A fun cardboard box upcycle – make a washer or dryer for pretend play.
Emma’s been asking for a play washer/dryer for some time, so when I saw this booster seat box I knew exactly what to use it for.
I took the box apart and built it again wrong side out, so that the kids would have plenty of space for decorating. We made a door by tracing a saucer and then cutting with a kitchen knife.
Both kids had a blast decorating the box. I added some triangle, square, and circle buttons in different colors (at Emma’s request).
Emma is thrilled with her new washer/dryer – she couldn’t wait to tell Mike about it when he got home. Johnny seems to think it’s pretty cool too.
MaryAnne lives in Silicon Valley with her Stanford professor husband Mike and their four children. She writes about parenting through education, creativity, and play. Mama Smiles - Joyful Parenting is a space to share crafts, hands on learning activities, and family outings that enrich lives and bring families together.
Valerie Deneen says
That is so clever! Brilliant! :-)Valerie
LiEr says
MaryAnne, I just found your blog today! It is fabulous! You do everything and do it so well. I love that you are into cardboard stuff- I, too, find it hard to throw boxes away without turning them into something else. And I turn the boxes brown side out, too, for the kids to decorate- oh, a kindred spirit! My girls are 4, 2 and 10 mths so I relate to the Princess-ness that goes on in your home. I love that pink fleece ice-skater dress you made for Emma. I must try that sometime – did you cut the entire dress in one piece on the bias and just insert triangle panels in the skirt?Here’s a post from my blog you might find mildly amusing: it’s all about cardboard. http://ikatbag.blogspot.com/2008/07/whats-in-box.htmlI had such an enjoyable visit here – thank you for making my evening!Lorraine aka LiEr