Activities, Crafts, DIY Projects, For the Kids, Kids Stuff

Sensory Table

I had a huge request on how to make this sensory table. What I love about my set up is it’s extremely versatile, switching from a water table, to a rice or sand bin within minutes. I can set up various activities within minutes:

  • Water Table
  • Art Table
  • Science Activities
  • Play Dough
  • Sand or Rice Bin
  • Lego Table
  • A place for puzzles or blocks
  • Stem activities like Magna-tiles

I’m going to share with you my basic set up, where to purchase much of the core items. Then I’ll break down what I bought for my water table/science experiment lab. First thing you will need to do is buy regular pegboard material from Home Depot or Menards and cut it to size. This measures 46 by 24 inches. Then you can spray paint it or use acrylic paint. If you plan to spray with spray paint, you will need two coats which will equal about 2 cans. I also recommend a clear polyuethane top coat to protect it from water.

I added a 14 x 14 whiteboard that is magnetic. This works great to attach our water wow book pages. Attached them to the magnetic whiteboard and color with water. I also just set out regular paint brushes instead of the fancy plastic one it comes with. They can just dip their brush straight in the water and paint more naturally. I also bought color changing Disney Cars. We fill up one section of very warm water. Then we fill up the sink with extremely cold water. You can add ice in the bin or put cold packs in.

Color changing light cubes $34.95: Glo Pals Light up Sensory Cubes from Amazon * The ones pictures were not glo pals brand. I recommend using Glo Pals brand. I also just seen some fun light up toys clearance out at Walmart for $3.00 for a two pack.

Here you can see how I swap out items from water play. Now it has become an activity center. And my lovely whiteboard now doubles as a place to stick magna-tiles or fun character magnets.

Exploring bugs in resin $69 : Bugs in Resin from Amazon

Plastic Bugs $12.99: Plastic bugs from Amazon

Light up board $15.98: Light up Board from Amazon *This has to be plugged into an outlet in order to turn one. So keep that in mind when placing your table. I also recommend supervision since it’s plugged in. I hid the cord behind the table. This will be an area they can set magnates to light up as well.

I attached the light up board using command velcro adhesive strips. I also attached the whiteboard using these.

I plan to switch this up around the holidays. So I will post more of our fun activities. If you aren’t already subscribed, please follow my blog. I appreciate the support!

Crafts and Decor, DIY Projects, For the Kids

Restoring our Rainbow Playset

IMG_20170530_195728_105We are so excited to have this new addition to our house! It took a ton of sweat equity and a whole lot of love to bring this baby back to life.

We were able to purchase this used Rainbow Playset for a heck of a deal. It was however painted brick red and much of the paint was wasting away. Oh how I wish I would have saved a “before” photo so you could see how much it’s changed.

It took us about 3 days straight of stripping paint, sanding and staining but it was well worth the effort. Now when I look at this playset I can admire all our hard work. Here is how we did it . . .

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DIY Projects

DIY Barn Door Headboard

IMG_20170507_211556_220A close friend of mine had an old barn that collapsed recently and she let us have some of the barn wood. We were so lucky to be given this rustic jem because it’s not easy to come by.

I decided to re-purpose the distressed wood into an amazing king size headboard that would become a statement piece for our master bedroom. I put my husband to work on this one and he taught me some of his carpentry skills. Here is how we did it:

Continue reading “DIY Barn Door Headboard”