Cardboard box Kitchen

Materials:
Large cardboard box(es)
Masking Tape
Paint or paper
Twine, rope, or ribbon
Top of ketchup, milk carton, or other small lids
Utility knife
Markers
Old CDs
Bowl for sink
Plastic piping
Glue

Instructions:
Step 1: Finding boxes
Finding cardboard boxes is easy. Go to the local grocery or electronics store and ask for their discarded shipping boxes. Have an idea of which kitchen appliances are going to be made and get a variety of sizes and shapes to match. A tall box could be used for a refrigerator or laid on its side for a sink and counter. Smaller boxes can be used as a microwave or over-the-sink cabinet. This is where the 'child in the adult' comes alive with imagination.

Step 2:Play Kitchen Appliances
Tape the boxes shut with masking tape and arrange them, in the area where they will be played with, in a basic shape of a kitchen. Use the kitchen layout in the house to create a realistic atmosphere. When the boxes are in place then decide which boxes will be transformed into what kitchen appliance

Step 3: Complete Play Kitchen Set
Use paint, construction paper, or butcher paper to cover the exposed area of the boxes. Let the kids helps since making the play kitchen is half the fun. With a utility knife cut the holes for the kitchen sink, the oven, microwave, refrigerator doors, and any cupboard (explained below). Begin adding detail to each box with these suggestions.
• Use old cake pans, plastic storage containers, or pre-formed tin cooking pans for the kitchen sink. Trace around the sink container and cut a hole a little smaller. Use plastic piping for the faucet and glue covers from milk cartons on either side for the hot and cold controls.
• Glue four old CDs on the top of the box for the stove top. Use covers from old ketchup bottles as the burner controls and add temperature control marks (off, low and hot) on the box surrounding the controls.
• For the oven, on the front side of the box, cut across the top and ½ way down on both sides, to form the oven door. Place tin foil on this pull down door to represent the window to look through. With a screwdriver punch two holes at the top of the door and use heavy string, twine, or ribbon to make the pull down handle. Put a knot at one end, poke out through one hole and over to the other. Poke in through the second hole and tie another knot.
• A bottom cupboard is made with a box that is on its side or at a height correct for the child to use as a work space. Use a marker to show where the doors would be and be creative with the pull knobs. Do not cut the doors so this box remains firm.
• Place a box for the microwave on the cupboard. Starting in the middle of the box cut across the top, bottom and the right side to create the door. Use your choice of a knob or pull for the handle. On the left side use a marker to draw buttons with numbers on them and other controls such as 'Defrost' and 'Popcorn'. Make sure there is a box drawn for the clock/timer.
• Elaborate on the refrigerator as much as wanted. Cut the door and put a handle on it or cut out small ovals to pull the door open. Inside stack several boxes on top of each other, each with the front cut out. This will create shelves inside.