diy – Page 2

pumpkin centerpieces

I love fall. The textures and colors are welcomed little gems to the projects I’m …

prepping for a fall event

It’s fall, my heart is smiling, the spray paint is out, I’m tripping over pumpkins, …

deconstructed chair project

Just finished my latest chair project! Exposed webbing??? Yes please ❤ It turned out better …

Our nursery project is finally complete! And by “complete” I mean that we had to force ourselves to STOP. Like literally. I think we could have worked on this little project forever…and not because it was complicated or drawn out…but because it was a JOY. We loved this one folks. For reals.

I think I forgot how much fun putting together a room could be until this little number came along. AND it’s a nursery. Which means we got to swoon over the cutest accessories and the sweetest little details {like “Larry” above…<3}. AND our client was awesome and let us basically do whatever we wanted!? Yep. They didn’t have a direction in mind for this nursery but they trusted us, which also means they let us MAKE stuff. Oh the joy!!!

Here’s where we started…

The existing room was a blank slate. Beige carpet, beige walls, white blinds, and a ceiling fan.

Existing Room:

We came up with a design concept for them and helped them shop, shop, shop. We started with the most expensive of furnishings (like we always do for style and design) and then found better priced options where we could. For instance, we might have been pinning Restoration Hardware cribs to begin with, but that was more for concept and to get our design juices flowing. In the end, our Client actually found the perfect crib at babys-r-us…! We just led them thru the design process and gave them some specific details to look for…like bun feet, lol. (images to follow later in the post!)

Design Concept:

Since our Client is a huge lover of animals, we thought using animals as accents in the space would be perfect. From the start we knew we didn’t want this room to be overly themed in any way (I try to avoid themed rooms if it can be helped)… so we knew we were looking for pieces that didn’t necessarily come from the same store or line, but that would ultimately pull the look together without being too matchy-matchy. We also wanted it to be a room that would grow with him. Not too baby, not too grown up. And the room had to be a little glamorous…if you could see this little guy’s parents, you’d know why. They sparkle and don’t even try to. Seriously. They’ve got it going on. So we knew Blake’s little man room needed to be “man glammed”… if that’s even a phrase.

Custom Pieces:

We also got a little crazy and decided to make a few things ourselves…eeeek! Which is always one of my favorite parts. There’s something about using drills and saws and tape measures that’s just plain old exciting. But that’s usually only when our hubby’s aren’t around to watch and unknowingly “judge” of course. 🙂 They mean well…we know that! And we love them dearly. No doubt. But it’s sort of like trying to watch your husband ice a cake. Yes, he’s capable and could totally ice a mean cake. But it’s almost too painful to watch. There are tricks and short cuts they just can’t comprehend…and well…they’re just not as good at it. That’s how it is with our hubby’s and tools. They’re the experts. We’re just NOT. At least, not YET 🙂

We made two things for Blake’s little nursery. A wood name-board for his fabulous light up letters…and a custom robe hook to hold frames and hats and cute little man stuff above his changing table. Both made of reclaimed wood, sanded and then waxed with a dark wax. See below!

Finished Nursery:

To start, let me introduce you to Baby Blake. Doesn’t he just melt your heart? He’s the sweetest, happiest little guy…as if you couldn’t tell, right? And he LOVES his room. Seriously…we took these photos the morning we finished the room. And he just sat there smiling, looking all around and grabbing at his new rug. 🙂

And now the less cute stuff, but the stuff I LIVE for…here’s the “after” shot of the room.

Here’s the before and after side by side photos. The “before” is before we painted and staged everything. I show you this because a lot of people would buy all the stuff for their room and leave it just like this “before” picture. Which is fine. But it could be SO much more with drapes and a rug and the right accessories and the right paint color.

Here’s another before and after. The ceiling fan. Changing that element changed the whole room. It defined the space, brought things down a bit for a more intimate feel, added some texture and well…just made the room look “kool”.

And here’s the custom name-board we made again.

The details…it’s all about the details my friends. You can find pieces like this dresser at Babys-r-us…you just have to dig a little. Look at those pulls, and all the detailing on drawer fronts, and the bun feet. Oh, how I love a bun foot on a dresser 🙂

And here’s our custom robe hook we made from a piece of old wood, 3 pulls from Hobby Lobby and some rope.

And seriously. This might be my most favorite part of the room. A CHEWBACCA onsie!!! {a gift I hear from Baby Blake’s Uncle Luke…nice job dude!}

Project Princess Canopy

A few months ago I was helping my daughter dream up ideas for her room. One thing she kept mentioning was a princess tent. But we had one already, and it was partly broken and awkward and ALWAYS in the way. And I have to confess that one afternoon, when no little eyes were following me around, I secretly chucked that sucker into the trash. It was one of those silent victories you get as a mom…when you sit back and relax and watch the kids search and KNOW they’ll never be able find it 🙂

I knew what I was up against. A tent. They’re fun, and I’m all about letting these little people have some of it. Really. I just prefer tent fun to be had outside. People trip over them in the middle of the night and it’s no fun landing on dolls and combs and laptops and dishes when you’re least expecting it. Seriously. They pack them full, and shortly after, abandon ship…never to return.

So we came up with the idea to make a tent out of her bed. We shopped online for canopies at Lands End and Pottery Barn and Restoration. I’d put them in my cart and could never commit. It just seemed so expensive, even with the holiday sales. And I’m picky, let’s face it. There was always something “off” about each one of them. So as usual, I came up with the bright idea that we’d make our own. That was months ago. And this poor girl of mine has kept asking and asking and asking. So yesterday I took the day off while my little gal was home sick. Which basically means I worked on something around here that I don’t get paid for. At least not in cash. And sometimes those are the best projects. The ones I do on a whim and get paid in HUGS for. 🙂

SUPPLIES:

3 rods or sticks for a sloped ceiling, or 2 for a flat ceiling
6 ceiling hooks, or 4 for a flat ceiling
burlap string
curtains, sheets or fabric (I used 4 120″ long sheets and 1 king size bed sheet)
string lights

STEP 1

You’ll need 3 rods a little longer than the width of your bed. (Or two if you’re ceiling is flat…see blue sketch above). One for the middle, and two for each end. You could buy a curtain rod or a wooden rod and cut them down.

Or if you’re cheap like me, gather STICKS. Long straight ones are best if you’re using a ringed curtain for the canopy. If you’re just draping fabric over the stick, straightness doesn’t matter so much. Either way, find some that can hold some weight. Then use your foot as a brace and grab one end and puuuull, breaking them to the length you want. It’s not perfect, but it works, let me tell ya. Especially if you’re going for the “natural” look…lol.

STEP TWO

Find some hardware. I used these little hooks and twisted them into the drywall ceiling right above where the rod/sticks will hang. I used two per stick, one on each end of the stick.

STEP THREE

Then I found some burlap string or twine I had lying around and strung it thru each ceiling hook and tied a fancy knot.

STEP FOUR

Weave the center stick (preferably the straightest one) thru the curtain rings. I used four sheer curtains and hung two at a time, alternating rings from one curtain to the other. This helped the curtains looked woven together at the top rod. I even drew you a little sketch to explain.

STEP FIVE

Stick the rods/sticks thru the knotted string holes.

STEP SIX

Drape your fabric from the center stick out to the end sticks.

STEP SEVEN

Stop and get some hugs from your happy tent lover.

STEP EIGHT

Grab a sheet or two and hang them on the front. I actually used an old king size sheet I had and cut it in half. Then cut small holes in the sheet and tie them with the burlap string to each rod/stick. I ended up folding the corners of the sheet back over the canopy since our ceiling is sloped. If you were working with a flat ceiling you wouldn’t have to do that.

STEP NINE

String up some lights if you’re feeling crazy!

cozy minimalist – master bedroom

I’m doing something surprising. I’m taking an online design course. What?! Yep. Me, doing something for myself. ??? Why not ya’ll? And yes, I realize that I’m already a designer. But it’s always good to stretch yourself a bit and to be open to learning new ways of doing things. Plus, I never do things for myself. I take on projects for friend’s nurseries and kitchens and never…and I mean NEVER…finish my own spaces. I think I get designer block because I love a million different styles, and get caught up designing and redesigning and then never end up doing anything. So I leave things as is. I don’t add to them. I don’t accessorize. I wait. And a year later…I’m still there. Using old and unwanted furniture that doesn’t belong in the spot it’s in, but that I have dreams for.

For instance, there were two or three quirky lamps and little tables in this house when we moved in. Now they’re being used as our night stands and lighting in our master bedroom, and they just don’t belong. Like at all. I have ideas for them of course. To paint and repurpose…along with a million other things I collect and stash away in corners of rooms, and our basement, and our barn. {sigh}

Our house is basically a blank canvas. Every room was painted white by the previous homeowners, probably to help it sell. And I LOVE it. There’s just something about a classic white backdrop that makes me feel happy. But my hubby has commented on it, more than once, and I guess that man needs color. So I know a few rooms will get a splash of something eventually. If I can ever make a decision.

A few months ago I spotted an old door in the barn that I thought would be perfect for a headboard in our bedroom. I measured it…and yep. The perfect size. I mentioned it to the hubs and got “the nod”. Then I waited. And waited. And well, we’re busy. Things just don’t happen around here until you put the drill in your own hand. And it usually happens unplanned, while in the middle of doing dishes. And you realize the kids are busy and the baby’s napping…so why the heck not?

Well, one reason might be because it has to weigh over 100 lbs. NOT KIDDING. But I heave hoed that sucker under my arm, then on my back, and even balanced it on my head. Oh what a show the neighbors had. Eventually, I made it to the patio and thoughtfully placed it where it could not be missed.

And then the hubs realized I was serious. And well…the rest is history. Isn’t he dashing by the way? Oh how I love this guy. {swoon}

And voila! Now I feel like a true adult. I have a headboard. For the first time EVER. {insert clap of hands emoji}.

This bedroom has a long way to go though. And I know this online course thru the Nester will inspire and equip me to actually finish something for myself. AND to do it better than I would on my own!

I’m seriously SO stinking excited about this course! It’s a 4 week course called the Cozy Minimalist…you pick a room and the designer guides you thru the design process helping you to finish it off . And it’s using a lot of the stuff you already have in your home, buying new, repurposing…whatever fits in to your style and budget. SO FUN! I’m doing it with a friend, so we’re both tackling our unfinished rooms together. I’m hoping to post her room on here as well. It’s impossible to overdose on “before and afters” right?

Here are my embarrassing before photos. And it’s embarrassing because it’s stark and empty and this is supposedly my JOB people. My rooms should not look like this, I know. But I’ve refused to accessorize and move forward since I haven’t had a plan. That will be changing though!!!

You can see we’re in the process of replacing old windows. It had to be done. This place is an ice house in the winter. It was built in 1889, which basically means no insulation. Like anywhere. Can you hear my teeth chattering??? [brrrrrrr]

The dresser above I got a garage sale like 6 years ago. I was pregnant at the time so I did a quick paint job of a chocolate color, but never got around to adding pulls or finishing it correctly…which is SO me by the way. I’m going to repaint it for my bedroom redo though. And finally do it justice. Yippee!!!

And you can see the blue beaded chandelier I made for a friend’s barn style wedding reception. It was a fabulous off white at the time and hung above their head table, lit with LED’s…so charming! Ever since it’s been making appearances at baby showers and IF gatherings. And of course, it ended up in the corner of my bedroom because there was an existing hook in the ceiling…lol. Not completely thought out. But it is lovely. 🙂

And then there’s my cow chair. I took an upholstery class in college with some friends and thus the cow chair was born. It was funny…at the time people kept coming into the upholstery shop asking to buy the “cow chair”. Who knew? It’s been thru a lot all these years though. The arms and legs need some major repair. Or maybe a paint job. Hmmmm…

And how about those lamps? The one on the left is somewhat hideous…but I see potential. I’ve thought about ripping the fabric off the shade and using is as a shell for a hanging pendant. And then painting the base and maybe adding a new shade {two lights out of one!!!}. And the table it sits upon…well…not my style. But I always envisioned it as a little vanity desk for my daughter. But that’s yet another project.

And I have some work to do on these doors below. I also need to figure out what to do with the high storage above. I thought about opening them up and making a little library up there with a rolling ladder. Crazy, right? Or basket storage. Oh the possibilities…

There’s lots to do in the next four weeks! Stay tuned 🙂