'The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because He loves what is behind him.' -G. K. Chesterton

21 June 2013

All The World's Indeed A Stage

And we are merely players. Performers and Portrayers. With apologies to Rush, one of my favorite bands..

When it comes to being a Grandpa I am a softie. I know that comes as a shock but it's true. I just can't say no to my grandchildren. Nor can I resist an idea if I think it will make them happy. For proof I offer our latest project. You can click to enlarge any of the photos.

I'm sure most of you remember the Pirate Ship we built for them a couple of years ago. Well, they're a little older and much of the ship is really no longer used. They do love to put on plays and such though so a re-think was in order. I decided what was needed was a stage and the best place for it was the prow of the ship.

We started by tearing the old prow off and straightening out the two 2x6s that defined the edges.

I then completed the rectangle and propped it up with 4x4 legs so the floor was level. I put in some floor joists and then skinned the whole thing with some plywood I took off the ceiling in the kidsroom remodel.

I had some old half inch knotty pine boards I took off the walls in the laundry room that was perfect for the stage floor. That went over the plywood with screws.

I put in a corner made out of 2x6s and skinned it with some more of that knotty pine.

I then stretched another 2x6 as a header from the corner to the ship. That allowed me to hide a curtain rod, a piece of 1 inch PVC we had laying around. Lu had some curtains that she no longer had a need for that were perfect for a stage curtain.

A view from insiude the ship, behind the stage curtain.

Lu has some old fashioned wooden folding chairs for the audience seating.

We'll put some more curtains on the widnow in thew ship so the kids can use it as their 'dressing room'.

An actor of the canine variety gives the new stage a test. Along with an extra of course. How did he get in there?

All in all I think it came out pretty well. Lu, DO and MIL all gave it their blessing so I guess it's Ok. There's a little more paint to do and the header to decorate but this is pretty much the final product. And it didn't cost us a dime. We had everything we needed. A few nails and some screws along with some sweat equity was the sun total of our investment in this project.

The kids love to put on productions and I can't wait to see what they come up with on this visit. Pictures and a story will surely be forthcoming. This is going to be fun!

Six

17 comments:

Lois Evensen said...

How very cool!

Rev. Paul said...

1,000,000 Internet points for being a great grandpa!

Six said...

Thanks Lois. I hope the kids agree though Lu tells me to stop worrying!

Thank you Rev. I have an ulterior motive. We have to make sure they always want to visit grandma and grandpa's house.

Monkeywrangler said...

Cool! I bet the g-kids will love it! I bet Angus will enjoy it too.

Six said...

I hope so MW. As for Angus, he's already laid claim to at least a best supporting actor role.

Supi said...

Wow! Fantastic job. The grandkids are going to have so much fun entertaining Grandpa and Grandma.

Monkeywrangler said...

So, Six, were there cannons on the Pirate Ship? Come on, inquiring minds want to know! Hehehe.

Six said...

Thanks Supi. Yep, hams the both of 'em but the cutest hams you ever saw!

Rotary cannon MW. 20mm Nerf. No rubber boat was safe with us plying the waters. Aarrgghh!!

Old NFO said...

Nicely done, but guard that knotty pine with your life! Folks are hunting for and paying LOTS of money for it!!!

The DO said...

Lol, if their volume levels are any indication, they are excited:) The idea has gone over very well!!

Six said...

Thanks NFO. Hey, nothing's too good for mu grandkids!

(Uh, good money you say??)

That makes me happy sweetie. I can't wait for them to see it.

Brig said...

How Awesome is that! You rock as a grandpa!

Six said...

Thanks Brighid! I have some great role models on here.

Paladin said...

That's so cool!

Six said...

Thanks Paladin. Coming from another mad tinkerer I really appreciate it!

agirlandhergun said...

Well, that is crazy awesome!!!

Six said...

Thanks AGirl. The kids saw it and went crazy. Plans for a play are already in the works!! With The Girl directing of course :)