A Tree House

I took this picture at Easter.  Now the trees are in full foliage, so you can barely see it!

Rob and my son, Mason started building this little house last summer.

Here are some instructions in the 'Dangerous Book for Boys' on building a tree house.

They didn't need those instructions, because Mason made his own!  Hilarious.

I have said before, "If it has four walls and a roof, it needs some decor."  I covered the camp stools with dish towels, because the large buffalo print is a favorite and they were cheap-o!

I have saved old shirts, old boxers and some seersucker shorts to make a quilt for my son.  I used some of the fabric to make this simple bunting. 

My goal in decorating (who decorates a tree house, right?) was to spend very little money by using things we already had or to make some things.  I made the cage light (here.)  I also wanted to incorporate some educational material to make the process of a summertime project more fun!

 

Rob added a small door that leads to a hidden porch.  I painted it with chalk paint to disguise it even more.

This little porch is only accessible through that secret door.  This is where you might find me if I were still a kid!

The 'Lake' pillow was made from an old wool army blanket of my grandfathers.  With a bright monogram, it now has a new life.  My friend gave me the round chair, and it fits perfectly, and is very comfortable!  I threw an old Ralph Lauren floral sheet over it for the girls.

 

I found an old road map book that I used when I was in sales (before GPS was popular!) and almost threw it away, but decided it would make good wallpaper.  I added some Lewis and Clark journal pages and maps found on the web and hung them to make learning fun this summer!

This canoe was given to the children by our dear friend, while he was a missionary in South America.  It looks like one that Lewis and Clark might have used on their expedition to the Pacific Coast.  This summer, our goals are to learn how to read a map, use a compass and have a brief understanding of the constellations as they pertain to direction.  (Click here for a site that gives some great tips!)  Who better to incorporate in this summer project than Lewis and Clark!

My dog is sitting in front of the Francis Marion (years before we had children!) waiting to go look for alligators.  This beautiful, beautiful canoe was given to us by my father-in-law.  Many years later, the wood had a crack, so we gave it away.  I don't think we realized what a gem it was!  The craftsmanship was so lovely...huge regret!

The small 'table' once held wire and was headed for the trash.  Perfect in size, I threw it in the tree house and put this round rattan server on top.  The kids like to play 'school' up here, so it holds books and pencils.

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The building of this tree house was a great way for my husband and my son to spend some much needed, quality time together.  Rob works long hours and Mason gets stuck with three girls all the time. My son's favorite thing in the world is to build, so this was the perfect solution to some much needed 'dad' time!

I am linking to these super sites!  Please go visit for lots of inspiration!  I am in the process of adding  buttons to the sidebar!  I will also be joining Get Your Craft On and Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesday!

I am joining the CSI project for their 'Summertime Ideas!'  Please stop by for some great inspiration!  I know I will be checking back!

My Summertime Idea is to find a project to do with your children that will strengthen your bond and to help them learn a life skill.  The building of this tree house was great for all of my children.  It wasn't always fun and  it took a lot of hard work. They take pride in it, because they helped every step of the way.  In addition to learning to use power tools (while I bit my nails,) the kids helped with the things we made for the inside, too.  I don't consider myself a particularly crafty person, but my kids sure love it when we spend time making something!

 Because they finished the tree house, I decided that our project this summer will be to learn some survival skills.  Who can't benefit from those!  I have some fun excursions planned!  Linking our project with some historical figures will also help them learn some history! 

 Don't forget to enter the Ramsign European enamel sign give-away here!  Have a wonderful week!

Thank you CSI!