Sunday, March 21, 2010

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!


Pre-K Play Kitchen
 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:
Photo Studio for Pre-K play kitchen


I've made arrangements with our custodian to sneak it in their classroom Monday morning.
Pre-K Play Kitchen Oven
 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.
Cookie Tin Sink
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.
Pre-K Kitchen Counter
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!

12 comments:

BAILEY said...

As usual, I am very impressed! Great job, I love it. My daughter still enjoys playing with hers and it's held up nicely.

jodi said...

The children will be estatic!

the thrifty ba said...

i so wish i waas in your class...

Nutsy Coco said...

It looks great! I'm sure the kids will love it!

Mama Said Sew said...

It's fantastic Jane! I love all the details, especially the Green Eggs & Ham artwork. :)

alli b said...

Wow...I'm in awe of your talent! What a nice gift for the kids!

Sara said...

It looks so great Jane! Oh to be a fly on the wall Monday morning when everyone finds it!

Charlotte said...

I would have dearly loved to have played on such a fine kitchen set as this when I was a little girl. I am truly in awe of your ability to transform trash into such amazing treasure. Wow!

janimal said...

That kitchen is awesome. Totally.

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Wow - that is awesome. You did a fabulous job!

Thanks for linking up to my party!

XOXO
Jen

Michelle said...

I LOVE this play kitchen idea! I can't wait until my daughter is a little older so I can make her one! What a super creative idea:) Thanks for sharing and keep it up!

http://mylittlehappies.blogspot.com said...

Hi! You inspired me to put the money back in my wallet and build not one but TWO play kitchens. One for my daughter's first birthday (it is a huge hit with her and her big brother) and one for my son's school's silent auction charity. It made me feel great to do it for a good cause and it is because of you. I gave you the credit too and would love for you to check it out....
http://mylittlehappies.blogspot.com/2011/04/p-pas-and-play-kitchens-diy-style.html
and
http://mylittlehappies.blogspot.com/2011/04/little-bit-of-everything.html
(#13) THANK YOU so much!!!!