Long Live Play TIme!

One of my favorite quotes about childhood is "Every mighty oak was once an acorn."
This transformation is for my favorite little acorns- the Our Fair School Pre-Kinders!

 This is by far the biggest kitchen I have made. (I finished after dark thus the lights for photos.) To give you an idea of the scale here is a shot of  play kitchen to apartment ratio:

I've made arrangements with our custodian to sneak it in their classroom Monday morning.

 Typically I am a purist about oven doors opening downwards. However, this oven is so large, I left it as is for safety's sake.

I used a cookie tin for the sink. I don't think it works as well as the bowls with a lip, but I had it on hand and I liked the square shape for this kitchen.

The teacher in me thought an alarm would sound when I cut this picture out of a thrifted Dr. Seuss book. It's almost criminal! It was the very last page and the story is not at all damaged. I kept the book for my own collection. I have about 100 picture books, but not Green Eggs and Ham- go figure!

I made a dish towel from a wash cloth like Sharla from My Little Gems. I followed this tutorial for salt and pepper shakers.Using buttons for the top was genius! They have holes and more importantly, I had them on hand. After 5 play kitchens that trended towards girly, I think I really nailed "gender neutral." Oh, and I made my own 'j' shaped faucet with my jigsaw and a bit of scrap wood. I think it fits the scale of this kitchen better than my usual store bought 'j's.'

Here's an approximate cost break down:
Cabinet- craigslist-$20
Paint- HD oops $2
Assorted scrap wood- HD scrap bin $3
Dowel -HD $1.50
Brackets- Giant Dollar $2
Picture frames (One is the oven door window) 2 for $1 -Ikea bought at Goodwill
Wood turnings for faucet handles- Michaels $1
Valspar Stone Spray Paint - Michaels $4 after 1/2 off coupon
Primer and black and silver paint- stash
Fabric and trims -stash
Screws, washers and glue- stash
Total- approximately $34

I can hardly wait for Monday! I feel like it's Christmas and I am Santa!

Are you interested in building your own play kitchen? I have a complete tutorial here! 
There is awesome inspiration at the Play Kitchen Build Along Group on Flickr!

I should be asleep but I am wired from the post project high, gonna check out the Weekend Wrap Up at tatertots & Jello 'till my eyelids drop!