Q: I'm looking for a mushroom shaped storage container for all the doll house stuff my daughter will be getting for Christmas. We're buying her the adorable Fairy Forest Lodge, along with the super cute mushroom furniture. I thought it would be nice if there was a big red mushroom basket or bin sitting next to it to make clean up easy - something with a lid preferably. Any ideas where to find something like that or a DIY idea?
Sent by Laura
Editor: I couldn't find anything like you describe. Perhaps you could paint a wood box or even a lidded cardboard box? Readers, what do you think?
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Check out this website: kisstheeprince.etsy.com
Sorry:
kisstheprince.etsy.com
That set is adorable (bookmarked!), but the pieces look too delicate to store in a bin- maybe you should have a dedicated little table for it, or a low wall shelf or something.
A square box can be easily made from either a/b plywood or reclaimed wood or you could buy a cube shaped planter box. Paint this brown, or whatever stem color you like. Either buy or cut a round top...thin is ok for something like this, so plywood would be fine. On the underside of the round, mark out the inside lines of the box. Put blocks made from spare wood. This will hold the lid in place, like a puzzle piece. Placing a piano hinge on one side, coupled with a chain on the other side will keep the lid attached and limit the movement. However, it will not guard against pinched fingers. A relatively lightweight lid that acts more like a tray might be easier for your daughter.
Pain the top red with white spots...with maybe a little bug drawn on there. This creates not only a storage box, but also a table that she can use with the toys.
I would make it. I would use fabric and foam to make the top cushy, use a lightweight round something, maybe plastic. I'm sure you can find a white, cylindrical storage unit, and just attach the mushroom top to that. I know I didn't describe that very well. Just an idea, but ask if you want more detail.
That play set is to die for. Your little girl will love it I'm sure!
How about a five-gallon bucket with the top covered with carved upholstery foam, and then covered in spotted fabric?
Look for a round storage ottoman (like this one from WalMart, but maybe brown or tan instead), and then reupholster the lid, using extra foam, and red fabric. Add white dots (sew, iron-on, applique or fabric paint). Good luck!
What AmberM said. /\
I was in our local korean market and they had those little jello-shot things in cookie-jar sized plastic mushroom containers. i ended up with an adorable chicken I put some sewing stuff in... maybe something like that would work? it was $4 :)
More DIY than using an ottoman, but if you feel like going for it, here's what I'd do:
You could use a cardboard sonotube for the base (from Home Depot, Lowes, etc.?) http://www.sonotube.com/products/sonotubeconcreteforms.aspx
Wrap it in batting and upholster it in a white waxed canvas or vinyl - something wipeable.
For the base, you could use one of those plant stands on wheels, sometimes they come with discs attached, or you can add one to a base:
http://www.nextag.com/14430-Down-Under-Plant-621641483/prices-html (The Ikea one came to mind, but they're not the sturdiest if it's going to be crawled on: http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/10155666/)
For removable lid, you can cut a plywood circle or see if there's something the right size and ready-made in the hardware store. The lid can then be upholstered in a red and white polka-dot fabric. Or, better, check out some place for a round table top, remove the legs or base, and use that. Better even if you can get one with a lip or frame underneath that will keep the lid from sliding off the sonotube.
Ditto to Lisa K. That's what I was going to suggest.
Thanks for all the great ideas! I think finding a brown, cylindrical container and upholstering the top with some padding and some mushroom looking fabric (red & white) is just about my skill level. But IroquoisCasual may be right - I hadn't considered that the furniture might be too fragile to toss in a bin. When it all gets here I'll have to see and make the call from there. Thanks again, everyone!
Do you have a big asian grocery store? I second SaraKenobi- the container for all the jello cups are cute and I think there's even a carry handle. Nice because the body is clear and you can see what's inside. Unfortunately I'm out of town for a bit so can't post a pic so you can see!
This is the general idea:
http://www.amazon.com/Uno-Fruit-Jelly-Natural-Coconut/dp/B004WLXONI
Oh, that is super cute, kitkabbit! I ended up finding a great Etsy shop that is going to make a custom "upcycled lidded pot" for me out of red crocheted fabric. Check out her shop - super cute stuff:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/36892289/upcycled-memory-keeper-you-choose-your
I will post a picture/link once it's done!