My Home Is A Stage

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

30 Jan 2007 11:11 PM

If the world is a stage then my home should be considered an off-off-off Broadway theatre. Ever since my daughter could say "ta-da," she's been using our home as her stage. From dancing hula to singing her favorite nursery rhymes, her nightly routines have become fan favorites around here. Of course, if one is going to perform for a crowd of well-wishers (most of which are stuffed and have four legs), then naturally one needs a proper place to showcase such stellar talent.

No, we didn't construct an actual stage for her (she prefers standing on her bed), but I have accommodated her with various makeshift curtains that she loves to explode out of during her opening number.

Do you have a young performer in your home? If you do, then you may consider employing these ideas to create a "theatre" of their own:

Streamers

This cheap and simple way to transform doorways into colorful "curtains" is one of my daughter's favorites. I usually stock up on streamers at the discount party store near our home, but they are just as inexpensive at the dollar store. Simply attach the streamers (I use scotch tape) to the top of the doorframe and cut the strips about 5-inches from the floor. I alternate the colors so they form a rainbow. You could space the streamers an inch apart from each other, but my daughter likes to fit as many up there as possible (it creates a denser "curtain"). Once the streamer curtain is up it won't be long before your little entertainer pops out and takes a bow.

Shower Curtain

We use this method in my daughter's closet. Her closet bar is 63 inches off the floor so I simply hung the plastic curtain in the traditional fashion (as you would in your bathroom). The nice part of this option is that your child can pick his or her favorite design from the store and help you attach the shower curtain rings to the curtain prior to hanging it up.

Sheets

It seems moms have used this tried-and-true method for creating mock theatre curtains since the beginning of time. I have found that a twin sheet fits a traditional doorframe best. You and your spouse may have to have a "discussion" about how you want to attach the sheet to the doorframe. (I tacked it up.) If you decide to make your curtain from a sheet I would suggest placing it on a door that doesn't see much traffic.

Related Articles:

Are You A Sheet Snob?

Child-Friendly Homes

Decorating Your Child's Bathroom

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger