DIY Farm and Barn Craft for Kids

by Tonya Staab
Published: Last Updated on

Use a crib mat and a paper mache trunk to make this farm and barn craft for kids. They will have hours of fun role-playing as a farmer.

A paper mache chest turned into a barn with a wood tractor and miniatures.
Turn a paper mache chest into a barn for kids to play with.

The barn was created using a paper mache chest that I found in the paper mache aisle at the craft store. Once the door was cut and the exterior painted, I bent a stiff piece of gray felt board into the shape of a barnyard roof and glued it down. Then all the other little accessories such as birds and stalls inside (which you will see in photos below) were added at the end, and again, all glued down. Even the straw on the inside is partially glued so that a huge mess isn’t created in the house.

Farm and barn craft

Do you remember the train track mat I made for Flynn last year? Having twins means I had two of the portable cribs that were recalled. So, I saved the other mattress to make the ‘farm’. It took about four coats of fabric paint to cover the pattern on the mattress, but doesn’t it make a great base for the barn and farm animals to sit on?

an upcycled farm and barn craft for kids
This fun farm craft is made using a portable crib playmat that’s been painted.

The added bonus is that all of the farm pieces pack nicely into the barn and the mat folds up so you don’t have to leave it out all the time.

Let’s take a peek inside the barn too.

A paper mache chest converted into a barn that has horse stables inside.
A paper mache chest converted into a barn with a tractor, horse stables, and more!
A horse stable craft for kids using a paper mache chest.
Straw is glued inside the horse stables so it doesn’t make a mess in the house.

More barn crafts and fun ideas

Are you looking for more barn crafts and ideas for kids? Take a look at these too:

Please pin this post for later:

farm and barn craft pinterest

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17 comments

karen January 2, 2010 - 3:43 pm

bravo my friend. bravo!

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Adrian January 2, 2010 - 10:51 pm

What a neat gift! I’ll bet he will remember that one for years to come. I know my boys would have loved something like that.

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Julie January 3, 2010 - 6:21 pm

SITS hello! That is a great idea! I have a nephew who got a barn this year, but yours is so much better.

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Life with Kaishon January 3, 2010 - 7:35 pm

Oh my gosh. That is SO creative. I LOVE it! I love Mom’s like you! So cool! I am stopping over from SITS. I think your soon is adorable too. Look at that hair. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

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Katrina January 3, 2010 - 6:18 pm

Wow!! That’s a beautiful farm!

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becca January 3, 2010 - 6:21 pm

Ok, can I hire you? I thought I was creative but this is amazing! Fantastic!
Visiting from Sits!

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Ali @PickleSugarPlum January 3, 2010 - 8:03 pm

another crafty creation! You are such an inspiration to wannabe-crafters like me!!! 🙂

VERY CUTE!

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MONICA January 3, 2010 - 9:43 pm

the barnyard came out great,how so very creative and fun!
stopping by from SITS

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lisa Demars January 4, 2010 - 4:59 am

Aww love it..What a great idea..Wow you are one handy girl..That loves to crafted..Hope you have a wonderful day..

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Dana - Old Red Barn Co. January 4, 2010 - 8:49 am

Adorable!! And so creative too. Love it!

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Susan (5 Minutes for Mom) January 4, 2010 - 11:40 pm

That is amazing!!!! I am not surprised that he loves it.

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Kristine January 5, 2010 - 10:56 pm

That is gorgeous. I love the matching play mat and that it all packs away.

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Brooke January 7, 2010 - 10:18 am

Cute idea! And great idea with the pack and play too, I think we are done with the PNP’s….we did just use them at Disney in Dec though, I think we have graduated them, but I guess you could still use it, a cool new design though.

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angie January 7, 2010 - 4:00 pm

What a fantastic gift. I LOVE it.

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Emily January 11, 2010 - 8:32 pm

Very, very cute project! Not sure I’d have the time and patience for it but I love it!

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vanessa @ silly eagle books January 12, 2010 - 6:41 pm

This is amazing. I’m going to link to this the next time I review a barn-themed book!

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Carolyn August 17, 2011 - 11:20 pm

I love the way the roof lifts off the barn. Fantastic and lots of fun ahead.

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