Thursday, August 7, 2014

A New Tree House






Three years ago Justin and I got to work creating a fun outdoor play space for Reece. It has been a wonderful space for Reece and his friends to play in, and a great spot for us to gather as a family for outdoor fun right in the backyard.

This spring, I suggested that we take the teepee down. I am not sure why, but I just felt like it was time for a change. I threw a few ideas out to Justin about what we could do, and a "tree house" was the one we agreed on. The biggest obstacle, the cost. New wood is expensive and we didn't have enough reclaimed wood laying around to build what we envisioned. We kept talking about, trying to figure out how to do it as cheaply as possible, when Justin's dad called letting us know a friend was taking down a wooden fence and did we want the wood. Hmmm...we didn't have to think long about that one, we said yes. We really had no idea what the wood would be like, and if it would even be possible to use it for the tree house, but once it was dropped off in our driveaway it became very clear the tree house was going to get built, very soon.

My dad stopped by one morning, soon after, to help Justin build the platform, and get it standing. Then over the next few weeks Justin slowly built the structure, added the railing, and finally we decorated. We all love it! Reece and his friends have enjoyed snacks and lunch up there, there has been lots of creative play, and I have even been invited up for a cup of tea.

And did you notice the raised bed? I found yet another spot to grow more food. Reece has decided he would like blackberries to grow there, and I think that is a wonderful idea.

We are really happy to have completed another project around here with reclaimed materials. The only purchases we made were the paint and some screws. Everything else...the wood, the table and chairs, the curtains, and even the slide have been rescued from around the house.

Here's to another successful, reclaimed, handmade project.

44 comments:

  1. Amazing - what child wouldn't love that play space.
    Great that you used all reclaimed material too.

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    1. Thank you. He, and we, love it, as do his friends :)

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  2. Oh my. What an amazing play space. We are starting plans on our home now that my husband is done with the military and I have been trying to come up with ideas for a great space for outdoor play. You and your husband have really hit it out of the park. I am inspired.

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    1. Thanks Kathleen. Both Justin and I love sitting down and making plans for our home, and this was no different. Have fun creating your outdoor play space.

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  3. Thanks Rosemarie. It is a pretty wonderful place to be, and really that is the whole point of creating the space we have...so we enjoy being here, and find pleasure in just being home. xo

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  4. Beautifully done. I really like the blue wall and orange chairs!

    Kim, I've been wondering how Reece's sunflower garden is growing.

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    1. Thanks Jodie. There is a post coming on the sunflower garden, hopefully next week. It didn't work out as planned...darn chipmunks :)

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  5. Wow! Absolutely beautiful! So inspiring.
    You guys did such a great job!
    Reece is one lucky little man...

    xo

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    1. Thanks Yanic. We had a lot of fun creating it :)

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  6. Holy moly- that it one cool house. I bet Reece feels like the King of the Castle - love, love, love, the recycled material and the blue wall- how neat is this. Nice Job Kim & Justin:)
    You inspire.

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    1. Thanks! He does, and he loves sharing it with his friends. Always happy to inspire :)

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  7. This is an amazing playspace! That treehouse is just gorgeous. Certainly a place where kids could play for hours on end.

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    1. Thank you! It is a place that Reece and his friends love to play in, and it is always a joy to see them having fun out there.

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  8. That is just the absolute cutest darn playhouse I have seen! Love it!

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    1. Thank you, we are very pleased with how it turned out.

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  9. This is such a perfect place! So many wonderful memories will surely born in there… lucky children!

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  10. That is an amazing project and even I would love to play in it. Great job Kim to all of you.

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    1. Thanks Tracey. Come on over, and bring Emerson with you :) The kids can play and we can have tea and knit...one day.

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  11. Oh my! This is absolutely a dream for my kids! (Alright, I wouldn't mind one either...) Loving how you used recycled materials for the project. Shows that not everything amazing needs to break the bank.

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    1. Thanks, we are all for saving money and not breaking the bank around here :)

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    1. Awe, thanks Carrie. How are you? Hope you are well my friend. You know you and your kiddos are welcome here anytime. We did talk about a little lunch date before. Let us know if it ever works out.

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  13. It looks brilliant! I think I could very happily move in there, never mind it being for children!

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    1. Thank you Sally. I have to admit I do enjoy being up there and looking out. It is pretty awesome!

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  14. Fantastic treehouse! What an amazing job you did!! My kids would adore it :)

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    1. Thank you! So far every kiddo that has visited has loved it :)

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  15. I LOVE this. This is exactly what I want for my daughter and her school friends. Pinning this and sending the link to hubby!! Thanks again for the inspiration!

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    1. Awe, thanks Nichole, always happy to inspire. I bet your daughter and her friends would love it. Have fun creating.

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  16. I love it!!! and issa would say the same... one day I'm sure I'll be able to build one for him;)

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    1. Thanks, and I know Issa would love it :)

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  17. yay for dad finding wood and repurposed is the best wood ever. I love the rustic look of your house and I know R will have many many happy hours playing, daydreaming and just being in his spot!

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    1. You can say that again, always nice to find free reclaimed wood :) Thank you.

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  18. Oh Wow! That turned out beautiful! Your back yard (heck, all of your home) is something out of my dreams. Beautifully done!

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  19. Kim, you and Justin have totally outdone yourself! Can you please come here and create a gorgeous space like that in our backyard?! It's simply divine! The girls were here looking at these pictures with me and Grace said "Oh Mama, I wish we had a space like that!" So do I! Incredible Kim! Simply incredible! xo

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    1. Awe, thanks Shel. We had so much fun creating it, and now Reece is having fun playing in it :)

      You can bring those lovely girls to play anytime...we would love to have you here. xo

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  20. This is so awesome! I love that you were able to find old wood--makes it look so homey.

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    1. Thanks Meryl! I too am happy we were able to use reclaimed wood :)

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  21. Well done! I think you and Justin were born parents! Your boy is so so lucky! xxoo

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  22. Such an amazing space. I get such joy just looking at pictures of it. And that blue well you know I love that. :)

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    1. You know you inspired that blue. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of you :)

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