Craft - inspired by Resene, from Little Treasures magazine
This little ice cream stand is simple to make and will be a huge hit with small salespeople.
Playing shops is a favourite game among little ones and they’ll love role-playing the things they see you do. The fun needn’t stop with ice creams – produce could also include lemonade, hot dogs or fruit and veg.
Flatten out the other boxes to make a roof and a frontage for the store.
Paint the entire store white – let dry and then paint over the stripes by using the painter’s masking tape to make clean lines. Tape off a square in front and paint with Resene Blackboard Paint – paint a scalloped edge around the blackboard.
Attach the front panel to the front of the box.
Tape the dowel in place on the box.
Make three folds in the roof – one near the front, one in the centre and one near the back.
Fix the dowel to the roof either by taping or making tubes from card, fixing them to the roof and slipping the dowel into them (then the roof can be taken off and stored separately).
We made the ice creams from Ecoware wooden cones (which you can get from some supermarkets or craft stores) and cupcake cases and tissue paper. You can make confetti sprinkles with a hole punch.
Confetti sprinkles make ice creams extra special – all you need is coloured paper and a hole punch!
Use painter’s masking tape to ensure the edges of your stripes are sharp and straight.
Get your child involved and let them help choose the colours – simply show them the Resene KidzColour chart (in-store or online) and let them point out the colours they’d like you to use.
Think outside the box! Your child could help decorate the outside in their favourite colours. Or opt for a theme and paint pictures and words that suit your theme.
Make sure low tack masking tape is stuck down well so the paint doesn’t seep under the edge. Peel it off before the paint dries fully to avoid pulling the paint off with the tape.
Be creative with the blackboard area – use your child’s favourite Resene colour in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen for a coloured blackboard.
If your child’s shop will involve any liquids, such as water or bubbles, make sure you paint all surfaces of the box as this will help protect it from any spills.
Place a couple of heavy items, such as a couple of rocks from your garden either side of the back of the side wall. This will help to keep it steady in a light breeze or if it gets knocked.
When you’re ready for a new shop, simply paint over with Resene Lumbersider white and then you’ll have a blank canvas to create a new look.
Created by Meredith Baldwin. Photography by Bryce Carleton.
Kid's Bedroom Decorating Ideas
View more decorating ideas for kids from Little Treasures magazine in the Resene kid's bedroom inspiration gallery.