Colourfool inspired me on how to make Caleb a puppet theatre that was portable - mostly because we rent, but also, alot of times he likes to hang out with us in the livingroom. I wanted to make something that wouldn't take up alot of space in his bedroom, either. The ribbons are pretty, but I thought Caleb would get a kick out of something more manly - hence the ties. I tied them so that they look like they've been tied with a proper windsor knot, but its really just draped over the rod, pick up the skinny end then bring it round the back, round to the front, round to the back for a full circle, bring it up the back, then tuck it in through the loop at the front to make the knot. We went on a shopping spree at Value Village and picked up a bunch of ties for cheap. Caleb had fun picking out his favourites, he tried to throw in a cumberbund until I explained the concept!
I ended up with 15 ties on the rod, after seeing the photos, I wanted to fill it out a bit more, so Len gladly donated some of his!
The rod is from Home Depot, I looked at the cafe curtain rods, but settled on a shower curtain rod instead. The difference is that the shower curtain rod turns to extend to fit any doorway up to 40". All of our doors and closets range from 30" to 40" so this allowed maximum flexibility to move it around the house.
The rod also allows the ties to be adjusted to different heights.


When Caleb isn't playing with it we put it at the top of the doorframe and it makes a short doorway to his room, a bit of privacy, but it also hides some of the mess too. When its down, it's his puppet theatre, peek-a-boo wall, he loves running through it...and I'm sure like Colorfool's daughter he'll be doing his ghostly, "Boo's! through it too!"


I'm copying the disclaimer as well - don't leave your tots alone with long strips of fabric/ribbon/ties-no, strangulation please.)