how to build a ball pit

...if you ever need to build a ball pit...??

And it's done on a budget!

That might change your mind! huh?    No?    Okay.

I'll show you anyway.

Pretend to care.

Here we go!

Mark built this frame from 2x10's, screws and corner brackets (L brackets?) whatever.

Ours is a 4x4 square

Frame - $20.00

At first I was going to cover the wood in foam, batting, and outdoor fabric.

PRICEY!

So I went looking around the Dollar Store for some ideas.

And I found this...

Queen size mattress pad like an egg shell.

For only $12 bucks!

Ahhh..much cheaper than batting and foam from the fabric store.

I got two. But later realized I should have bought one Queen size

and one Full size. Which would have saved a little cash.

Anyway, total for padding the wood $24.00.

Staple it all on.

I cut an extra strip of padding for the top of the wood.

Just to give a little extra cushion for those inevitably head bumps.

Then you have this.

Don't worry about getting it perfect.

It will all be covered up anyway.

I also got another great idea for fabric instead of fabric.

Vinyl Tablecloths!

I got mine at Wal-mart for $2.44 each for huge ones.

I only needed two.

Total for fabric $5.00!!

I was so excited.
Again cut it, wrap it, staple it.

And now you have a ball pit!

Well a pit anyway.

 Fill it with balls.

Then sit your bootie in there because

1) you built it

and 2) it's 11pm at night and you.are.tired.

Total for the ball pit - $50.00

The balls are the most expensive part at 23.00 a bag.

We added 200 but we probable need 400 more.

We'll just add those a little at a time.

The kids love it!

I'll be back tomorrow with Photo Friday!

See you then.

I am linking to craftomaniac linky party.
I AM EDITING TO SAY:
THE PLASTIC TABLE COVERS DID NOT HOLD UP SO WELL.
THE TEAR FAIRLY EASY.
AS ONE COMMENTER SAID YOU CAN GET 100 BALLS AT
WALMART FOR $10 SEASONAL ITEM.