DIY Pizza Oven

We have been on a pizza kick at my house.  My kids are crazy for pizza of any sort, so we extended our pizza exploration into other areas.  We created a DIY Magnetic Pizza Manipulative that we use for subitizing, addition, and patterning.  I am currently working on a set to use for repeated addition. It is such a fun and easy way to play with your food!  You can see the DIY directions here.

 You can get the Pizza pack here.

 This is another pizza pack with thematic dot cards and ten frames.

We had received a package with a huge box in the mail and decided to turn it into a pizza oven.  My kids were ecstatic to be able to make and use their own brick pizza oven.  Our house turned into a gourmet pizza restaurant.



All you need to create this pizza oven is:

-  One large box

- One smaller box to hot glue inside and create the oven.

- Additional cardboard

- Aluminum foil

- Duct tape

-  Construction paper

- Hot glue

- A hook for your pizza paddle

First, you will cut a rectangular hole in the front of the large box.  This will be your opening to the oven.  Only cut three sides of the rectangle, because it will still be attached at the bottom.  This will allow the front of the oven to open and close.

You will create a box inside the box to create the oven.  ***UPDATE*** After lots of use, this particular design failed. Instead of creating a box, just use a small box. It is sturdier and easier to attach. Hot glue (use a lot) the smaller box to the inside of the pizza oven and tape it with metal duct tape. This creates a very sturdy inside to your pizza oven. I will post pictures of this soon.

 Use duct tape to attach the cardboard to the inside of the box.  You will attach it to the large box on all sides of the box.

 Cut the two sides of the box about 2 inches longer. 

 Fold the edges of the box over and affix with tape.

 Here is the completed inside of your oven.

Next, you will create the front of the oven.  Cut a half circle to attach to the rectangular opening.

 Create a handle by cutting two small lines with a razor blade.

 Fold the two edges of the handle and insert through the holes.  Leave about 1-2 inches to fold over on the back.

Fold the edges of the handles over on the back of the drawer.

 Tape the handles down on the back of the drawer.

 You created a handle!

 To make the outside of the oven, attach the half circle to the rectangular opening.  I covered it in duct tape for a more durable oven.

Cover the outside of the drawer with duct tape.

 Cut out white construction paper to make the white background surrounding your oven.

 I rounded the rectangles of the edges.

 I cut out rounded rectangles for the logs and drew lines down the middle with a Sharpee.

 The flames are made with red, orange and yellow construction paper.  I traced the red flame onto the orange paper and made it about 1/2 inch smaller.  I traced the orange flame to create the yellow flame, by cutting it about 1 1/2 inch smaller.

I added packaging from laser toner to the top of my oven for decoration.

 To make a pizza paddle, cut out a rounded rectangular shape with a handle.

 I cut out another rectangle to affix to the pizza paddle.  This strengthens the handle for more use.  ***UPDATE*** With lots of love and use, this pizza paddle got a little ratty. So I just covered the entire pizza paddle with duct tape. This looks cool and makes it very sturdy!

 I used a 3M adhesive hook to attach to the oven.

 Use play food or make your own pizzas out of paper to use in your oven.

 Have a pizza party in your home or class!  I hope your kids love it, too!

Leave me a comment to know what you think!  I love hearing from you!

I linked up with 4th Grade Frolics: Monday Made It!