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Jaime Costiglio

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DIY Pretend Play Market

October 7, 2016

It’s a big day as we share the first gift build in the Handbuilt Holiday series for 2016 and we’re starting with this DIY pretend play market. 
diy pretend play market
Thank you for joining Ana White and myself for another year of Handbuilt Holiday gift builds.  Each year we come up with 12 gift projects you can build and give for the holidays and we have free plans for all of them!

handbuilt holiday series 2016
We always begin in October with the bigger, more complicated builds so you have time to complete them before the holidays roll around.  Ana has the plans for this pretend play market today, isn’t it the cutest idea and so versatile too!
diy pretend play market

Ana designed the rolling counter display to fit perfectly under the stationary shelving.  Pull it out and you have a checkout counter, I added a chalkboard sign or spin it around and you have display shelves for more market shopping!

diy pretend play market cubbies
To be honest I might have to steal this piece for my craft space.  Or even for kids books or toy storage, truly it’s not just a play market, it could serve many purposes.
diy pretend play market
The rolling counter display shelf fits four small crates perfectly.
diy pretend play market rolling counter small crates
On the reverse side I used eye hooks to hold a chalkboard sign.  The eye hooks also make perfect little finger pulls when rolling the counter out.  
diy pretend play market rolling counter chalkboard sign
The chalkboard sign is 1/4″ plywood mounted to 1x2s at top and bottom with hooks screwed into the top:
diy pretend play market rolling counter chalkboard sign
diy pretend play market
What is it about bins that make us so happy?  More bins please!
diy pretend play market bins
Ana has the free plans here but please be sure to read through my building tips below before beginning.
Note Ana’s plans call for 1×12 boards but I used plywood only because I like to build with what I have on hand.  Boards are much more user friendly but plywood will work too.
diy pretend play market shelf dividers
When attaching the shelf dividers cut scrap wood to use as spacers, this way all the dividers are guaranteed to be in the exact same spot and bonus no measuring!
tongue and groove front panel
I built the rolling counter piece a little different than the plans again because I had these tongue and groove boards on hand.  The front panel is cut to length with 45 degree beveled edges.  I used 1×1 square molding at the corners to secure the boards together and provide stability for the unit.
tongue and groove front panel
Above you can see the 45 degree bevel.  3 – 1×6 tongue and groove cut to length plus a 1×3 for extra height.  Be sure to leave a 3/4″ space at the bottom of the 1×1 in order to fit the base piece.
tongue and groove front panel
Attach the front panel to the top using pocket holes.
rolling counter shelf interior
Above you can see the interior of the rolling counter piece.  The shelf is 1/2″ plywood notched at the corners and attached with wood glue and finish nails.
pretend play market build
I always leave the backing off until the project is painted, it’s much easier to access those cubbies with open access from the back.

decoart outdoor living poolside

The pretend play market is painted with DecoArt Americana Decor Outdoor Living exterior / interior paint in poolside.  It gives a great, durable eggshell finish without a top coat.  I only used one coat and got great coverage.
pretend play market backing
Paint the backing separately and then attach using wood glue and finish nails.

pretend play market chalkboard side panels
I opted to add framed out chalkboard side panels (mostly because I ran out of paint 🙁 ) but it’s a fun spot to chalk too.  Use flat moulding mitered to create a long rectangle and attach with wood glue and finish nails.
pretend play market free plans
Thanks for following along with our series.  Be sure to check back every Friday through Christmas for a new gift build idea!
A few other kids sized pretend play pieces you might be interested in:
kids pretend playstand boutique
A boutique for kids who love dress up.

kids pretend playstand menagerie
This menagerie was meant for animals but it a great idea for market style storage bins.

kids pretend playstand patisserie
Or how about a sweet shop?  Free plans for the patisserie here.

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Filed Under: 2016, BUILD, DESKS, DIY, FURNITURE, FURNITURE, GAMES & TOYS, HANDBUILT HOLIDAY, PAINT, STORAGE4 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeanie Create & Babble says

    October 8, 2016 at 12:20 PM

    This is great build Jaime! And you're right, while my granddaughter would love this, I could use one in my craft room! Pinned!

    Reply
  2. Julie Spear says

    October 8, 2016 at 2:57 PM

    This is so cool! I LOVE this series and look forward to it every year! Don't have little ones at home anymore, but have been pinning away on my 'Future Grandbabies Fun' board! I know you all do other gift ideas too though, and items that could be repurposed in many ways… Eager to see all the posts in this series… You guys ROCK!

    Reply
  3. Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says

    October 30, 2016 at 4:14 PM

    I just love this idea! I think my son would still love to play with it.

    Reply
  4. Renee Lynette (Miller) Mysliwiec says

    November 26, 2016 at 5:58 AM

    Where did you get all the cute pretend food and pastries?

    Reply

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