Charlotte created this fantastic wigwam for her son, Hugo, using twigs. Let’s see how she made it…
What did you do?
You will need:
- Garden Canes
- Glue Gun / Glue Sticks
- Thick String
- Sticks / Twigs (I used around 3 big shopping bags full)
Instructions:
1. Make three triangular panels by tying garden canes together with thick string. The canes can be cut to the correct length with a pair of secateurs.
2. Lay the panels flat on the floor and glue larger sticks across each of the panels using the glue gun.
3. Build layers of smaller twigs on top by gluing and interweaving between existing layers.
4. In the same way described above, create a smaller fourth panel for the front section.
5. Once all panels are completely put in place in the garden and lean together in a pyramid formation. Once in place tie thick string around the top to bind all panels together and then use small lengths of string to tie the panels together down the sides.
I used a glue gun as the quick-drying glue made it really easy. My glue gun was just a cheap £20 one-off Amazon; it uses the larger sticks so is a little more ‘industrial’ than some of the smaller ones. The project used around 15 glue sticks. Since sharing my idea several people have recommended using a wood glue may be more appropriate given the material/fact it will be outside.
I have ordered a can of multi-purpose clear matt varnish to spray over the structure for some added protection from the elements.
The project took around 12 hours in total but I just did an hour here and there on an evening and during nap time. I actually enjoyed doing it and found it quite therapeutic.
Tell us about yourself ……
My name is Charlotte, my partner Tom and I have a son named Hugo who is 18 months old. Tom and I are lucky in that our jobs have been relatively unaffected by the pandemic although we are both now working from home which is extremely challenging at times while trying to juggle looking after Hugo. I’m a lawyer and giving legal advice with a toddler hanging from your leg can be tricky!
Hugo loves being outdoors so we’ve really found that time in the garden our out walking the dog breaks the day up nicely.
Do you have any tips for other parents …..
The only tip I can really offer is to be easy on yourselves. The nation is in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic and we are all facing our own challenges.
