. . . 10 min backyard movie theater

Sometimes all you need for an amazing evening. . .

. . . are a few simple materials. . .

. . . a few good friends. . .

. . . and a little. . .

. . . imagination.

 

10 Min DIY Backyard Movie Theater

Materials:

• White bed sheet
• 1/4" rope or clothesline (about 20' or more)
• Ribbon (or more rope if you don't have any)
• Burlap or whatever fabric scraps you have on hand
• Black permanent marker or black fabric paint

While it can be really nice to dig into a complicated craft project and slowly work your way to a beautiful result, there is also something so very satisfying about a project that only takes 10 minutes.  Especially when the results are as exponentially rewarding as this.

My original plan was to sew a theater with special rope ties and stitch quilted letters to the pennant flags, all of which would have been lovely, had I not forgotten that my sewing machine was currently 50 miles away in someone else's closet.  After a moment of frustration I thought about what I really wanted out of the project and realized that not only could I still have it, but that I could have it right away.

Instead of careful cutting and intricate sewing, I grabbed an old bed sheet, tied pieces of clothesline to the corners and voilà, a movie theater screen.  For the banner, I cut a few pieces of burlap into squares and put slits in the top so I could weave through a little ribbon.   After a few quick stokes with a paintbrush (you could also use a permanent marker) I was done, and I have to say, I don't think it is any less lovely.  And since it was finished so quickly, there was plenty of time for a shadow puppet show as we waited for the sun to set and the movie to begin.

 

With the Kids: Pick out your favorite corner of the backyard and set up the movie theater.  Extend the magic by bringing more bedsheets out to the yard and build a fort around the area where you'd like to set up camp. Then lay out picnic blankets on the ground so everyone has a comfortable place to sit If you don't have a movie projector, you could use a slide projector to share old family memories or simply set up a work light behind the screen and make up stories for a shadow puppet theater.  Don't forget to grab your favorite movie snacks for all your friends. Invite the neighborhood kids to come over and join in on the fun!

 

~ Sarah

*Last time in Crafts and Activities: Jewels of July