The Desiree Tent

Beautiful Things - May/June 2018

The digital age hasn't changed some things:  hanging in a pup-tent on a rainy day is always magic.  Design diva Holly Lemoine Raymond and pal, Desiree, build one together in this cool DIY project. 
- by Holly Lemoine Raymond

​Hey, everyone! Spring is here and that means rain showers come in abundance to replenish the earth. While spring is my favorite time of year, it often leaves us looking for things to do inside which brings us to this fun DIY project.
 
My good friends Kerrie and Jesse from 100 Men Hall found the perfect way to entertain their sweet girl, Desiree, by building her a tent for those rainy days. I loved the idea so much that I had Jesse walk me through creating one too!

Beautiful Things
is sponsored by 

Click here and scroll down to access archived 
​Beautiful Things
​columns 

Material List

2' x 2’s – 5 @ 5 ½ Ft
2 in. torque screws
Table saw
Bed ruffle
Hammer
Drill
Nails
Carpenter’s pencil
Tape measure
Hook screws
Quick square ruler
Safety glasses
Pillows
Stuffed animals
Light
Snacks (lots of snacks!)

Step 1 
 
Measure and cut 2' x 2's in to 5 ½ ft. long to form the frame. You will need 5 pieces all together. Remember, measure twice and cut once! (Don’t forget your safety glasses!)

​Step 2
 
Now your pieces are ready to be assembled. Using the drill with the torque screws, assemble the legs. Those will be the 4 pieces you cut at an angle. Then you will use the last piece for the top beam. This is a simple “A” frame. 

​Step 3
 
Time to put your personal touch on your soon-to-be Desiree Tent. We used a “Hook Screw” at the front of the tent frame to hang a fun Chinese Lamp I picked up at Family Dollar. 
​
Next we covered the frame with a dust ruffle. (You can use a regular sheet or any other lightweight cloth.)

Step 4
​
Add a sleeping bag or cushions on the floor for added comfort. Surround the tent with your favorite stuffed animals and pillows. Grab your favorite snacks and your best friend, and enjoy hanging out in your very own Desiree Tent!

Desiree, thank you for letting me hang out with you. Jesse, thanks for the idea to make rainy days fun!
 
I hope you all enjoyed this quick and easy project. See you next time with more Beautiful Things to come!

Holly