From the page: The tube that holds infinite possibilities
Idea 6
Playhouse and stove toy
Toys made from boxes and tubes are part of generations of childhood memories — before plastic took over the shelves, kids played with whatever was around the house. The cardboard tube is perfect for this because its tubular structure holds the weight of small children leaning their hands on it, and each cylinder becomes a knob, a flame or a stove leg with a simple cut.
What you need
- A cardboard tube (several, if you have them)
- Scissors and craft knife (adult use)
- White glue or hot glue
- Gouache or acrylic paint
- Pieces of paper, fabric or foam sheets for details
- Markers or colored pencils
How to make it
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1
Paint the tubes in different colors and let them dry — painting before assembling is easier and gives a nicer finish.
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2
Cut some tubes in half to become the stove burners, and others into low rings to be the power knobs — the circle of the tube already mimics a real burner.
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3
Glue the tubes upright onto a flat piece of cardboard to build the stove, and glue the knob rings on the front, at the child's hand height.
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4
For the playhouse, glue tubes vertically as columns and use larger pieces of cardboard for walls and roof — the tubular shape of the tubes distributes weight and keeps the structure firm.
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5
Decorate with paper and fabric cutouts: windows, curtains, a chimney — every glued detail is one more layer of play.
Finishing touches
Let the child paint part of the decoration — that's half the fun. If the tubes are larger and sturdier, the stove gets legs and sits at floor height for playing while seated.
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