HAPPY NEW HOME
ELLA’S LOVING LIFE IN HER SPECIAL PLAYHOUSE
A talented artist who is well known for brightening up Paisley with his colourful work has become an internet sensation for his latest creation - a dream playhouse for his granddaughter.
Kevin Cantwell, 51, is no stranger to having his work commended, having been responsible for a number of remarkable murals and sculptures on display throughout the town.
His popular works include murals on Lady Lane and Gilmour Street train station and a series of animal sculptures made from recycled materials.
However, his latest creation, a pink playhouse, has proved one of his biggest hits yet – especially with his granddaughter Ella, who’s four.
Photos and a video of the finished playhouse were posted online by Kevin’s daughter Melissa, which have since been viewed more than 129,000 times.
Kevin, from Renfrew, said: “I didn’t expect it to get the reaction that it did but I’m glad people enjoyed seeing it.
“The video of Ella seeing the finished house seemed to lift a lot of people’s spirits and if it cheered people up just now then I’m glad.”
Talented Kevin was looking for something to keep him busy during lockdown, and after getting his hands on some pallets he decided to have a go at making the playhouse.
And the end result, which took eight weeks to make and cost less than £100, turned out to be the playhouse of little Ella’s dreams.
Kevin said: “It’s something that I have been saying for a while that I would do and with the lockdown, pretty much all my work dried up so I thought now would be a good time.
“My neighbour told me she could get me some pallets so I just decided to give it a go.
“I had already started and Ella told me she would like a upstairs and then she said a table and chair inside.
“So I had to get a move on and get it built before it ended up with a swimming pool!”
Using the recycled pallets, leftover felt and an old set of bedsheets, Kevin created the colourful playhouse - all costing just £98.
The finished product was brought to Ella’s house while she was in bed so that her mum could surprise her with it the next morning.
Kevin added: “I tried to make it with things that I already had. The only costs were for the paint and all
the screws.
“I took some inspiration from the house from the Disney Pixar film, Up, and from Mickey Mouse’s house in Florida and just went with it.
“I had a look online and houses which are similar to this one sell more than £1,000.
“I’m pleased with how it turned out in the end and I’m just happy Ella loves it.”
Kevin, who is no stranger to creating masterpieces from old pallets, is looking forward to getting back to creating more art once the lockdown is over.
He added: “I have made a lot of things out of recycled materials such as the animal sculptures.
“The highland cow I made was built entirely from pallets. I’ve now got a few ideas for smaller pieces I can make from them for people to enjoy.”