Sunday, April 10, 2011

What's cooking?




This is the play kitchen I made for my oldest granddaughter for Christmas this year.  A good friend had this entertainment center sitting in her garage and when I mentioned I was looking for one to make over into a play kitchen, she offered me this one. SCORE!

After removing the glass from the doors, I replaced the large door (refrigerator) opening with wood and the smaller (oven) door with Plexiglas.  The smaller door had hinges on the side, so I moved them to to bottom for it to open like an oven.  The 'sink' is an aluminum dog bowl.  Primed and painted, it really is starting to look like something other than an entertainment center. 

Painting the refrigerator and oven silver gave it every girls dream of 'stainless'.  Stove top burners are discs of wood painted black with little wire 'stars' picked up at a dime store glued on top.  Oven and stove top knobs are wooden drawer pulls also painted black.  A free online photo of zebras and a rainbow seemed like the perfect view.  Printing in 4 sections and laminating it made the window panes with wooden strips surrounding them.



Curtains and a chandelier completed the look for the front, but one more addition was needed - chalkboard paint on the side.  A little shelf with pegs held an apron, bucket of chalk and a frilly little tassel!  Can't get much more 'girlie' than that.


Voilà - Ready for someone special to play!


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114 comments:

  1. oh my goodness!!!! so freakin' awesome, i LOVE it. jealous momma over here. can't wait to find one to convert for my daughter.

    i blogged about it on my site. http://www.myampersanity.com/2011/04/playing-pretend-just-got-whole-lotta.html

    thanks for the great idea!
    www.myampersanity.com

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  2. Great job! IT looks wonderful and I am sure she will have many happy hours playing with it

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  3. Very sweet! I love the chandelier! You did a very good job!

    Clorissa

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  5. Wow, this play kitchen is fantastic! I love all of the little details... so much thought put into it!

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  6. This is the most wonderful transformation for these old tv cabinets. Awesome job. Some little girl is going to have fun with this.

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  7. How cute! I have been in a search for a good kitchen for my girls. I never thought of doing something like this! Love it!

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  8. WoW !!!
    Luv it... wish my daughter was little again!
    mmm...I really like this idea. Beautiful and creative job
    Kim @ tiarasandbowties.blogspot.com

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  9. This is just too cute! I love it! I am your newest follower and I can't wait to see what else you have for us. I am very impressed with your creativity. Come on over to see what I do at fineandhandy.blogspot.com

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  10. Absolutely AMAZING!!!! I love these little kitchens. We bought a piece for $5 and are going to make one for our boys. It's not quite as large, but I hope it comes out half as well as your amazing result. I am sure your grand daughter feels so very loved.

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  11. WOW, You are incredibly creative and talented! Your granddaughter is one lucky girl!

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  12. this is so cute! I can hardly ever pass up a good repurpose.
    I will be "catching" you this week (featuring this project at Catch as Catch can)
    gail

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  13. WOOT WOOT! You did an awesome job! This is one of my favorite blog projects EVER! SO awesome! Saw you on Gail's My Repurposed Life. Great job!

    Terri

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  14. AMAZING idea. My little Avery is still inside me (hehe) but this makes me want to remember this so she can have an awesome little kitchen too! :D Thanks for sharing!

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  15. Oh my goodness, I am in LOVE!!! Brilliant! My daughter would be so jealous!!

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  16. This is amazing! What a great idea. I would of loved to have one of these when I was little. Heck, I wouldn't mind having one now!

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  17. This is fantastic!! Wonderful job!

    Cara

    http://miscellaneousme.wordpress.com

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  18. Thumbs up! What a great idea for a piece of furniture that, with the new flat screens, you can pick up for a little of nothing! Great job!

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  19. This has to be the most darling DIY kitchen I have ever seen in blog-land, truly! Good job =)

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  20. This is absolutely darling! So creative and so darn cute!! Thanks for sharing at FNF! :)

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  21. Your kitchen turned out so cute...love the bright colors! My daughter did the same sort of thing with an entertainment center. You can check it out if you want to. http://easypeasypie.blogspot.com/search/label/play%20kitchen

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  22. This is beyond brilliant!! Even my little grandsons would love a kitchen like this!! Now I'm on a quest to find one of these older entertainment centers to make one for them. Thank you for sharing this fantastic recycle makeover!

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  23. Great job! I love this idea and your's came out so well!

    Did you leave the shelves behind the fridge door?

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  24. I sure did - the Granddaughters need all the storage they can get and it is amazing what all it holds.

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  25. Where did you find the tiny chandelier and does it plug in or is it battery operated? THAT is my favorite part! So creative!

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  26. I ordered the chandelier from Amazon. It is a plug in and my son added a remote wall switch (Lowe's)and mounted the switch so my grandaughter can turn it on by herself. The chandelier was a little pricey, but I have since found (at Hobby Lobby) a cute little candle holder that looks very similar and you could put a battery operated candle in it for the same look.

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  27. That little kitchen is amazing! I love that chandelier. Just yesterday I got a child's desk that I think will make a lovely kitchen for my granddaughter.

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  28. This is the best!!! I can just imagine it with the back knocked out as a cute little grocery store or doing it in all boyish colours as a boy's tool shed or something!! Love it!!!

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  29. Caught your entry on Better After! I instantly fell in love! I've acquired an old entertainment center ... now I'm just waiting for pay day so I can go buy the rest of the supplies =)
    What kind of pain did you use??

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  30. SO stinkin cute! I am on the hunt now for an entertainment center. Where did you get the smaller door for the fridge?

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  31. LOVE! Such a wonderful idea and a beautiful job! I was going to build a kitchen for my daughter for Christmas but I found andentertainment center so now I am making her one like this for Christmas.

    Just wondering what you did for the burners on the stove top. I found some small discs to paint but wanted to know what you did for rised pieces.

    Thanks!

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  32. where did you get the chandelier? we are doing one like this one just baby pink i need a chandelier help
    thanks laura wilson

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  33. Laura - I found the chandelier on amazon.

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  35. I am in the process of making this. But I dont know if I should use spray paint of another type of paint... I've never painted anything! What are the steps to paint it and make it look good:?

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    1. Try googling make your own chalk paint...it's easy to use and you can paint anything with it. You can buy it too but it's a bit pricey.

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  36. where did you get the sink and burners, knobs etc i gotta make this it is absolutely adorable

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    1. Thanks for your comment. The sink is a dog bowl; burners are wooden disks (originally painted as a soccer balls from Hobby Lobby) painted black with wires bent into a star shape & glued together; knobs are wooden drawer pulls. I did replace the glass in the small door with plexi and wood in the large door for safety. Use whatever you can find! It certainly does not have to be specific items. Have fun with it!!!

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  37. Absolutely charming and so creative....love, love, love it!
    Thanks for sharing this inspiring project and the details!

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  38. I just discovered your blog and look here, one year later and you're still getting comments :-)
    We had an entertainment center that would've been perfect for this.
    Thank you for sharing your amazingly creative idea. If it's okay, I'd love to mention this on my blog and provide a link back over here.
    So inspiring...
    ~ Tammy

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  39. I don't normally comment on things like this, but this is one of the coolest projects I've ever scene. What a blessed little girl.

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  40. Wow! This is wonderful. I share your page and there are a lot of inspired happy mommies out there!

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  41. That is so cool! An entertainment center would also make a great Puppet theatre/stage.

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  42. Couldn't it be a little more gender neutral? Jesus.

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    1. When you make yours, you can use ANY color that you want!!! Blue, green, yellow, black, grey, etc.

      This is what ONE woman did for HER grandaughter!!!

      Jesus....get a life!!!

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    2. If your little boy wants one done up like the firehouse kitchen, grab yourself the right color paint. This would be PERFECT for my niece! She LOVES pink.

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  43. Really !! Gender neutral??!!!! She made it for a GIRL!!!! We like pink & frilly!!! Get a grip!! This is a creative, beautiful kitchen made with love, why do you want to mess it up Anonymous??? You must be Jealous!! Victoria H.

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  44. i cant wait to try to make one for when i have my doughter

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  46. Jaclynn BlankenshipJuly 27, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    Where did you get the faucet?

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    1. The faucet was just the cheapest I could find at Lowes. I had not been able to find one at a thrift store, so I ended up paying about $12 for it. I will definately continue thrifting for the next ones.

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  47. That idea could be done for boys too. Little hooks for the hammer, wrench, Etc. Work and fix things on top. Draws for materials.

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    1. Actually I have one for a boy I am making out of a night stand with a peg board for the back. Will post pictures when finished with it. Isn't it fun to be creative with little darlin's in mind?

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  48. You there are the BEST GRANDPARENT ever!!!! Well done. So gonna save this for future use :) Thanks so much for sharing your creativity!!!

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  49. I absolutely love this!!! I just bought an entertainment center for 15 dollars. I can't wait to try this. You are amazing. I hope mine looks half as good as yours does.

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    1. Thanks so much - Just have fun with it and it will be perfect. I think I had more fun making it than the granddaughters have playing with it. I would love to see a picture when you are finished with yours. Have fun!!!

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  50. Your kitchen is so beautiful! I'm currently trying to make one, but I'm stumped with how to do the window. Did you just glue the picture onto the back of it and frame it with stripes of wood? How did you glue the picture on? What are it's dimensions? Great job!!

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    1. I am so glad you are making one! They are so much fun. I printed a picture off the Internet onto 4 regular size sheets of paper and then laminated them. That gives it a glossy look like glass. A little bit of hot glue will easily hold it in place and the strips of wood just adds the right details for a 'window' look. Have fun!

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    2. COULD HAVE PUT PLEXAGLASS ON THE WINDOW PRINT

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  51. If anybody lives in Albuquerque NM - I have one of these to give away - it looks just like the first picture.

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  52. contact me at 410-5738

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  53. I saw this and posted it on my facebook saying I was going to look for an entertainment center. Came home the other day and a neighbor had one on the curb waiting for the trash... can't wait to get started!!!

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  54. I am making my grandbaby a kitchen. Only difference is my mother painted the outdoor scene. 4 generations in this one and hopefully many more in years to come. Thanks for the great idea

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    1. That is a wonderful addition - it will be priceless! I would love to see a picture when it is finished.

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  55. This is absolutely fabulous! I have been looking for an antique wooden kitchen that I can refurbish for my girls for Christmas and have never even though of an entertainment center! I have always wanted to get more involved with woodwork and crafts and you have inspired me more! I can not wait to do this. I am now on the search for an entertainment center and can only imagine how much money I can save by doing this! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Many blessings!

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    1. Malinda, you should be able to find an entertainment center very easily, but I would recommend you hold out for a solid wood one. They are a little harder to find, but well worth it and will last forever!! What ever you get, just have fun with it - and go over the top!!! Would love to see pictures :}

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    2. Denise,

      How were you able to get the picture printed off in four different sections? Did you have to edit the picture and then cut it? Not exactly sure how that works!

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  56. What kind of pink paint did u use

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    1. The paint is Valspar High Gloss Enamel paint from Lowe's. The color is Rose Dust. I used a Zinsser oil based primer under it.

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  57. i want one too! i do not have any kids for the moment, but i will play with it! amazing! congratulations!

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  58. Wow! This is amazing. You are so talented. My Granddaughters would love this. Maybe Grandpa is up to a DIY project.

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  59. Greenlea's MommySeptember 23, 2012 at 1:23 PM

    I was wondering how you got the picture to print off in 4 sections. If you could please let me know I am almost done with one for my daughter and I am stuck without a picture. Thanks

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    1. I used Photoshop Elements. I just played around with it. I am by no way a techie, but divided the picture into 4 pieces and printed them each out onto a full sheet of paper. (I'm sure there is probably an easier way to do this.)

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    2. Greenlea's MommySeptember 25, 2012 at 5:10 AM

      Right after I sent this i googled it and in the printer preferences I found a poster setting that you can put it into 4 sections. Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I am almost completely done with mine!! My little girl is going to be so happy! I have friends aking for them and I have to tell them no because this is such a one of a kind and tough project! Thank you for the ideas!!!

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  60. Greenlea's MommySeptember 25, 2012 at 5:08 AM

    I was wondering if you made the curtains or if you bought them and if you did buy them where did you find them? Thanks

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    1. I made the curtains - just a simple rod pocket. Certainly nothing fancy. If you don't sew, you could use Stitch Witchery/fabric glue or you could just staple the fabric in place over the 'window'. Would love to see your finished kitchen!

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  61. Awesome! I would love to make one for my grandaughter!

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  62. That is SO, SO CLEVER!! When I saw the pink kitchen pic, I couldn't quite tell what it had been in its previous life. A desk? Bedroom closet? Of course, an entertainment center... This is truly one of the best remakes I've ever seen!

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  63. Wow! Fabulous Creation! I am a recycler and crafter in a major way! One of my daughters send this to me and I passed it on to my other daughter and this is what they are going to make for their little princess daughter for her birthday next summer or for Christmas! WE actually have some pink and black zebra fabric from another sewing order from a customer. We have an Etsy business- FPFashions for custom glam aprons or you can find us at Frilled Phoenix Fashions. Thank-you so much for sharing your fabulous idea. You are a great grandma!! :)

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  64. I loved this!! I featured you on my blog and sent credit back to you! Thank you for sharing!
    http://coffeecupchristianity.blogspot.com/2012/11/wonderful-gift-for-young-girl.html

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  65. Hi i was wondering if u used spray paint or brush on paint for the primer and rose dust paint

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    1. I used a small roller for all the painting except the chalkboard paint on the side. That one was a spray paint.

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  66. This is so incredible cute, our church had an old entertainment center donated to them and didn't know what to do so we got approved to turn it into this for the nursery cuz what little kids don't like to cook in a kitchen? We will be replacing all glass as well. Thank you for the inspiration.

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  67. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  68. You must be the rocking-est g'ma in the world! I don't have grandbabies yet, but this is going in the folder for them when they do get here!

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  69. You must be the rocking-est g'ma in the world! I don't have grandbabies yet, but this is going in the folder for them when they do get here!

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  70. This is so awesome! I really really like this and I have 4 girls who would just die to have something so nice!

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  71. Wow. Really nice.

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  72. You can get these free off of www.freecycle.org. I have one very similar for my TV. (I got free). I just took off some ugly hardware and added black knobs. Now I know what I can do with it if we ever get a flatscreen!

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  73. I wish I had someone that was as talented as this "Grandpa" around to make one for my Grand Daughters!

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    1. Not hard...just start painting and after base coat of pink you can even trace things on then paint. Women rule and we finish what we start....well most stuff..lol

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  74. For boys I made idea of garage tool set up or another idea for girls...a beauty shop.

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  75. Simply remarkable....im 100% all man with 3 little girls! I needed to see this project! Thx so much. As of yesterday, I had thrown my entertainment center. Today, it was off to da dump until I saw ur kitchen. I showed my girls and I knew instantly that I had to revamp our entertainment center. Its not about the price of a gift but the thought behind it.....100% man but feeling girly bout doing this project....lol...thx so much

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  76. Absolutely beautiful. What a great idea

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  77. this is incredible, someone has an awesome talent!

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  78. This is such a cute upcycled idea! I love it :) Thanks for the inspiration.. I just pinned!

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  79. If only I had a grand daughter! I love your attention to detail to make this the perfect "young" kitchen!

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  80. OMG how adorable im in my 40'S and want this kitchen!!!!!

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  81. If there was an award for clever & resourceful, you, my dear, are the winner! ! My children are all grown (& they were boys, anyway) but I can certainly say that I will never look at an entertainment center at the "Curbside Department Store" quite the same way, again!

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    1. Thank you so much - my children (3 boys) are all grown as well, but after all those years of fun boy stuff, I am certainly enjoying being a grandparent to girls and boys!

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  82. What a Great Idea! I'm a Grandma of 2 boys, but I have a Granddaughter on the way due in May. I also have one of those old Entertainment Centers That might just become a Kitchen for her in a few years thanks to your Idea. So Thank You very much for a Wonderful Birthday or Christmas Present for my future Granddaughter.

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  83. such a great vision!!! To see a kiddy kitchen out of that EC!!! LOVE IT!

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  84. Great way to recycle those old entertainment centers that everyone is getting rid of. :)

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  85. One question. What did you do for the faucet?

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    1. It is an actual faucet. I bought the cheapest one that Lowe's had. If I had time, I would have gone to thrift stores to look for one, but working full time does not allow me that option.

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  86. Under which board on your Pinterest would I find this?

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  87. thanks for your link! I've updated my DIY play kitchen post. :-)

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  88. So darn cute. We found one sitting in someones yard to give away free so we will try to make something similar to it for our little 6 mo old grandaughter. Love yours!!!

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  89. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  90. Where did you find the chandelier? It really adds the perfect touch to the kitchen. I'm making this for my daughter to go with her room which I'm doing in pink and zebra!

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    1. I ordered it from Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPZUH6/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=baby-products
      This is the one I bought. It worked out perfect for the hot pink kitchen.

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  91. This is brilliant. Nice to meet you by the way and I pinned it.

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