Now You're Cookin!

One of my favorite things to do is look through decorating, design and craft books for new ideas. While visiting my sister we decided to look through her stacks of Christmas and Craft books to find some new ideas for Christmas gifts. While leafing through a Trash To Treasure Book I came across one of the cleverest ideas I've seen in awhile. A child size range made from a recycled nightstand plus cookware and kitchen accessories to match made from boxes and containers we all have around the house. I will be making one for Caroline and I thought I would share it with you in case you would like to make one for a special little one in your life or perhaps to sell at a craft fair.

CHILD'S RANGE



The first thing you will need is an unused nightstand. Perhaps you have one on hand, but if not one should be easy to find at a thrift store, yard sale or maybe even on a curbside. You will need a 1"x6" pine board, 3" wide baseboard, handsaw, screws, screwdriver, wood glue, white primer, assorted colors of acrylic paint, paintbrushes, permanent marker, knobs, handles and some imagination. Remove the old handle/handles. Sand the entire nightstand and wipe with a tack cloth. Cut a piece of 1"x6" board the width of your nightstand and attach to the back with wood glue and screws, making sure the board extends 3" above the top edge of the nightstand. Cut a piece of the 3" wide baseboard and attach to the pine board extending above the edge of the nightstand with wood glue. After the wood glue is dry, prime the entire "range". After primer has dried, paint with white acrylic paint. Once your base coat is completely dry you can attach the knobs to the knob panel and paint on a clock. Complete your range by painting on burners, trim accents and adding your new oven door pulls. I'm sure it would be easy to make a sink, washer/dryer and other appliances with a little imagination.

CANISTERS AND COOKWARE

















You will need:
Recycled assorted containers with lids in 5 sizes.
White spray primer
Craft knife
Cutting mat
Assorted colors of acrylic paint
Paintbrushes
Foam core board
Assorted wooden knobs
Hot blue gun
Utility scissors
Craft knife
Two jumbo craft sticks
Wood glue

1. Apply primer to outsides of containers and lids
2. For pans, use craft knife to cut 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" from bottoms of two containers
Paint pans.
3. For each pan lid, draw around bottom of pan on foam core board. Use craft knife to cut out circle 1/4" outside drawn line. Draw hearts or any design you like on the top of each lid and paint with assorted colors. Outline each heart in a contrasting color. Paint designs on each heart. Paint knobs, center and glue knob on lid.
4. For pan with handle, use utility scissors to cut craft sticks in half. Matching cut ends, stack halves and glue together. Let glue dry and paint handles. Use craft knife slit large enough to insert handle in side of pan. Apply glue to cut end of handle and insert in slit.
5. Draw heart or other design on the sides of remaining containers. Using assorted colors, paint each heart. Outline each heart in a contrasting color. Paint designs on hearts as desired.
6. For each canister lid, paint lid of container and knob.

What could be easier or more affordable? A one of a kind, custom kitchen made by you especially for your little one. Have fun cooking up some special times with the special child in your life!