April 3, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 23 You would be hard-pressed to find a parent who isn’t looking for more storage space for children’s toys. As the latest toys and accessories hit store shelves, kids covet these items and want to make them their own. This can lead to overcrowding in children’s rooms and family areas. A solution to the toys children are bound to collect is an attractive and functional storage area. A toy chest can offer just what the average homeowner is looking for. Plus, building a toy chest can be a project the avid do-it-yourselfer can tackle, perhaps with children serving as pintsized helpers. Toy chests can be made in a variety of sizes depending on the available space. The following supplies will be needed: • plywood sheets • strap hinges or metal hinges • corner braces • screws • power drill • circular saw or hand saw • sander • paint or stain Figure out the dimensions to the toy chest. Mark out the sides, bottom, front, and lid of the toy chest and cut to size. It may be safer to have two small lids that close toward the center of the chest instead of one larger lid that can close on children's fingers, unless safety hinges are used. As an added safety precaution, be sure the front face of the toy chest is smaller than the other panels so the lid does not meet the panel. This allows room for small fingers, and ensures that they cannot get trapped beneath the lid. The bottom of the toy chest should also be smaller than Toy chest: A do-it-yourself project for parents the total dimension so that the side and front panels will overlap and the bottom will fit inside. Use the corner brackets and screws to secure each panel together. Once the chest is secure, attach the lid with the hinges of choice. This is a basic toy chest design. The chest can also be customized with paint or by routering a decoration right into the wood. In addition, handles can be made out of rope and secured to the chest sides by drilling small holes and inserting the rope, then knotting the ends. If intricate designs or painting will be done to the toy chest, it may be easier to decorate the individual pieces prior to assembly. This allows the application of paint, stencils, stain, or clear-coating before hardware is attached. It’s easier to maneuver individual pieces rather than the completed chest. Involve children in the design of the toy chest. Gear it to the theme of the bedroom. If it will be in a family area, design it so it coordinates with furniture already in the space.