Kids love to keep you company in the kitchen, and a set of toy pots, dishes, and food will keep them busy pretend-cooking while you get to the real thing. But even kid-size playthings can leave a big mess, and a play kitchen for storing them can be pricey. Jean Williamson from San Marcos, California, came up with the perfect solution for her two little wanna-be gourmets: an easily and inexpensively constructed play kitchen that houses all the paraphernalia of her budding chefs.

	Materials
	• 2 pairs of stacking shelves (Lowe's had larger units for around $14 each) • Scrap of plywood (at least 2' x 4') • Assorted self-tapping screws • Latex paint • Assorted design elements: a spout fashioned from the scrap wood from the sink hole, hooks to hang pot holders, junk mail CD-ROMs for the range burners, and wooden sink and stove knobs painted with acrylics

	Tools
	Jig saw, Drill, Paint Brush, and Screwdriver

1. The kitchen's base is stacking shelves intended for closet organization. Stack a pair on each side (you may need to cut the shelves down to size with a jigsaw.) Set the shelves about a foot apart, then measure and cut a countertop and backsplash from the plywood.

2. Drill a starter hole, then use a jigsaw to cut a hole in the countertop just large enough to hold a rimmed metal bowl.

3. Screw the backsplash to the counter and give the unit a coat of latex paint.

4. Fun details really seal the deal: painted flowers on the backsplash, a spout fashioned from the scrap wood from the sink hole, hooks to hang pot holders, junk mail CD-ROMs for the range burners, and wooden sink and stove knobs painted with acrylics (drill a pilot hole, then screw them in place). For the elegant finale, a cafe rod and clip-on hooks hold a fabric-scrap curtain.

"It worked out great and gets many hours of use!" Jean gushes. "And when the kids outgrow it, I can reuse the shelves to organize my closets!"