DIY Play Stove

Instead of buying a play kitchen right now, I decided to make Raegan a stove. I love art projects, and my wheels started turning as to how I could execute this. The perfect box appeared when we bought her big girl car seat last week. The nice part is that I had all of the supplies at home in my random craft stash. I hope it will keep her occupied while I prepare dinner since she is usually clingy at that time of the evening.

Here's how I brought it to life:

Cover each side of the box with paper. I could have wrapped it like a present, but decided not to for some reason that made sense to me at the time. I think I was originally not going to cover the back side. . . until I messed up. You could also spray paint the box, but I didn't want to because I figure Raegan will bite or lick the stove at some point.

Cover a paper towel tube in your choice of paper. I used a clothes pin at each end to hold the paper until the glue dried.

Measure and trace the door and window and cut with a box cutter. I placed a ruler along the lines to help guide the box cutter as I scored it then cut all the way through. I cut out the window first, then cut around the door for stability. Cut the top and sides of the door, then score the bottom from the inside to make the door open easily.

Attach the handle with hot glue.

Now that the door opens, tape a sheet protector inside for the window.

For now, a box serves as the baking rack

Find something round to trace and make burners out of black paper.

I left room on each side of the burners for "prep" space ;)

I was originally going to make knobs out of toilet paper tube slices, but I saw an idea online for spinning knobs that I liked much better.

Start by cutting out 4 small circles for knobs and poke a brad through the center.

Glue a bottle cap over the brad. I also glued a thin strip of paper to each knob to serve as a dial. Poke a hole through the cardboard stove front with an ice pick and insert the brad. Reach in through the door and open the prongs. Now you have working knobs.

For added detail, label the dials.

I trimmed the top with some ribbon to cover up gaps in the kraft paper. I know it's for a toddler, but it was bothering me :)

Here's the finished product!

We have a perfect spot for it in the kitchen.

It's already being put to use. We enjoyed boiled apples with a delightful Cheerio crumble topping for dinner.

Supplies:

large box

roll of kraft paper

black construction paper

2-3 colors other colors of construction paper

scissors

ice pick

pencil

box cutter

4 brads

4 bottle caps

paper towel tube

sheet protector or vellum

glue or Mod Podge

hot glue gun

ribbon

I had to wait for 4 milk caps, but Raegan helped speed that process along :)