A treehouse, a blanket fort, a cushion castle, a teepee…we probably all have memories of building a fantasy fortress when we were young. For this week’s How-Tuesday post, Sharon Pierce McCullough, Chief Creative Officer for ZiggityZoom.com, has created a tutorial for making your own backyard teepee, perfect for daydreaming. More craft projects for kids can be found on Ziggity Zoom.
When my grandkids come to visit during the summer months, we try to plan some exciting and fun outdoor projects. I had been wanting to make a teepee for some time, so last week, while three of our grandsons were visiting, we made one for the backyard. (I’m not sure who was more excited about the project, me or the kids.) We gathered all the materials, trying to keep it as inexpensive as possible — the boys searched for the perfect size branches in the backyard, so we wouldn’t have to purchase them from a store.
A teepee is not hard to make, even if you don’t follow exact American Indian standards and try to keep it simple and fun. We did consult a few websites to understand the basics. This particular teepee can be made in an afternoon. Ours will stay up until the end of summer, when other grandkids come to visit and add their decorations to the teepee. This is a perfect summer or fall craft project that the whole family can help make. So, what are you waiting for?
Materials Needed:
- Nine 10 foot poles (Bamboo poles are best. Check if you have a neighbor growing bamboo.) We used 1 inch metal conduit.
- 12′ x 15′ heavy duty canvas
- Lightweight cord or rope
- 5 sticks 9 ” long
- 2 sticks 6 ” long
- Scissors
- String
- Garden clippers
- Permanent colored markers or acrylic paint + brushes
Directions:
1. Collect thin, sturdy branches and cut to size, as stated above, using garden clippers. Collecting branches is a fun activity for the kids. If desired, taper ends slightly by rubbing ends on sidewalk or a piece of sand paper. Once again, the kids will love sharpening the sticks.
2. Lay the canvas drop cloth flat on the grass. Find the center-top of the long end of the cloth and make a mark. Tie a marker pen to the end of a string and then, holding the marker upright at side-top of the long end of the cloth, stretch string to center point, cutting string. Your string should be 7.5 feet long. Hold string at center point firmly, while a second person makes a large arc with the marker, denoting cutting line. The finished cut size equates to the length being twice as long as the width. (For example, 7.5 feet wide by 15 feet long.)
3. Determine location for your teepee and set first 3 poles in place as your teepee base, crossing tips and leaving about a foot above crossed poles at top. You are making a tripod. Now add 2 poles between each of the base poles, paying attention to how they cross at the top, trying to position sturdily. Add the last pole to the backside of your teepee. Spread bottoms of poles evenly around the ground. (You might note that we have an extra pole added — it’s simply because one of the boys didn’t get to add 2 poles, so we just went with the moment and used one extra pole.)
4. Carry teepee cloth to the back of your teepee, determining where the front opening will be. If you don’t have a tall friend to reach up and place the top-center of the cloth near the cross poles, remove the last pole set in place from backside and attach the top-center of the cloth about a foot from top. Since this is temporary, you can just make a ring of duct tape and attach inside of the cloth to the pole.
5. Pull sides of cloth around the poles, overlapping at top of teepee front. Make two slits to accomodate each 9 inch stick, making sure cuts go through both pieces of overlapped cloth. Slits should be about 3 to 4 inches apart. Weave a stick into openings, as shown, securing teepee front. Space sticks about 3 to 4 inches apart.
6. Fold side flaps open and make two slits to accomodate the 6 inch sticks for your teepee opening. These slits should be on either side of your poles at teepee opening (doorway). Stick will attach flap to front pole, keeping flap secured.
7. Use permanent markers, or acrylic paint if desired, to decorate the outside of your teepee. We let the kids decorate however they wanted, after we showed them some Native American designs. We do recommend paint for a teepee you plan to use in the future, as the permanent markers tend to fade. But for fun, you can let the kids use markers.
If you make your own backyard teepee, share a photo with us in the Etsy Labs Flickr group.
115 comments
Sign in to add your ownMootiDesigns says:
Great post. THank you
265 days ago
purposedesign says:
I was looking for something just like this- thank you!!
265 days ago
LizzieMade says:
This is a great post - I have wanted to make a teepee for a while; now I may be able to do so. This would even make a semi-permanent play-house for the garden. Thanks!
265 days ago
Parachute425 says:
Sweet! What a cool grandma.
265 days ago
TheIDconnection says:
This looks like fun!
265 days ago
myvintagecrush says:
So fun!
265 days ago
BlueRoseRetro says:
I want to be a kid again! What fun.
265 days ago
CaliforniaMutts says:
Is anyone else thinging how romantic a candle lit dinner would be in here? Large fluffy pillows, music, etc...
265 days ago
desertwestpillows says:
Love it Love it! Great presentation, with the kids putting teepee together and painting on it! I want one too!
265 days ago
StudioZen says:
My sister gave my son a similar teepee when he was a kid. He loved it and would play for hours in it. We still have it...maybe one day his kids will play in it too.
265 days ago
Luv2Have says:
This is awesome, my son would love this!!! Definitely something we will have to try!
265 days ago
myAvonlea says:
Totally want to make this with my 2 sweet peas <3 Thank you so much for posting.
265 days ago
MegansMenagerie says:
This looks like so much fun! My daughter would love this!
265 days ago
jodieflowers says:
My son and I LOVE teepees!!! ♥
265 days ago
Zafirah says:
This will definitely come in handy soon!
265 days ago
BeatificBijoux says:
FUN!! I love this kind of stuff. It's pretty much why I had kids. When my 5-year-old son mentioned baking soda volcanoes last week, I was all over it. I rummaged through the recycle bin for newspaper and a largish sheet of cardboard, and within minutes we were splattered in flour paste as we papier-mached our way to geothermic bliss. Crafting with your kids is priceless!
265 days ago
Share310 says:
It was such a fun project ... the granddaughters added their painting to the teepee when they visited last week. And amazingly ... the teepee stood during the hurricane ... it actually stayed DRY inside! I love looking at it and the cat loves it too.
265 days ago
jammerjewelry says:
Crazy Cool Fun for kids. Thanks!
265 days ago
VintageEye says:
I want one...for me!
265 days ago
scoutandrescue says:
This is so cool. And I love that you built it together and the kids decorated it themselves. So much better than buying something. They will never forget this experience. Wonderful! scout xo
265 days ago
rarebeasts says:
This will be a great weekend kid project.
265 days ago
opendoorstudio says:
HEY... I WANT ONE! Thank you for posting this. I want to make one NOW!
265 days ago
EmiliaFaith says:
How fun !! Gonna have to try this with my kids :)
265 days ago
trafalgarssquare says:
WOW! I used to make teepees in the backyard when I was a kid and I'd get so annoyed because it wouldn't look right. Thanks so much for the post, now I can make one with my littles!
265 days ago
artXchic says:
awesome! i'm going to do this with my niece and nephew, they'll adore it! thanks for the post :)
265 days ago
lemondear says:
wow... this made me relive for a few minutes my rocking childhood, thanks
265 days ago
blancahelga says:
Wow, just fantastic!
265 days ago
sparrowgrey says:
Such a great idea, the kids look thrilled. Thanks for the instructions!
265 days ago
VeniVidiVintage says:
such a great tutorial! I cant wait to do this with my husband! I love that little kid inside us all :)
265 days ago
4amani says:
This reminds me of the giant teepee my mom made when when we were little. She used about 5 drop clothes and broke several needles on her sewing machine. The best part was running an industrial extension cord out the kitchen window so she could sew the teepee in the driveway. We cut down small trees for the poles. Oh the memories!
265 days ago
FruitOfMyHands says:
What a great grandma. Thank you for sharing your teepee pattern.
265 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Wow that looks like alot of fun! I used to make my tents out of pillows and bedsheets when I was a kid :)
265 days ago
ikabags says:
Such a wonderful post ! We had couple of time with my sons and slept inside :)
265 days ago
jungledread says:
I've seen these at festivals and it's sat in the back of my mind to give it a try Thanks for the pattern - I"ll be giving it a try next fest ^_^
265 days ago
TheScarfTree says:
That is a great idea and great for the kids......I would go in there to! Thanks for sharing!
265 days ago
Ragsoul says:
thank you ! just great
265 days ago
lemongrassjewels says:
awesome idea, you're the greatest grandma ever:) what wonderful memories for you and your family!!!
265 days ago
blissfulturtle says:
My backyard teepee remains one of my favorite childhood memories. Thanks for bringing them back. Now I need to make one for my daughter.
265 days ago
stepbackink says:
This article brings sweet memories.
265 days ago
salvageshop says:
how fun! :)))
265 days ago
breadandroses2 says:
I"d love to have one. Thanks for the post!
265 days ago
laurastark says:
And it's fun for adults too!
265 days ago
ziggityzoom says:
I want 4 teepees in my backyard- one for each of the boys and 1 for me. Maybe I need a work teepee!
265 days ago
riverstar says:
great photos of TP project. check out my Native American Inspiration treasury.
265 days ago
sunshinepetals says:
I never pay attention to these posts others write but i just could not resist yours...being an old girl scout i found your article interesting, useful, it held my attention and well worth keeping for later use! I LOVED IT
265 days ago
Grannysea says:
Thanks I copied for some cubs that I work with, hope to make one with them. Reminds me of the one I made with girl Scouts; I thought the poles had to be attached so sewed each one onto the material. I did not have any needles at the time so I made a needle with a paper clip. Have a great day.
265 days ago
SweetandDandyVintage says:
This is so awesome! I'm dreaming already! Thanks for the tutorial!
265 days ago
mylenefoster says:
What a fun activity for the kids!
265 days ago
GwenDelicious says:
i had one of these as a kid...so much fun!!!
265 days ago
TandJsoaps says:
Wonderful!
265 days ago
fireyvalkyrie says:
Love this collection very earthy!
265 days ago
AuroraVk says:
Sounds like a fun project!!! I would put one of those even inside of my room! ;)
265 days ago
Iammie says:
Lovely!
265 days ago
BraveTurtleCreations says:
One day I plan on making a full size legit teepee for camping and general awesomeness but I think I'll try this one first. I know my sister would love it.Thanks!
265 days ago
oldworldapothecary says:
How fun!!! LOVE IT
265 days ago
cupcaketutus says:
LOVE IT! My cousin has a grandpa on her mother's side that is a full blooded shashonee indian Chief. He no longer lives on a reservation but still is very active in the native American community. He builds true Tepees and for years I've been wanting one. Haven't got one yet, but one day I'll own one of his lovely teepees. Thanks for this how to, I'll have to try it out myself, until I can affordable a real built one.
265 days ago
bhangtiez says:
Sounds like so much fun! Thanks for sharing!
265 days ago
lilinspirations says:
I remember when my boys had a teepee! It was so much fun!
265 days ago
TheMillineryShop says:
My favorite hideout was two chairs a few feet from each other, backs facing in and a blanket thrown over the top. I haven't thought of doing that in decades but think I'm gonna go make one now and crawl inside. It's been way too long...
265 days ago
ConfettiWestern says:
yay!
265 days ago
leilalou says:
Fabulous! I have just bought a pattern to make one for my children for Christmas and yes...I'll be putting my feature doll Tallulah in for them :-)
265 days ago
inlovewithpink says:
What wonderful memories you've helped create! Thanks for sharing!
265 days ago
BetaVintageCasual says:
I want to make one too!!!!
265 days ago
RotemZ says:
Made one last year and again this year with my boys ! Instructions from the web were challenging !! These are much easier :-) Bamboo canes we sourced at a local farm supply store and used them again this year and we used a roll of disposable tablecloth fabric . You have to decorate before you attach it though and through it away at the end. It's very warm here so it was perfect and not stuffy.
265 days ago
lululiilii says:
I did this with my nephews for a day out and used a king bed sheet that I got at the thriftstore for $3 I let the children decorate it with finger painting and hand prints which was great since one is two and cant really draw anything yet.
265 days ago
ile1974 says:
WOW! great^_^ I will try it with my kids!!!!!!!!!!!!
265 days ago
edgertor says:
check these out for decoration ideas! great post of actual tepees from the turn of the century. http://www.howtobearetronaut.com/2011/08/blackfoot-decorated-tipis-c-1900/
264 days ago
MadeinMogotes says:
How fun! We had a tent when we were kids but never a teepee and not one we could decorate!!
264 days ago
Zalavintage says:
Can't wait to try it out!
264 days ago
lmouer says:
I don't even have kids, but I want to make one!! Great blog!
264 days ago
littlebugjewelry says:
OH, I totally want to do this!
264 days ago
amusebeads says:
Thanks for the inspiration. I'll have to try this with my little monkeys, they have almost destroyed their fridge box cottage. Time for a new (and different!) playhouse!
264 days ago
Eternalelfcreations says:
great project!!
264 days ago
CattailsStudio says:
I want a backyard teepee for myself!! Forget the kid! You think I'm kidding but I'm not. :)
264 days ago
GraceFilledHands says:
What a fun project! The kids will love this! Thanks for sharing! The Indian in me wants to make one for adults!
264 days ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
How fun! I think I'm going to do this with my nephew! He'd love it!
264 days ago
siennaorlando says:
Absolutely adorable! I've been infatuated with the idea of living in a teepee for sooo long! Love this project!
264 days ago
BowMoBBB says:
Awesome! Thanks. . . can"t wait to have fun with grandkids & neighbor kids.
264 days ago
designlab443 says:
I made a teepee awhile ago for my daughter. I need to get that out again, it's been awhile. The kids love it!
264 days ago
MishaGirl says:
I LOVE the idea...it looks like so much fun :-)
264 days ago
sweetharvestonline says:
Teeppes are great idea indoor and outdoor! My son loves to play trucks on a rainy day in his! Thanks for the post :)
264 days ago
acuriousbrood says:
I bet our dog would love one of these as a hideaway. Interesting project to do with the boys before school digs in too deep.
264 days ago
AliceCloset says:
Soo cool!!!
264 days ago
bananastrudel says:
When I was a kid, I loved visiting my cousin because she had a teepee in her backyard. And parts of it were made of animal skin, too. I officially made her my 'favourite cousin', simply based on her having a teepee. So if you build a teepee, I will come. And you will be my new best friend.
264 days ago
serenabythesea says:
Something like tthis tepee project is very therapeutic, as well as being load of fun!
264 days ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
I need to make one of these and put it in my house. And, when everyone sees me go in the teepee they will know to leave me alone. I am having my teepee time...
264 days ago
styleforlife says:
So darling. :-)))) XXXXX EL Vintage
264 days ago
adoodle says:
=)
264 days ago
HoldTheWire says:
Oh, a canvas drop cloth! What a great idea! Thanks!
264 days ago
helloambition says:
oh wow. I would have loved this as a child. there were so many countless days of fort making with my brother.
264 days ago
RanchDressingOnline says:
How fun! I will definitely do this with my future grandchildren.
264 days ago
fqcouture says:
Ooh, that looks like so much fun! I used to make forts all the time, and I always wanted a teepee.
264 days ago
pouch says:
I used to love sitting in my teepee as a child, my mum made one out of old sheets and bamboo canes - I have been meaning to make one for my daughter for ages, will have to give it a go now I've seen this!
263 days ago
PyxusPassionProject says:
Exciting! I need to make this for my niece and nephew next summer.. looks like so much fun to build.
263 days ago
Woodzart says:
Fun! I would love to make one, thanks for posting.
263 days ago
Share310 says:
Thank you all for such fun and lovely comments ... I can't begin to tell you how much enjoyment the grandkids and I have already had from making this TeePee. Happy TeePee making!!!
262 days ago
rinnyc says:
When i was younger my days would be looking forward to be building a teepee with my sisters brothers and cousins! We would all go tramping in our woods and my oldest sister you be in charge of the teepee building. We would take huge sticks la them against a tree and voula you got a teepee! As a seven-eleven year old you can imagine anything you want too. We soon built other teepees so we had a town, elected a mayor, have bottle caps as money, we had a resteraunt with real food too. We tried to plant a garden but that really didn't work out. Soon the other neighbors helped us build the town and we made more towns. We had a teeppe city! But we are all older and teepee making is a memory of the pass i guess. Sometimes when i walk in the woods i remember that fun time, probably the funnest time building teepees.
262 days ago
FrogBlossoms says:
What a great set of instructions. I will have to do this with my grandchildren when they come visit next summer! They will love it!
262 days ago
Marieva says:
Thanks for the inpiration and the totorial. I whant to do this with my grandson next summmer.
262 days ago
HoboeJane says:
ok i have no kids but i totally want a teepee for me! lol oooo it'd be fun to lay a blanket and read a good book in :)
262 days ago
gretchenmist says:
how great is this! makes me want a big back yard to play in and build in! thanks for the instructions.
262 days ago
WJFlintstone says:
I am always searching for fun things to do with the Grandsons when they come. I know these days of loving MeMaw's house will pass all to fast and they will move on to wanting to spend time with friends. So thanks for a project ideal that we will both love! I wanted to be an Indian brave when I was a little girl. Couldn't manage that so I married one!
262 days ago
fanciestrands says:
Oh MY! This is so awesome. This would be a great addition for the kids on my 4 acres. What fun!
262 days ago
VillaCollezione says:
what a wonderful post! so nice when two different generations get together & do something fun!
261 days ago
cazhoffy says:
my son would love this and my hubby to tell the truth!!
261 days ago
HardlySimpleDesigns says:
I love love love this idea! I cannot wait to make one with my nephew. :) Such a wonderful way for kids to spend time outdoors and with family. Thank you for sharing!
261 days ago
sandrassatchels says:
Great tutorial. Thanks!
261 days ago
sofisticata says:
LOVE IT!! :) Thank you for sharing!! I'll have to share with my sister! She is the one with the kids!! :)
260 days ago
girliepains says:
aww the canoooooes!
260 days ago
IrisTse says:
so lovely =)
259 days ago
jewelkingthai says:
Love to try this
259 days ago
AlpineGypsy says:
Complete & utter RADNESS!!! Thanks, Heidi
259 days ago
eastmeetswest says:
amazing :)
257 days ago
earlgreymorning says:
Hey I don't know if you pay much attention to these comments and this post is kind of old but I'd just like to gently point out that this is kinda cultural appropriation :/ I recommend taking a look at this zine for a little more information. It focuses on appropriation of the head dress but the it's short and simple and addresses issues of erasing individuality and diversity of native people and various tribes: http://zinelibrary.info/headdress Some other ways to present this idea would be to link readers to actual information on local tribes so that they could teach their children factual information about native structures and symbols instead of perpetuating the false assumption that all indigenous people lived in teepees and had the same language and images etc. You could also just steer clear of the whole native bit by not referring to the tent as a teepee at all but a play fort or tent. I hope you take time to think about this and do some research of your own. Have a nice day c:
199 days ago
thomasconnor says:
This is a great tutorial. I would recommend to consider the willow teepee: http://www.kidsteepee.net/willow-teepee/
178 days ago