Encourage kids to clean up their rooms with this bedroom decorating idea inspired by the classic children’s book, “Caps For Sale” by Esphyr Slobodkina.
Organizing and cleaning up a kid’s room can be fun when related to favorite stories or books. Caps for Sale by artist and children’s book author Esphyr Slobodkina tells the endearing story of some mischievous monkeys in a tree who steal caps off the head of a cap peddler. It is only by accident he figures out a way to get them back. This hat (cap) tree project is based on the story.
Items and Materials Needed to Make The Project
Tools needed are a jigsaw to cut out the treetop shape and trim the length of the trunk if desired, a Phillips screwdriver, a hammer, and paintbrushes. Materials needed to complete the project can be purchased at a home improvement store or well-stocked craft store. They are:
a 12″ square piece of 1/4″ plywood
1 1/2″ x 3/4″ x 36″ board
three precut wooden monkey shapes
two 1/2″ long nails
four 6×1/2 wood screws
four 1/2″ flat washers
four binder clips (or as many as desired)
wood glue
acrylic paint
clear varnish
a sheet of fine sandpaper
One hook.
Once these items have been collected, it’s time to start preparing the pieces to be assembled.
Cut and Paint the Wood
Using a jigsaw, carefully cut a treetop shape from the plywood. There is no hard and fast rule, except the bottom is likely to be a bit broader than the top if the board is longer than desired, cut that to a shorter length now, as well—smooth all of the rough edges with sandpaper.
Paint the monkeys with acrylic paint. A permanent marker can be used to draw a happy face on them. The board should be painted brown, as it will be the trunk of the tree. Give the treetop a coat of light green paint and let dry. Wet the tips of the brush in darker green and then dab it around on top of the light green to give the look of leaves. An even darker green may be used on top of that in places to make it appear as though there were separate layers of leaves. Paint a few brown branches. To protect the paint, apply a coat or two of clear varnish and allow to dry.
Assemble and Put Finishing Touches on Project
Screw a hook, used as a hanger, into one end of the board. At the same end, nail the treetop to the board in two places. Glue the monkeys onto the treetop. Place a clip at the top of the board below the treetop using a screw and washer to secure it to the board. Take a second clip and attach it the same way near the bottom of the board. Now, space the two remaining clips an even distance apart between the two clips already attached and attach them to the board, also.
The hat tree is finished, and all that’s left to do is get the kids to use it. Read them the book and then show them how to use the tree. Monkey see monkey do!
