A Little Crayon Box (and a Playroom Tour)

In our apartment, Ella’s crayons (yes, I pronounce it “crans.” What about it?) were in an open top tray on her table which meant there was never any room to actually DRAW on the table and also the tray was wood which meant it was completely crayon-ed up. A good look. But I couldn’t figure out a better solution. Happily, the stars aligned, and Plaid Kids Crafts sent me a box of supplies for Ella to use and Ella discovered a cassette tape box at Goodwill that she absolutely loved. (Disclosure: they sent me the supplies for free, but I wasn’t paid for this post. I should have paid them because it worked as a great babysitter while I unpacked boxes).

Time to make a new crayon box. Also, craft projects of any kind are basically Ella’s favorite thing in the entire world, so this project kept her happy for two solid hours.

She kept telling me, “Don’t look at this! You’ll ruin it all.” So I didn’t look.

Step 2. Pour out a little paint (this one glows in the dark) and let your child stencil all over it.

Step 3. Break out the glittery Mod Podge.

Let her use it to glue the insides of the stencils to the top and side of the box and then seal over the top of it. Feel happy that this kind of glitter won’t end up all over your floors.

Step 4. Stencil words on the front (word to the wise – “Crayons” won’t fit. Wipe it off and try again).

Step 5. Let it dry, then rejoice when you can toss all the crayons in with room to spare. Stick it in the art basket in the playroom.

(You can see more kid summer craft project ideas on Plaid’s Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest accounts, or on their blog).

And now, onto the playroom tour (I know. Hold onto your hats. Who knew a Friday could be this exciting?).

I’m starting to realize why more people don’t do house tours on their blog. You never QUITE feel like things are done. I’d still like a large bulletin board for over the bookshelf, I think, and I’ve considered doing a garland like this over the windows, but I shall forge ahead anyway.

Ella is always asking, “Can I go play in my playroom?” (Um, yes. It’s YOUR playroom. For playing).

This is the view of the playroom from the living room (the front door is on my far left down a hallway, so you can’t see this from the front door). That doorway on the right, just past the clock is the kitchen.

The view from the kitchen (I stood on a bunch of cereal crumbs while I took this photo. Ani needs to learn how to sweep up after herself).

Sources:
Curtains: IKEA
Cityscape Canvas: made by me
Chair: from Ralphie (who bought it on Craigslist)
Red Pillow: made by Gretchen
Yellow crocheted blanket: made by my Mom
Library Basket: Ross
Blue Quilt: made by my Aunt Miriam
Red Toy Bin: Target ($2.50 on Fourth of July clearance)
Table & Chairs: IKEA
Kitchen Set: Amazon, gift from my parents
Bookshelf: IKEA
Baskets: IKEA