Saving the World One Sandbox at a Time

The Animal turns 1 this week, and because of his obsession with dirt, we decided he needed a sandbox.

We researched all the sandboxes out there at all the major chain stores. We’ve gone to see them in person and weighed our options about having one shipped here.

At some point, Aaron and I had an epiphany that we could just make one — well, Aaron could just make one. So, we started brainstorming all of the items we could use to create one that would also include a cover. And, because Aaron is a genius, he used various items we already owned to make a sandbox that cost – at most – $20.

His materials were our baby pool from last summer, the trampoline material from Miss Sassy Pants’ trampoline that was demolished in a wind storm last spring, a water hose that lost an end in a lawn mower accident, and some zip ties.

The demolished trampoline:

The first thing he did was create the top by turning the pool upside down on the trampoline material. He used some duct tape to keep it still, and then he cut about 8″ larger to make a circle.

Then, he took the water hose and circled it twice on the trampoline material. Using the zip ties, he looped the “extra” material from the trampoline around the water hose. Circling it twice gave it extra weight that would keep it on as a top in the case of wind or rain storms. He used a screw to poke a hole big enough for the zip tie to go through.

Here’s what it ended up looking like:

Now, all we have to do is fill the pool with sand, throw some toys and the Animal in, and we’re good to go!

On the same day, Aaron used some of the garden pavers we were given (by my brother-in-law) to create a fire pit. My BIL had made one at his pad, and we decided it looked so nice that we needed one, too. This also saved us the purchase of one of the fancy pits they sell at the stores (and that I’ve been salivating over for a year or so).

In just one day, we cleaned up some “trash” around our house and created two really great yard items. I keep saying “we.” Of course I mean Aaron – but with my support. 😉