Ever since Robinson Crusoe was published more than 300 years ago, pirates have been a timeless obsession for children of all ages.
In recent years, the popularity of all-things-pirate has soared alongside the release of Disney’s Pirates of the Carribean — with Hollywood rumours prophesying the franchises’ next installment on the horizon.
The popularity of this franchise has meant that many parents will be well-versed in designing Jack Sparrow costumes, organising pirate parties and even helping their son or daughter turn their own room into a Black Pearl inspired pirate kingdom.
But for those of us looking for a little inspiration (and working a budget) it can help to have some sure-fire projects to get you started.
We’ve put together this list of 7 Pinterest-inspired projects to create so you can get started on creating your very own pirate cove. So, whether you’re decorating a nursery, bedroom or play-room, these ideas are sure to help you win some brownie points with any pirate-obsessed child (or adult) you’re fortunate enough to share your life with.
1. Treasure-Map in a Bottle – Hanging Decoration
Effort: Easy
- Materials: Emptied, washed clear glass bottle, labels removed
- A5 paper & stationery
- Brewed, cooled tea
- String
- Sand (optional)
An effortless project that’s ideal for parents on a budget. All that’s needed is an old, clear glass bottle washed and with the labels removed, some string and a tea-stained treasure map, which either you or your child can draw up yourselves. Stain the paper for the map by brushing with cooled tea and leaving to dry before decorating, then roll into a scroll and tie with string before putting it into the bottle.
For added effect, you can also put some sand in the bottom of the bottle before sealing!
Project inspiration – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/519602875762362639/
2. Pirate crib or bed
Effort level: Medium
- Materials: 3 x wooden sticks – broom handles or canes work best. Stick 1 longest size, sticks 2 & 3 shorter, both the same length
- 8 x curtain rings (that will fit around the width of sticks 2 & 3)
- 2 x white sheets
- String
Every child who has ever been into pirates has likely dreamed of sleeping in their very own pirate ship every night.
But investing in a full-sized pirate-inspired bed is a big commitment and, if you’re a parent, you’ll know that children’s favourite things can change like wind.
So, instead of forking out for a whole new bed, or building a pirate ship around an existing one, why not try a more temporary (and money-saving) solution, which will just as effectively transform your kid’s bed into the Black Pearl.
This project involves using broom handles, curtain rings and sheets to create an authentic-looking ship’s sale. This can be placed at the head of a bed, either nailed into the wall itself or attached to the headboard.
Project details – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/292452569544349582/
3. Hanging treasure-loaded pirate net
Effort level: Easy
- Materials needed: 1 x net
- Pins
- Strong glue
- Small pieces of ‘treasure’ – golden coins, plastic jewels, beaded necklaces etc
This is a really easy way to quickly transform any space into a pirate’s cove; it takes about 20 minutes and all you need are some pins, an old net and any pieces of ‘treasure’ you can rustle up!
Start by glueing your treasure pieces to the net, so that they’ll be visible when it hangs from the ceiling. Anything would work for this; plastic gemstones, beaded jewelry, and even the wrappers from chocolate gold coins! When the glue is dry, attach the net to the ceiling in use pins to secure it in place at a few different sections. Instead of hanging from all 4 corners, create a more realistic look by gathering it unevenly and allowing it to hang like that.
Project details – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/56224695321628597/
4. Captain’s map-reading/play table
Effort – Hard
- Materials: Scrap plywood (cut to 2×3)
- Planed wood pieces (2×4)
- Strong wood glue
- Set of 4 bar clamps
- Wood screws
- Power drill
- Hairpin table legs (x4)
- Wood filler
- Sander
- Wood stain
- Empty shells and/or model shellfish (model star fish work well)
Though this is a bigger project, this treasure-encrusted playroom table (ideal for captains who need to sit and examine treasure maps!) is a great addition to any nursery, playroom or bedroom. It is the perfect size for little people to sit, and its rustic look means it fits in well with a pirate and nautical bedroom theme. Go the extra mile and use strong glue to decorate the final piece with shells and model star-fish to make this table the ideal addition to your pirate cove.
Project details: https://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/easy-2×4-hairpin-leg-coffee-table/
5. Davy Jones’s Locker (toy/clothes/books storage box)
Effort level – hard
- Materials: 3- 1×8 wooden boards
- 3- 1×4 wooden boards
- 1- 1×2 board
- 14″ x 26 1/2″ piece of 1/2 plywood
- 2x piano hinges
- Wood screws
- Sander
- Wood stain
- Strong wood glue
- 2 Storage chest handles
This project is ideal for parents who not only want to transform their child’s bedroom into a pirate kingdom, but also those who want to make sure that pirate kingdom can be easily cleaned up at the end of the day.
This treasure-chest-come-toy box is great for storing little pirates’ booty and giving them plenty of space to play.
It also works great at any pirate-themed birthday party, too!
Project outline: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/231865080801352655/
https://housefulofhandmade.com/diy-treasure-chest-toy-box/ –
6. Carribean night’s sky
Effort level: easy
- Materials: Gold paper
- Silver paper
- Scissors
- Blue tack
Not only is this project incredibly easy; it is also a great way to entertain slightly older (4 years+) children. Get your child to help you cut out little stars and moon using gold and silver paper and when you’re finished, stick them to the ceiling of their room using blue tac.
This is an incredibly easy project, but one that can really help to create the feeling of being out at sea. It’s also very cost-effective!
Luna Williams writes on behalf of The Hairpin Leg Company.