Whoever originally said it is cheaper to build a play kitchen than buy one, was lying! Or it's possible that they may know something that I don't, because this was definitely not a cheap project! It's more unique than anything I could have bought for the same price, but it was definitely more (like two time more) expensive than the plastic play kitchens you can buy at Walmart or Toys 'R Us. If you already own all your own woodworking equipment, and you happen to have a stock pile of wood and other random items (ie. a sink, faucet, knobs, etc.) laying around, then go for it; but if you don't, and you'd like to save money, stick with the plastic or find a piece of furniture that needs minimal work. Or, if you're just plain crazy like me, and don't already have the needed supplies, make one anyway. ;)
I started dreaming up this project in early November. I thought I would try to find a piece of furniture to repurpose into a kitchen, but DI (Utah's version of Goodwill) is often heavily picked over, and the newspaper classifieds get hit pretty hard around here too. I finally bought a side table for $8 that I thought might work, but after considering all the wood I would have to add to it to turn it into a functional kitchen, it seemed pointless. Not to mention that neither Craig or I have much experience with woodworking, and with the side table, construction was looking a little too complicated. After much mental frustration, I decided it would just be easier to start from scratch. I looked online and happened to find
free plans on how to construct your own play kitchen by Ana White. She provides the supply list, cut list, and instructions. Win! I was feeling much more confident!
Over my birthday weekend (Dec 4th), Craig and I went down to Home Depot and bought all the supplies. Then that Sunday morning, after the boys were dropped off with the grandparents, we started constructing. Thankfully, construction went fast, and we were able to get both units built in about an hour and a half.
The hard part was over – or so I thought! After the construction, I was mostly on my own. I sanded both units, applied wood filler, sanded again, prepped for painting, and finally painted the whole thing myself. I also cut the holes for the sink and the faucet myself, and learned how to score and break plexiglass. Scary stuff! I did have to get some extra help from Craig's uncle, Joe, to refine a few things though, mainly the oven door and the hole for the sink! Thanks Joe, you saved the day!
After much deliberation, I decided to match the paint colors of the kitchen to some cute fabric I found on Etsy. I was originally going to make a curtain to hide the shelves under the sink, but later changed my mind and made aprons for the boys.
Most of the work on the kitchen was done in our cold garage, until I finally couldn't take it anymore and I snuck it all into our master bathroom where the boys couldn't see me work.
Overall I'm very pleased with the outcome! It's not perfect by any means, but it did turn out pretty darn well, and the best part is that the boys love it! Maybe even a little too much! In less than a month, the plexiglass on the oven door is already covered in scratches and scuff marks, the oven door is starting to skew to the left from Charlie constantly sitting and standing on it, the magnetic latch on the door had to be removed because the door stopped shutting all the way, the painted carrot on the chest is also scuffed, and the paint on the inside of the chest is peeling from being opened and slammed shut so often. I guess that's what you can expect from two rough and destructive boys! Oh, and Mason ripped a 4 inch wide hole in his apron. I have no idea how! I keep trying to tell myself that these are all good signs that they love it, but it's a little hard not to wince when I find yet another sign that the kitchen is already aging!
Since we didn't already own play food and dishes, I asked both sets of grandparents if they would coordinate their gifts. They were happy to oblige!
Grandma Lynda and Grandpa Steve bought a dish set,
Most of the silverware has already gone missing. We've caught Charlie throwing stuff in the trash can, so who knows if we'll ever find them all!
the Melissa & Doug Felt Pizza set,
The box won't last much longer, but the pizza will!
and the Melissa & Doug felt sandwich set.
Grandma Becky and Grandpa Roark bought the Ikea pot and pan set, the utensil set (not pictured),
the felt veggie basket,
and the felt breakfast set.
Aunt Alissa gave us the Ikea fruit basket a year ago.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen!
