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.

 
Happy Earth Day weekend, everyone!!
In honor of this special day, I'm doing a project that has absolutely nothing to do with it.  Yay!

As someone who puts a lot of time and energy into projects, I am constantly on the lookout for new things to try.  Generally this means that, at any given time, I have about twenty new products piled up waiting for me to find the time to play.  This week I actually got around to testing one of them.

One of the trends that is blowing up the blogosphere is using contact paper to re-cover...well, whatever.  In particular, using marble contact paper.   After drooling over all of the possibilities (Pinterest is a dangerous, dangerous thing), I of course, bounced out to Amazon to purchase some.  Some of the bloggers I've read have recommended purchasing a higher quality (read: more expensive) brand with the fear that a lower priced version might look cheap, but I was perfectly pleased with the 7.95 roll I got.  My only complaint is that the adhesive on the back isn't crazy sticky (which is probably good if you only want it to be temporary), but a quick shot with my spray adhesive fixed any issue there. 

Though I love some of the larger projects I've seen online, I didn't want to start out with anything that I might regret wasting money on.  Instead, I purchased a sweet little wooden box from Michaels (on clearance for $2.50) to use as a test subject. 



I unscrewed the hinges and removed the top.  Using rubbing alcohol, I gave the box a quick wipe down to remove any oils or particles that might not allow the contact paper to adhere properly  (I used to skip this step, as I'm the most impatient DIYer in the world, but it truly does help). 



Conveniently, the adhesive vinyl paper has a grid on the back which makes premeasuring and cutting super easy. 



I first cut out a strip to wrap around the exterior of the bottom half of the box.  Then I measured and cut three additional pieces for the surfaces of the top of the box. 

Working in a well-ventilated area, I covered each side with spray adhesive, and pressed the peeled contact paper along the exterior, using a ruler to smooth out any bubbles.  I highly, highly, highly recommend spraying and working on only one side at a time.  Peeling the paper as you go (instead of as one giant strip) is helpful as well. 


Once both sides of the box were covered, I used a craft knife to remove any overhang or tidy up any edges.  Then a used a fine grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.  Okay, it was actually my nail file.  Cause it was closer.  And that is how I do.

The final step was to put the hinges back on, which I wouldn't have to have done but I liked the look of the gold.  I debated adhering the gold "E" back on (It was broken off when I purchased it.  The reason it was on clearance in the first place, I believe.) but, so far, I'm liking it as is. 

 
I have to say, I'm kinda loving the marble contact paper.  I have a feeling we'll be living in a very marbly house in a few months. 



This end table (an Ikea hack - I love those!) done by Style Me Pretty is so cute and looks as though it's much more expensive.  This may be happening shortly. 

Marble end table from Style Me Pretty

I'm hoping to knock out a few more projects this weekend, so who knows.  Maybe an Ikea trip is in my future!!

Have a happy weekend everyone! 

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!

Do you ever get the feeling that The Universe has it in for you?  I swear, I must have tweaked off a Blog God somewhere, because every time I have a spare second to work this year, something happens.  This week, I actually managed to get some of the projects completed and shot (thanks to my awesome mom looking after the Scrunchkin for a bit) but then, when I sat down to edit and write... my space bar died.  How does that even happen?!

Soinsteadofwritingblogpoststhatlooklikethis, we wound up having to buy a new computer.  Kind of funny when I'm highlighting how to save money with Dollar Store purchases.  And in case you were wondering, turns out they don't have a computer section.  Not cool Dollar Tree.  Not cool.

Ah well.  Back to the savings at hand!

Last time we talked, I had done a little reorganizing in the kitchen.  This time I focused on three other annoying areas: laundry storage around the stacked washer and dryer in our dungeon basement;  restructuring our medicine/linen/supplies closet; and gift wrap storage in the nursery closet.

Laundry 

Before I launch into what I hate about this space (everything), let me make my sunshine-y disclaimer: I'm SUPER grateful for our apartment.  There are so many things that we have here that we've never had before (for example, the basement, a linen closet and more than one bedroom...), and I'm aware and grateful for what a blessing it is.  But I believe it's possible to be thankful for something and yet still frustrated by aspects.  Like: YAY for a basement with a washer and dryer! but BOO for the oubliette-like atmosphere that has Mordor looking like a cheery spot for a little R&R.

In addition to the decided lack of light, color and happiness that the basement provides, it also presents some issues with laundry storage.  The stacked washer and dryer are jammed in between the outside door and the water heater and furnace.  Up until now, I had been chucking all of the necessary laundry accessories (dryer sheets, lingerie bags, soap, stain remover, etc) in a black crate on top of a constantly-in-the-way storage table.  But I was determined to make the space a little more user-friendly.

Killin' it with my mad organizing skillz.

The Dollar Tree purchases that made the biggest difference here were a small plastic trash can, magnets, chip clips, flip top snack containers, a glass jar and spray bottles. 

My lingerie bags always seem to be in the way, stuck on something, or missing completely.  I gave them their own space by gluing magnets to one side of the trash can and sticking it to the side of the dryer.  The chip clips also got magneted (totally a word) and are now working as the keepers of lost socks.

Easy, cheap storage solutions for stackable washer/dryers

Everything else was evicted from the crate and sorted.  The detergent and Borax got re-homed into the flip top snack containers (SOOOO much easier to use), a spray bottle was filled with spot treatment, and clothespins were grouped into a glass jar. 

The two non-dollar purchases were a magnetic dryer sheet container (purchased at Walmart for $4, not available online) and an adorable rolling cart ($29.99 from Ikea and one of my favorite purchases ever).  The magnets on the dryer sheet container were a little loose, so I secured them with an extra spot of hot glue and it seems to work fine.  I replaced the in-the-way storage table with the much narrower rolling cart and popped all of the laundry accessories on the top.  I could not be happier with it.  It fits better, it moves more easily and it provides much better access to all of the laundering necessities. 

The rolling Ikea cart is just the right size for a barely-there laundry space.  Plus the pop of color makes me happy!!

Sure, I'd love to have a laundry room (or even closet) to work with.  For now, I've just got to make the most of the space I've got.

The Household Catch-All Closet

I'm not sure what it is about our linen closet that keeps it from staying nice.  I have a sneaking suspicion it may have to do with the male faction of the homestead and his amazing ability to be completely oblivious to any organizational system I attempt to implement.  I think he may be leading some sort of anti-segregation movement for the linen/medication/light bulb/cleaning supply constituent in our household and his form of peaceful protest is to ignore the oppressive delineation of the shelves and shove things back in in a more homogenized manner.  Power to the paraphernalia.

My most recent attempt was to embrace this proclivity.  For example, I found a large fabric bin to hold all of our medications, band aids, vitamins (etc) and then stacked them neatly inside.  I figured it would be easy to pull it out like a drawer, locate what you want, and then chuck it back in when done.  I hadn't really thought it through, however, and what I wound up with was a mini-pharmacy post-earthquake that was a real treat to wade through with a throbbing head.

So my solution this time was easy and straight forward:  Lots o' tubs.

One of my favorite things to buy at Dollar Tree are the plastic, shoebox-like, lidded tubs.  The size and shape are fairly universal, they stack well and they give you a uniformed look.  I pick some up almost every time I'm there and am always finding uses for them. 

For the closet, I pulled out all of our medications and light bulbs and sorted them into categories (btdubs, keep an eye on the dates on your medications.  Their potency diminishes after their expiration date.  For information on how to SAFELY dispose of your drugs, click here). 

Medications were split into four categories: Stomach, Bandages & Ointments, Cough & Cold and Pain, Allergy (etc).  Light bulbs, which I also struggle to find the best way to store (Stupid cardboard sleeves.  Whose brainchild was that?) were split into Regular, Vanity & Fixture and Specialty.  After everything had a place, it got labeled and stacked.  Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy.

In case you're wondering, Yes, all of the built in shelves are lopsided.  It's this kind of craftsmanship that makes a house a home.

After that, the process was fairly quick.  The cleaning supplies were corralled in a portable bin from the dollar store, the towels, washcloths, sheets and pillowcases were folded and replaced on their respective shelves (Linen Segregation Forever!), and all of the spare soaps and travel size toiletries were binned, labeled and tucked away.  (*Quick tip: For easy bed-changes, store folded sheet sets inside one of the pillowcases and stack).  
 

Neat and Tidy.  Now let's see how long it stays this way.

And finally...

Gift Wrap Storage in the Nursery Closet

You may be wondering why we're storing the gift wrap in the nursery to begin with, particularly when we have a craft space/office/guest room.  The short answer is, we're out of space.  The closet in the nursery has kind of become a bit of a catchall for the overflow in the house.  In addition to the Bumblebee's clothes, it houses my formal dresses (including my wedding gown), scrapbook supplies, diapers and gift wrap.  And the latter of these items was a mess.  

Before the nursery was a nursery, it was the office (read about that transformation here and here), and the wrapping paper was stylishly displayed in a Ballard Design's-esque metal basket.  When the office merged with the guest room, the basket was shoved into the closet.  And it ain't workin'.  



After pulling out all of the gift wrap and ribbon and ditching the basket, the closet became much more functional but I still had to store the items.  The Dollar Tree came through again.  I purchased a few cheap suit storage bags and a spring loaded curtain rod (they don't always have the curtain rods, so if you can't find them, you can pick one up at Walmart for cheap).  



I laid out the storage bags, inserted a sturdy hanger, and slipped in the rolls of wrap.  Perfect!  It took me only two bags to store 24 rolls of paper!  The bags are cheap and won't hold out forever, but for now they're great (and if I need to continue this method of storage, I'll just pick up sturdier suit bags).  

One bag for Christmas and one bag for all of the other celebrations!

The last step was to thread all of the ribbon spools onto the spring loaded rod and wedge it above the bar in the closet (a bookcase would work well too).  Now everything is accessible and streamlined!

I love how NARROW the bags make the footprint of the wrapping paper!

And, because I love a good before and after: 

Look at all that space!!  Who knew?

I'm so thrilled with how these little spots shaped up.  Obviously, there's plenty more I could do with a little more money and time, but for now, the changes are great little morale boosters.  

I'm off to reacquaint myself with my pillow and the back of my eyelids.  Here's hoping we all have drama-free, super productive weeks!  

Cheers, friends! 

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!