New Chef's Kitchen

Natalie's Christmas present from Santa was this retro kitchen. So, in an attempt to make a BIG toy look like it's in the right place in our little house, I decided to make a corner of my kitchen into Natalie's own kitchen.

To keep with the retro look, I figured the black & white "tile" look would work. I cut out black and white construction paper and taped them to the wall just to make sure I would actually like this idea before I broke out the paint.


Next step: Draw, Tape & Paint

Wow, this part (the main part) took DAYS to do. Not only did I spend HOURS making sure my lines were just right, once I started painting I also had to let one set of squares dry before I could tape the other set, and so on and so forth. And not to mention that I really couldn't do it with Natalie awake - so only at nap time or at night. However, as you can see I was a little anxious to get started and painted the first set of squares with her there. She decided she wanted to help (go figure) so I gave her some watercolors and she happily painted the wall purple!





Perhaps she is realizing her watercolors are a little different than the paint I was using.


Well after a LOT of painting and taping and then a LOT of touch-up work, I tackled the molding. Michael helped with some of the wood cutting but I was brave and finished up the rest. I LOVE our miter saw! Anyway, the reason for the post tonight is that I finalized the kitchen with her little apron rack I screwed into the wall. I did this while she was taking a shower and as soon as she was done I called her over to see the final touch. She was SO excited! She immediately dressed her naked body with her chef hat and apron and started cooking away!




"Um, it needs a little more pepper."


"Mom, seriously, stop taking pictures of my backside!"




I am so happy with the results. It was a lot of work, but well worth it. In fact, I may be in love with Natalie's kitchen more than she is!