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DIY: Child's Kitchen Sink Set

Children learn through imaginative play. Household props, such as a play kitchen, allow a child to express himself through the world of make-believe. But buying these items in the store can hurt your wallet. Using a little creativity, you can use discarded items from around the house to make a stylish, one-of-a-kind children's kitchen set that will outshine any plastic toy available for purchase.

Things You'll Need

Night stand
Sandpaper
Plywood
Jigsaw
Table saw
Screw driver
Screws
Wood glue
Stainless steel bowl (3 quart)
Four compact discs
Permanent marker
Paint
Spring-tension curtain rod
Cafe curtain
Four bottle lids
Decorative elements (hooks, rods, shelf, dish towel)

Instructions

Play Kitchen Set
- 1
  Remove and discard all drawers from the nightstand. Lightly sand the surface so that paint will adhere to it.
- 2
  Place the three-quart bowl upside-down on the top of the night stand. Trace the bowl top and use the jigsaw to cut-out the sink hole.
- 3
  Measure and cut plywood for backing. Extend the plywood at least two feet above the back of the night stand. Apply to the back of the stand and secure with screws.
- 4
  Paint the surface and allow to dry.
- 5
  Place compact discs, bottom side up, in a 2-by-2 formation to top of the night stand for burners. Use wood glue to adhere. Use a permanent marker to draw a spiral extending from the center outward to represent the the "cook top".
- 6
  Drill four pilot holes in a straight formation below the compact discs and one in each bottle cap. Screw bottle cap "knobs" into pilot holes using screws at least 1 inch longer than the depth of the bottle cap. Leave slightly loose so that child can turn knobs off and on.
- 7
  Add other decorative elements to the kitchen. Items may include hooks, a towel rod and a spice shelf.
- 8
  Mount spring-tension rod to underside of the top of the stand. Cover with cafe curtain for a skirted "cabinet."
- 9
  Place "sink" bowl into hole.

Childrens Toys