A place to create

I recently found a great deal on a Melissa and Doug workbench for kids.  The idea of a workbench was appealing but I wanted to use this workbench as a place for creating with all sorts of materials.  

The workbench is dedicated for creating and offers a variety of recycled and everyday materials for use in whatever way imaginable.  I envision it someday covered with markings and wear, showing evidence of projects past.  I want it to be a place where creativity comes first and making a mess isn't a concern.

Because I plan to stock it full of recycled materials for creating, I wanted to use some of these materials for organizing as an example of thinking "outside the box".  This shelf contains cotton balls, glue, markers, decorative edge scissors, google eyes, magnetic tape, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, tape, regular scissors, and left over craft projects to complete.

Below the work area is recycled cardboard, plastic containers, tin foil, cheesecloth, ribbon, and yarn.  And below that level are paper materials like magazines, colored paper, recycled envelopes, and newspaper.

My daughters have really been enjoying the space.  Very popular right now, is the magnetic tape which is magnet on one side and sticky on the other.  I cut it into small pieces and keep it in a box.  They love making magnets for the fridge and even came up with the idea of pipe-cleaner magnetic hearts.