DIY IKEA HACK: Mini Makerspace

Makerspaces do not have to be huge hubs of creativity only found in fancy children's museums. Why not re-purpose some affordable IKEA furniture into a mini makerspace for your children to play with at home. It can be done for less than $50 with this simple hack.

 

 

Materials Needed:

• IKEA MALA Easel, $19.99
• Creative QT Peel 'n Stick Baseplates, 10" x 10" 4 pack, Green, $29.95
• Selection of building bricks (we used LEGO, but DUPLO and MEGA BLOKS will also work)
• We used our LEGO Storage Jars (see blog post), but the bricks can be put in any type of container or just loose on the tray

 

Materials Needed:

• IKEA MALA Easel, $19.99
• Creative QT Peel 'n Stick Baseplates, 10" x 10" 4 pack, Green, $29.95
• Selection of building bricks (we used LEGO, but DUPLO and MEGA BLOKS will also work)
• We used our LEGO Storage Jars (see blog post), but the bricks can be put in any type of container or just loose on the tray

 

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Easel

Lay the easel flat by unhooking the tray section. You can use either the chalkboard side or the whiteboard side. Be sure to give the surface a wipe clean and then dry thoroughly.

 

Step 2: Plan the Baseplate Placement

Place your four Peel 'n Stick Baseplates in the center of the chalkboard. We just 'eyeballed' the placement, but if you want to be more precise measure the gap left at each edge. Once you are happy with the baseplate placement, use LEGO bricks to connect the four baseplates.

 

 

Step 3: Peel 'n Stick the Baseplates- No Glue Required!

Remove one of the baseplates, but keep the LEGO bricks attached to the removed baseplate. Peel the red backing away, and carefully line it up with the neighboring baseplates. Once the connecting LEGO bricks lock into place firmly push down. Use the palm of your hand to ensure all areas of the baseplate are in good contact with the chalkboard. It might help to put your other hand behind the chalkboard to offer some resistance.

 

 

Step 4: Prepare to Play

Stand up the easel and add some building bricks of your choice. Our Peel 'n Stick Baseplates are LEGO, DUPLO and MEGA BLOKS compatible. We added a twist by presenting the LEGO bricks in our fun storage jars.

 

 

How to make the most of your Mini Maker Space:

Children will love the novelty of building on a vertical surface. They will also enjoy having such a big surface to work with. Here are some awesome play based learning activities to enjoy.

 

Number Towers:

Encourage your kids to work on their numeracy skills by building number towers. There is the fun option to build either vertical or horizontally!

 

 

Letter Building:

Use letter flashcards as building prompts for your kids. You'll be amazed at how creative they can be with the building bricks you provide!

 

 

Make a Self-Portrait:

Why not combine some art and building at the same time. Kids will love the challenge of using building bricks to construct their own faces!

 

 

We love this makerspace easel, it gets used daily by our kids. It is portable and versatile, which opens so many building opportunities. We also love how it encourages vertical building and creating on a relatively large surface.

 

 

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Creative QT designs quality + innovative toys that declutter homes and inspire creative play. Founded by parents of five, Adam and Dana Sue Hinkle, Creative QT’s vision is to empower parents and encourage a culture of families that Make Time Together. All products are designed to enrich families’ lives through active, creative play and play based learning. Creative QT products are laboratory tested for compliance with CPSC requirements and are free of lead, cadmium and phthalates so you can play with confidence. So, go ahead … today is the day: be your kid’s hero.

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