Build a Puppet Playhouse

Puppets allow children to become an active participant in their imgaginary world as opposed to just watching it on tv. This puppet stage is a sturdy and reasonably inexpensive backdrop for your child's creative world. Here are the directions for a home--made puppet theater.

Materials

• 4-by-8-ft. sheet of 1/2-in. plywood, finished on both sides • Cardboard (for template) • 4 ft. of 1-by-6-in. pine (for stage shelf) • 2 ft. of 3/8-by-3/4-in. pine (for window stoppers) • 3 ft. of 1-by-2-in. pine (for stage shelf brace) • 4 1-by-1-in. hinges • 4 2-by-2-in. hinges • 4 small pull knobs • 2 1-ft. lengths of light-gauge chain • 4 medium screw eyes • Nails, 2-in. finish • Carpenter's wood glue • Paints, rollers, brushes • 1 1/3 yds. velvet for curtains (or old curtains) • Thread • Curtain rod, cloth loops and thumbtacks

	Tools
	• Circular saw • Straightedge and clamps (optional) • Drill with bits • Jigsaw • Sandpaper • Hammer • Screwdriver • Measuring tape • Sewing machine (optional)