim around the portholes using a paint brush
- Yellow checkerboard pattern around the top using a foam roller
- A representation of the U.S. flag in red, white, and blue using a paint brush
- The letters "USA" in black with a paint brush
- Yellow stars using a star-shaped sponge stamper
This is how our rocket turned out . . .
I have to say that this was an extremely fun family activity. Every member of our family of five contributed, which makes it even more special. The children do not only have a place to create new memories with each other, but they will always have the memory of the whole family working together to create something we are all proud of.
I have to point out that this rocket is a pretty good size and is large enough to fit 3 young children inside, standing or sitting. Luckily for us, this rocket can fold back up for easy storage when the children are not playing with it.
I admit I was concerned about how sturdy a cardboard playhouse would be. After watching the children play non-stop with it for days, I am convinced that it will last for a long time, especially since we intend to use it indoors only.
Visit ColorMeHouse.com to learn more about their cardboard playhouses and rockets. For a limited time, you can receive 25% off your Color Me House purchase when you use Code: 1funhouse at checkout.
Thank you to Color Me House for sending us a sample rocket free of charge to base this review upon and to Discount School Supply for providing the art supplies used in this article.
