Oh Snap! – Build Your Own Photography Prop Tent

Raise your hand if you have been drooling over those precious vintage-style tent photos floating around Pinterest lately? You can’t see me but I have my hand up and I’m shouting MEEEEEE!!! I’m so glad that  tribal/vintage/rustic style is in right now because it’s so me (and apparently it’s so everyone else too – hehe.)

I decided to take matters into my own hands, build my own tent, and do a  photo shoot with my girls. The tent took about 30 minutes to make and cost only around $30.  My husband even got drafted to help me. 😉 He usually grumbles over having to help me with my hair-brain ideas but when I told him what I wanted to do, he said “Oh! That’s easy!” So this tutorial has the husband’s stamp of approval.

To build the frame you will need to get 4 pine wood boards (1x2x8) and a 48 inch 5/8″ dowel rod. I bought mine from either Lowe’s or Home Depot, can’t remember!

You will then want to measure out 50″ and mark it on each of your 4 pieces of wood.

Grab a saw (a table saw if you have it) and cut your wood down to size.

Make sure all 4 pieces are the same length.

Now you will need to drill a hole into the top of each. This will be where your dowel rod goes through.  Measure down 1 1/4″ and mark a spot to drill your hole.

My husband used a clamp to hold all 4 pieces together so that he could just measure once and drill through all at the same time. Use a 5/8″ paddle bit.

Once you have your hole drilled you can put your frame together. Simply slide 2 of your wood pieces on the end of your dowel rod and then take the other 2 pieces and put them on the opposite end of your dowel rod.

Fold the wood pieces open to create legs.

Now you will need a king size flat sheet. I bought mine from Walmart. I think I paid somewhere around $15.

Throw the sheet over your frame.

I wanted the sheet to be shabby so I made a small cut into each side and tore the fabric.

Nice frayed edges. Love.

Then I just tucked the sides under the legs to hold it down.

And that’s it! Now you have a cute vintage tent. Grab your kids and a quilt and get ready to have some fun!

My girls thought the tent was super fun and for once they behaved when I was taking their picture. I love the feel of this. Definitely wall portrait worthy!