Just over a year ago, when I was looking around for finish touches for the nursery, my mom suggested I get a growth chart to mark Annie's progress as she grew.  I loved the idea and went on a hunt to find the perfect one. Despite my best efforts, I came up short - underwhelmed by the selection and quality. 

That's when my DIY brain kicked in and said, "if you can't find it, make it." 

Over the past few months, I sketched out a bunch of ideas and finally settled on one that fit my daughter's Parisian themed room: A glittering Eiffel Tower with colorful, old-world hot air balloons, set against a sunset sky and the words "Up, Up & Away" on a scroll beneath. 

Dreaming it up and sketching it turned out to be much easier than actually creating it. 

The first step was to purchase a roll of painters canvas that was already primed.  The effort of doing so completely exhausted me and I had to leave the canvas rolled up in its packaging for months on end while I recuperated.  Or, I suppose there is the slightest chance I was simply overwhelmed by the project and procrastinating like a champ.   

Finally, as the scrunchkin's birthday drew near (and I couldn't take the roll of canvas staring accusingly at me every time I passed it...), I heaved a sigh, collected supplies and broke the process down, step by step. 

I knew I wanted to mount the chart about 1 foot off of the ground and for it to measure up to 5 feet with a few extra inches at the top.  I also had to allow 1 extra inch on each side for hemming and 2 inches on the top and bottom.  After measuring 20 times to make sure I wasn't screwing it up, I cut a length of material 4' 10".  (The width didn't matter so much to me, so I didn't bother cutting it down). 

Hemming the canvas was not the easiest task ever.  I purchased heavy thread and an upholstery needle for the sewing machine and bumbled through the first side before claiming defeat and requesting help from my oh-so-patient mother.


The additional two inches of material at the top and bottom was hemmed to create a small pocket that would eventually hold a dowel.  (The idea with the dowel was to add some structure and heft to the chart, though, after finishing it, I don't know that it was entirely necessary.)  I also gave the hems a quick coat of paint just to decrease the chance of them unraveling.

Once the canvas was ready to go, I laid it on the floor and began painting in the background. 

I should note here that I am NOT an artist.  In fact, other than walls, I have never painted anything  in my life.  I can't teach anyone technique or style or method or theory... I can just tell you how I went about this process.  The one thing that I CAN tell you unequivocally is that Brushes Matter.  The first set I got were crap and wound up leaving hairs in all of the paint.  Very annoying.

Using a wide flat brush dipped in water, I swirled pinks, blues and purples onto the canvas in varying degrees of opacity.  I added some pearl white in soft swirls for clouds, and then left the whole thing to dry.


Once the background was completely set,  I used a pencil and a ruler to carefully mark out the measurements on both edges.  I used a stencil for the numbers and only marked up to 5 feet.  Instead of using paint, I traced over the pencil measurements with a silver Sharpie.  It gave me a much neater line, and I like that the silver doesn't look too harsh against the rest of the pastels.


 Again, using light pencil strokes, I transferred the images from my sketch onto the canvas.
 
After that, the work became all about painting.  As I said, I'm not an artist, so the process was a bit of trial and error: a deep navy for the Eiffel Tower; lavender, slipper pink and sunny yellows for the flowers; vines of fresh green and brightly hued balloons... everything sweet and light and wonderfully girly.  


To do the lettering inside the scroll, I utilized a simple technique I've used for other projects.  I found a font that I liked online and enlarged and printed the words "Up, Up & Away."  I flipped the print out over and used the side of a pencil to shade a solid block over the back of the text. 

Then I flipped the printout back over, placed it where I wanted it on the scroll, and traced over the words with a ballpoint pen.  As I pressed down, the pencil on the back of the paper marked the canvas, and, once I was done, it was an easy job to remove the paper and paint in the outlined text. 


Once everything was completely dry, I added a few finishing touches.  I hot glued pink paper mache roses to one balloon and made a small flag banner out of washi tape and baker's twine for the other.   The Eiffel Tower got a wash of clear glitter paint as well as a stippled border, and I was going to leave at that...until I found strips of rhinestone adhesive.  I mean, I would have been a fool to pass that up. 


In my wanderings through the craft store, I also came across some tiny pieces of canvas stamped with French themes - I thought they'd be adorable as height markers (I'll use a fabric pen to write on the back the date and the exact height).  I actually kinda like that they have a old world charm but tone down the babyish-ness of the project.  I burned the edges a bit to underscore the vintage look and will eventually create a pocket on the back of the canvas to store the extra pieces.



I cut down a dowel to fit in both the top and bottom pocket of the canvas and stapled a satin ribbon to the wood in order to hang it.  Satin and gossamer bows were another last minute addition but they somehow make it feel more finished. 


Last but not least, I turned the project over and added a small, handwritten note: "No matter how big you get,  you'll always be my baby."  It seemed like an important reminder.

I have to say, I'm really pleased with how it turned out.  No, it's probably not the finest example of artistry, but it's something that took me a lot of time and effort to create.  It's something that can go from house to house with us.  Something that Annie can roll up and keep, even when she's too big for hot air balloons and glitter and rhinestones.  Maybe even something she can share with her little munchkin.  And hopefully, every time she looks at it, she'll know how very much she is loved.

I can hardly believe I'm saying this, but...my Baby Girl is turning ONE this week!  How did it happen so quickly?!  I find myself having a case of the feels several times a day as we approach the milestone, which is mildly annoying as I have to then reapply mascara regularly (waterproof, shmaterproof.) 

In the spirit of growth and nostalgia, I started looking back at what I was doing this time last year (other than harboring a bona fide fear of developing my own orbit).  I thought it might be interesting to take a look at the nursery then and now - what I loved, what I hated and all the other practical changes that have happened in a year. 

Last you saw the nursery, it looked like this...


...and for the most part, it hasn't changed tremendously.  Now, it looks more like this:


A lot of it is very much the same, and it still is my favorite room in the house (amazing, as it was my least favorite back in the office days). 

What I Love
 
I am still incredibly glad I chose a lot of pieces that weren't too baby-ish.  The dresser is elegant and sophisticated and, if the Scrunchkin grows to dislike the style somewhere down the road, it can be repurposed in almost any room in the house. 



Likewise, the crib (which is convertible, as many are nowadays) won't look too little girl-y when it becomes a head and footboard.   The framed pictures over the crib will also stick around much longer than smaller baby-themed ones as her room continues to change. 



Skipping the changing table?  Best. Call. Ever.  The changing pad is really all I need, and, despite a few creative changing-table-hacks I've seen, a piece of furniture that takes up room and has offers very little in the way of storage would have annoyed the snot out of me.  THAT, however, takes us to...

Senor Toddlesworth does not see a problem...except, perhaps, the camera in his face...

Sewing is not my strong suit.  I've stated this before, but it bears repeating.  Yes, I can do basic things- buttons or zippers, straight lines, small fixes - but making things... not sew much (see what I did there? Hilarious!). 

Recently, however, I was helping my dad update his guest room, and spied a fantastic, under-utilized wooden surface in their bay window.  It had been functioning as kind of a catchall for books, alarm clocks and various other things, but the bright, sunny area seemed like the perfect window seat - all it needed was a cushion and a few throw pillows to up the cozy factor.



Sewing a trapezoidal cushion was definitely out.  Instead, I turned to one of my favorite crafting tools in my kit: my staple gun.  All I needed were a few additional supplies.

My dad purchased a thin piece of MDF at a hardware store for a few bucks.   A few easy cuts later, he had trimmed it down to the shape of the window seat leaving a one inch margin on each side.

 
A quick trip to the craft store and we picked up high density upholstery foam (you can also buy this at Walmart, Lowes, Amazon...really anywhere), Poly fill quilt batting and three yards of fabic.   (Make sure to check your phone for coupons!! Most times you can get 40-50% off of your highest priced item!)


Laying the wood on top of the foam, I used a sharpie to trace the shape, adding the extra inch back in on all sides.  (Basically, this will keep all of the edges of your finished product soft and cushion-y).   The next step was to cut the shape out.  I used some heavy duty scissors but a serrated knife might work better  (Patience may be a virtue but it ain't one of mine).



After the foam was cut, I laid out the batting, placed the foam on top, and the wood on top of that.  Then I wrapped the batting around and stapled it in place.  Woot! It's a seat!


Finally, I laid the fabric face down, centered the cushion on top and went to town with the stapler.  I folded the front up first, and then worked on neatly folding the corners (pics below), and then the back. 


And that was it!  Super easy, inexpensive and really comfortable.
 

I'm whipping up a few throw pillows to tie in with the greens and golds they selected but meanwhile, the cushion has made the space much more welcoming.  I've also been informed that the most important resident approves of the new sun-soaked, squishy spot.  And, really, that's all that matters.


Have a great week!

Hello, friends!  Long time, no talk!  I apologize for the radio silence.  It's been a crazy couple of weeks.  I went to Houston to visit my best friend and followed it up with a rousing round of stomach flu.  Good times! Things are starting to get back to normal, though(whatever that means), and I'm trying to find my stride with my now very mobile puffling in tow.

The time I spent in Texas got me good and ready for some warmer weather here, and I'm getting very excited for spring and my munchkin's first Easter.   Bring on the sunshine!  Bring on the bunnies, ducks and geese!  Bring on pastels!  Bring on the floral dresses!  Bring on the handfuls of Cadbury Mini Eggs!!  (World's. Best. Candy.)

I spent some time this week pulling down the winter decor, and, with the help of Target, a local farmers market and one fabulous blogger, added some spring cheer to my home.


I started by filling a large green glass jar with spring branches.  (I would love to use real branches from the woods out back, however a certain furry critter that lives in our house has a tendency to eat them and I'm not sure that's in his best interest.  If your house doesn't contain a mildly idiotic cat, I highly recommend going the free route).  I added my one of my favorite spring decorations - a big fat verdigris bird - and an over-sized art book from one of my favorite artists.


Target's Dollar Spot came through with the sweet little wooden bunny light garland.  So cute!  I can see using that in the scrunchkin's room for years to come.


Kellie, a fantastic blogger and designer extraordinaire, created and shared some adorable spring printables at her website Nest of Posies.  Initially, I just matted and framed the beautiful watercolor egg art, but I think I may go back and add her spring quote art as well.  It is just too darn pretty!

Finally, I added some colorful (cat-friendly) posies to my monogram etched glass vase (tutorial here) and left well enough alone.


And speaking of posies...
Okay, so it's possible I went a little nuts with the flowers.  I feel no shame.  I stopped by the local farmers market with the intent of picking up a small bouquet, but they all just looked so cheery and they were all so CHEAP that I couldn't resist getting a few bunches.  I wound up getting 2 dozen pink roses, a huge batch of baby's breath, and a huge batch of purple stock for $9.50.  Hard to beat!


I added a few roses and shoots of stock to the purple flowers that remained from my Valentine's day bouquet (thanks, honey!) and arranged them in a footed hurricane on the pedestal table in the middle of the living room.  It's one of the first things you see when you walk in the door and the colors make me so happy!

The Boyd's rabbit (named Emily) was a gift from my mother when I was in college!  She's gone with me everywhere since!

 The majority of the blooms went into a galvanized bucket (also from Target's dollar spot), wrapped with some twine.  I love the juxtaposition between the somewhat rustic container and the slightly formal flowers.  It has a just-picked-from-my-nonexistent-garden feel. 


A few more flowers and a bright bowl of eggs got tucked into my demilune entry table.  The eggs are the perfect height for the scrunchkin to play with.  It's like the world's easiest Easter egg hunt. 

The last little spot in the corner received some life with greenery, my favorite chunky candlesticks and another Target Dollar Spot buy: this sweet little white rabbit.  (I dressed him up with one of my daughter's hair bows).  I have to be careful with what I put in reach of little hands, and his carved look is actually made of plastic and is perfect for my delicate little angel Vlad the Destroyer. 

The results make me so happy!  I love seeing the bright colors and cheerful displays.  While winter gasps its last outside, my living room looks like it's ready for Peter Cottontail himself. 

My goal now is to give some much needed attention to a few of the rooms I tend to ignore, and a good spring cleaning to some organizationally challenged spots that somehow never manage to make it in front of the camera :)  Hopefully it won't take me another two weeks to get around to it!

Have a great week friends!

 
From Wayfair commercials to the Ballard Designs catalog to the shelves at Pottery Barn, I've been seeing glass base lamps everywhere lately, and I love them.  Something about their whimsical shapes, barely there colors and the way the light plays off of the shimmery surfaces has me thinking of rocky beaches, cups of tea and curling up in a window seat with a good book.  There is the slight problem of not having a rocky beach, a window seat, or time to read, but hey, at least I can have a pretty lamp.

Source 1, Source 2, Source 3

As per usual, I'm not a huge fan of the prices listed for the lamps I'm finding, which range anywhere from $150-$229.  I should also note that those prices are generally for the base only.  As that's a wee bit out of my price range at present, I stuck the lamp on my "someday" wishlist and didn't think too much more about it.

Then, the other day, while at Ross looking for some storage containers, I came across a gorgeous, over-sized iridescent vase (jar?) made completely of recycled glass for $7.99.  Naturally, I scooped it up (I'd be a fool not to).  On the way home, it occurred to me that it would be perfect for a High/Low project.  I'd never made a lamp before, but I'd seen kits, and decided to figure out a way to make it work.  The result turned out much better than I expected.

How pretty is this vase?  I love the way it changes colors in different light!

I scouted out prices on lamp kits and discovered that the cheapest option was good ol' Wally World (Walmart).  Though they had a regular Bottle Lamp Kit ($6), I went ahead and picked up a 3-Way Lamp Kit as well ($7).  The prices were low and I can always use the extra pieces for another lamp down the road.

Having a small arsenal of decor items has helped me on more than one occasion, and it came through again with a spare lampshade that was just the right size.  (TIP: If you find yourself in need of a lampshade for this or any other projects, I highly recommend checking Ross first.  They almost always have a decent supply and their prices are dirt cheap.)



The first step was to drill a small hole in the bottom of the lamp for the cord to thread through.  Being married to a handyman rockstar is fairly helpful on these occasions, and he went to town with glass drill bits (Please, please, please wear eye protection if you decide to do this!!).  After the cord hole was big enough, I washed the vase (there's a lot of glass dust left on it) and let it dry overnight.

Between the two, the bottle kit came in the most handy as it included several sizes of adapters (rubber corks with holes in the center).  Initially I though the largest of these would work, and went ahead with threading the lamp nipple (didn't make that up, but it does make me giggle) through the hole.  At this point I started to feel that the size was still the tiniest bit too small for the opening on my bottle/jar/prettyglassthingy (that's a technical decor term), so, after some thought, I wrapped it several times with electricians tape.  This wound up working out quite well as the rubbery surface made it perfect for wedging snugly in, however the black made it stand out a little too much for my liking.   I gave it a good coating of silver spray paint (along with several other elements that I would be using) and left it to dry.  


Initially, I intended to walk you through the process of actually wiring the lamp, but the truth is, the kits give far better instructions than I do (plus I don't want to be responsible if you accidentally electrocute yourself).  What I can tell you is, it's a fairly easy, straightforward process.  You'll want to have a Phillips head screwdriver, wire strippers and needle-nose pliers on hand to expedite the process, and, if you plan to use a harp, make sure you insert the harp bottom before the socket cap.  Also worth mentioning: for whatever reason, the kit instructions don't tell you to make sure that you thread the cord through the bottle BEFORE inserting the adapter.  Yes, this should be common sense, but, for those who haven't done it before, it might get overlooked.




Once the lamp itself was wired, the lamp was essentially done. 

I cannot say enough how much I love the way this glass appears to change colors based on the light and its surroundings.  Aquas, blues, greens, purples and magentas... it's like sunset in a bottle :)

The harp that was included in one of the kits was higher than I wanted, so I exchanged it with the harp from an unused lamp.  (If you don't have one and need one, you can buy an adjustable harp at Walmart).  Because the harp can't be seen once the shade is on, I didn't bother spray painting it. 



The rest was gravy:  I added the shade, screwed on the now-silver finial, and Voila!  My gorgeous DIY Glass Bottle Lamp was done!! 

The bleached burlap shade plays a nice counterpart to the iridescent luster of the glass

 It's currently hanging out on my demilune entry table and I'm playing with how to style around it.  It throws great light up the stairs and I'm really glad that I went with the three way light kit.  The best part?  My beautiful Glass Bottle Lamp which costs hundreds of dollars in stores was less than $20 to make.  Killin' it.


Have a marvelous week, friends and leave me some love in the comments!!