Q: I love all of the DIY play kitchens and activity tables that have been featured on Ohdeedoh. However, I am stumped on a similar project - the toy washing machine. My daughter is very interested in helping with the laundry right now, and would really enjoy one, however the price tag for the cool wooden washers is a little out of reach for us. We could do a really simple version, but we would love to figure out how to build one with a turning barrel.
Sent by Sarah

Examples of turning barrel toy washing machines:
(left) Plan Toys Washing Machine
(right) Little Colorado Washing Machine
Editor: We'd love to know your ideas too! Please share them with Sarah in the comments.
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Shaw's Original Fir...
Ana White of www.knockoffwood.com fame has a fabulous plan if you'd like to DIY - it's free!!!
http://www.knock-offwood.com/2009/12/plans-toy-washing-machine.html
Here’s a step by step plan for building a toy washing machine from Knock Off Wood:
http://www.knock-offwood.com/2009/12/plans-toy-washing-machine.html
There is also this cardboard DIY version from Petite Planet:
http://petiteplanet.blogspot.com/2010/03/build-your-own-cardboard-play-washer.html
What about using two nesting metal bowls to make a spinning tub? Drill throught the bottom of both and secure together: bolt head, washer, small bowl, washer, large bowl, back of unit, nut. This should isolate the smaller bowl so it can spin freely inside the unit. Could also use plastic bowls (metal just seems more 'real' to me!
OH or a cheap salad spinner inside a box with a flip lid as a top loader!!