Forgive me. I'm about to step on my soapbox. And it's all over a homemade play kitchen.
Some people think I'm crazy for writing a craft blog--and for spending so much time crafting at all. For me, both activities have become things I just have to do to stay sane, especially the latter.
I think a lot of other craft bloggers are surrounded by friends and family who are knee deep in the handmade movement. I certainly have many friends who get it and who are drinking the bath water with me, but there's also a good number who think it's a little loo loo. Why spend so much time making when there are plenty of options available for sale at the store?
To me, there are so many answers to that question I don't know where to begin. Cost is one factor, although a lot of times I think I end up spending more on supplies than if I'd just bought something already made. The environment is another--why would I want something shipped across the globe when I can make it from castaway materials in the garage? (I'm no saint here. There are plenty of mass-produced items in our house. But we try all the time to live a less-is-more lifestyle.)
The biggest reason for me is this: what example am I setting for my kids? Will they grow up wanting all the latest things in the store and then casting them away two days later or will they grow up feeling confident that they can make the things they want or even be content re-using things they already have, perhaps in new ways?
My 3 year old asks for stuff in stores like any 3 year old asks for stuff in stores. And every once in a while we fulfill her request. But she rarely complains when we say no, and she gets excited when we start brainstorming ways we could make something similar instead.
And besides, no store I know sells anything nearly as adorable as this play kitchen made by Mama Kat over at My Sweet Life, a link I found via Ohdeedoh.
Mama Kat and her husband made it for $59 using secondhand cabinets, recycled paint and creative flair.
The cost included everything--from the fabric for the curtains to the chalkboard advertising the daily special to the baker's rack where they store faux spices and felt food.
I love the view from the window, which they plan to rotate as seasons change:
I'm so inspired, especially with Christmas right around the corner. Last year we limited our gift budget to an amount so low it made at least one person spit out her coffee when I told her. I wonder if we could cut it in half this year ... Don't hold me to it, but at least it has me brainstorming.
I love, love, love it! So wonderful! I'll have to send this link to my boyfriend, maybe we could make somthing like that together! It's adorable - and I love the fact that it's not plastic-crap! :)
Posted by: Astrid | November 18, 2008 at 06:26 AM
We also lean towards "make" in the make-or-buy decision. Your reasons are certainly factors for us too, but our most important reason is to cultivate our daughters' gorgeous little brains. We want to foster their imaginations, creativity, problem-solving skills, artistry, patience, persistence, experimentation, etc. At 5 years and 18 months, we are at the fundamentals, but throughout their childhood, we'll build on these into higher cognitive skills and harder sciences. These, plus the independence and self-assurance that comes with knowing that you can do things for yourself, we believe will provide a strong foundation for our daughters to succeed throughout life.
Besides, it's a whole lot of FUN to make things together!!! :-D
Posted by: tango | November 18, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Right on, ladies!!!
Posted by: Megan | November 18, 2008 at 01:55 PM
I love that kitchen... wow. Can y'all come to my house and make stuff for me? I'm just so timid in the land of creativity! Our gift budget last year was small, too, and we loved it... we both commented on how much better and thoughtful the gifts actually were!
Posted by: nis | November 20, 2008 at 04:26 PM
I came here after googling diy play kitchen images but stayed around to read and be inspired left and right! I'm so impressed - love the handmade clothes, the barn wedding, the darling Cinderella dress & princess cupcakes & hats. Bookmarking you RIGHT NOW. :)
Posted by: Sus at wigglerooms | September 13, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Thanks so much for your kind words, Sus. Come back again soon. :)
Posted by: Megan | September 14, 2009 at 01:15 AM