Possible Materials

• There are many household items you can use to make a teepee, such as an old tarp, a large piece of canvas or a large piece of plastic. Use a heavy piece of cloth material or a blanket with native designs if you don't mind cutting up the cloth.
  
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Cover Designs

• Whatever material you use for your teepee, the cover should be cut into a semi-circle. On each end, cut a 2-foot semi-circle directly into the material. When the two ends are brought together, these smaller semi-circles will create a circular opening to be used as the door of the teepee.
  
  Another idea to keep the teepee looking authentic is to cut two small slits near the top of the tarp to serve as "smoke" holes.
  
  You can decorate your teepee by painting it. You should lay it out flat once it is cut and use fabric paint to make a variety of designs. You can also decorate it with items such as beads, fake fur or leather fringe which can be found at most craft shops. You can use a hot glue gun to glue on these embellishments.
  
  

Extras

• Use leftover scraps of your teepee cover to make a teepee door. You can paint the scraps or decorate them with beads or fringe, and sew them to one side of the teepee opening to form the door. Attach a small rope loop to the other side of your door to make a latch. On the opposite side of the teepee opening, glue a small stick so you can attach the door latch and close the teepee door.
  
  

Paper

• If the teepee you are making isn't going to be used outdoors and you just need it for something simple such as a school play, a classroom decoration or a child's indoor playhouse, you can use brown paper bags to make a teepee. Use poles such as broomsticks or yardsticks to form a tripod, attaching them at the top with a rope. Cut the bags into sections and wrap them around the tripod, securing them with tape. Children can decorate the bags with crayons, markers or paints. Be sure to leave a hole to form a door for the teepee.