{Home}: DIYs Around the House

I have been wanting to share some home decor posts for months now (we have been in our new place for a little over 3 months), but nothing is finished to my complete liking so I have been waiting. Well I think I have come to realize that in my crazy OCD mind no room will ever be completely done. Some areas I am at a total loss and need some advice (an upcoming post), but mostly it's just that I am not not finding exactly what I want.

I have finally gotten a few projects done in the past couple weeks and I have a couple more currently in the works. The sad part is all of these projects are for Myles' rooms (playroom and bedroom). For some reason, those areas are the easiest for me to decide on decor for.  And they are way more fun than any other room in the house to put together. I will do a full playroom post soon, when I am some how able to keep it clean for more than 30 seconds. For now here are a couple of the things I have been working on:

Gallery Wall in the playroom: 

I started this project like 2 months ago! It took me a long time to decide on what exactly I wanted to have on the wall. Then I had to pick out colors.... From there I couldn't decide which color I wanted on which item... then I had to actually paint them (which took the longest time)... and finally I picked my favorite layout. I moved them around at least 25 times. Then I slept on it and woke up the next day and changed it another 15 times. I am really happy with my final choice. I love the way it looks currently, but I am also able to add more if I want to later. 

The colors come from the rug in his room (which I forgot to take a picture of this time). The first thing I bought for the room was the rug and then designed the whole room around the colors in it.

From top left going clockwise: 
1. A canvas that I wrapped in fabric (same fabric I used for the chairs of his Ikea play table). I painted the 'M' (from Micheal's) orange and glued it to the canvas. 
2. A cheap picture frame I painted and glued the clothes pins to. This will be for Myles' art. 
3. I got this shadow box at Goodwill. I painted it and attempted to put some of Myles' hot wheels in it, but he freaked out and made me take them all out. So I am still brainstorming something I can put in it.. any ideas welcome!
4. I painted this canvas and attached this free USA map printable with sticky Velcro.  
5. Chalkboard I had from who knows where that I painted.. and have yet to write on!
6. This piece is the reason I decided to make a gallery wall. I based it all around this picture. It is a picture my mother colored for my cousin when she was born. It was a color by number picture but she just did her own thing. A couple of years ago my cousin found it and gave it to me for Myles. I found a frame to put it in at Goodwill and painted it. 
7.  Canvas painted with clothes pins glued on it for Myles' art.
8. Painted frame with this free printable.

The other thing I put together in his playroom is this Toy Story corner. Myles had a Toy Story birthday party this year (still needing to blog that!) so I had a ton of Toy Story things left over. My great friend bought Myles this personalized banner! I LOVE it and knew I had to put it up in his playroom. Under that I added a white shelf to display all of his Toy Story figurines (mostly Woody and Buzz). And below that is a board I made for the die-cuts that I had left over from Myles' party. I ordered these die-cuts for center pieces on each table. I didn't want to just throw them out because they are really good quality and fun to play with. 

I started with an old poster frame we had laying around. I glued yellow fabric to the back board and attached the plastic front with blue duck tape around all of the sides. Lastly, I used sticky velcro dots to attach each die-cut to the board. That way he is able to take each one off, play with them, put them in different places, and they will always go back when he is done. We are huge Toy Story fans, so this little corner makes me happy!

The last project on today's post is something I did a while back for Myles' new dinosaur bedroom. A couple of months ago I shared some wall art the we made together (melted crayon canvas and painted puzzles). I have since almost finished his room and promise to share soon. I only have a reading chair to pick up and it will be all done! Anywho, here is his dresser with dinosaur knobs:
Sorry for the poor quality of these pictures, the lighting is horrible in his room.

I had been collecting different dinosaurs from all over (thrift stores, garage sales, etc.) for a couple weeks and when I had them how I wanted I cut them all in half. Once I did that, I took them all to the hardware store and found cheap wooden knobs that fit each one the best. Then I glued the dinosaurs to the knob/drawer. Just a fun little touch to his room! 

What kind of projects have you been working on around the house?

Easter Decor and Little Man's Basket

One week until Easter and only three days until Myles and I are hopping on a plane to go see our family back home. Apparently it is supposed to SNOW there on Monday, but luckily it looks like the temperatures are going to go back up after that. Since going back last Christmas, we decided to have family come out here for all future Christmases as to stay far away from those evil and dastardly Winters we moved exclusively to avoid. So I am hoping Mother Nature decides to keep Winter out of Spring for at least the next two weeks in the Midwest. We will be spending Easter there, so once again (just like Christmas), my fun Easter decor will not be enjoyed on the actual holiday. Not that I am complaining because: 1. The decor has been up for a while already 2. We will be home celebrating with our family! 

So here is a look at my Easter/Spring mantle and wreath (also don't miss Myles' Easter basket at the bottom!):

| Yellow fabric canvas: fabric from Walmart | 

| Glass vase with grass and eggs: Goodwill |

| Yellow and green flower basket: Walmart |

| Teal vase with potpourri twigs : Ross |

 | Electric candle lanterns: Dollar Tree with gold spray paint |

| Flowers: Dollar Tree, leftover from my wreath (see below) |

| Gel clings: Target Dollar Spot |

 | Gold mirror: Goodwill | 

| Yellow fabric canvas: fabric from Walmart | 

| Glass vase with grass and eggs: Goodwill |

| Teal candle holders: Ross |

| Large teal decorative eggs: Walmart |

| Egg garland: DIY with eggs from Dollar Tree |

My Easter/Spring Wreath

This is a super easy DIY project and I did it for less than $10 (see below)!

Materials

3 yards each of 3 different color ribbon, sewing pins, 2 different bunches of fake flowers 

I found this wreath at Goodwill brand new for $5. The ribbon I got from Walmart and flowers from Dollar Tree.

1. I first took the pink ribbon and wrapped it around the wreath, using the sewing pins to attach both ends to the wreath. 

2. Then, I took the purple ribbon and wrapped it around the wreath in the opposite direction of the pink so that criss-crossed it and then secured it with the pins at the ends (1st picture). 

3. Next, I cut the blue ribbon into equal size strips long enough to wrap around the width of the wreath. I placed each blue strip in the area between each pink-purple criss-cross and fastened with the sewing pins (2nd and 3rd picture). 

4. I pulled the flower tops off of the stems and placed them on one side of the wreath. I used one bigger pink and white flower for the middle and then arranged smaller purple ones around the bigger one and attached with the pins (4th picture).

5. I used some extra ribbon to make a hanger on the top and hung it from a nail in the door!

Lastly, I am linking up with Darci at The Good Life Blog to show off Myles' Easter basket! I didn't make a basket for him last year because I didn't think he would really know what was going on and he didn't need any more toys, clothes, etc. Instead we colored and painted eggs. I can't wait to do it again this year. That is my favorite Easter tradition, although I feel like I am losing my creative juices lately! I'm sure I will blog about what I come up with this year. 

Even though Myles most definitely doesn't need any more toys this year either, I decided that I wanted to start giving him a basket. I'm sure over the years his basket contents will change something like from toys, to candy, to money, back to candy, then lotto tickets (lol)! Since he really doesn't need anything right now, I just put together a basket with a couple fun little treats and toys from the dollar store.  Since we are leaving on Wednesday, I haven't decided if I am going to give it to him before we leave or after we get back or take it with.. what do you guys think I should do?

Buzz Lightyear bath sponge, a little wind-up chickie, a pack of glow-sticks, an assortment of play-dough (his first), two packets of army men, chickie straws, a bag of dum-dums, and a little squirt gun! Knowing my child, this will provide all of about 10 minutes of entertainment. That is the length of his attention span with toys lately; another reason why I did not spend a significant amount of money on his basket. He likes the most random things, so I never know what he will like anymore; i.e I just spent $70 on a small motorized four-wheeler that I thought he would be obsessed with... that lasted about 3 days and now he doesn't even care about it! He seems to like the cheap, silly things more anyway, so perfect for me!

Happy Easter to y'all! I'll be around a bit this week, but since I am going back home Wednesday for two weeks, the blog might get a little quite as I will be spending time with family!

How are you celebrating Easter? Are you putting together a basket for your littles?

Code Blue... and Brown: Myles' Bedroom

 
Before Myles had even turned one year old, he lived in 4 different houses. I had set his nursery up in our house during my nesting phase. I really enjoyed putting it together, but since I knew we were going to be moving soon after he was born, I didn't do as much as I wanted. No paint on the walls and not as many DIYs as my little heart desired. But it had enough personal touches to make it feel like a true nursery.

When Myles was 4 months old, we decided to move into Mark's duplex. We had begun thinking about California, so we were trying not to spend unnecessary money on rent anymore. We were living in a mansion compared to the duplex apartment. The kitchen is the size of a bathroom, the closets are about 3-feet wide/deep, and there wasn't even enough space for all the nursery furniture to fit into one room. It was only a temporary situation, but it was quite intense and my anxiety was at an all time high. I didn't even think about wasting my time decorating his 'nursery' there.  

We were there for about a month, we I couldn't take it anymore. It wasn't only the apartment; that was really just the straw that broke the camels my back. Not anything to get into now, but the point being that Myles and I went to live with my parents for a while. My intentions were for our stay to last a couple months tops, but we ended up staying until we moved out to California. So for 5 months, Myles and I somehow managed to live together in one room. At the time organization and space were the last things on my mind. I was just happy to be with family and have the extra help.

In July, we shipped ourselves out of Illinois and landed in the beautiful state of California. We are still renting, so I still haven't gotten to really go all out on the decorating, but I have tried to make this our home for now. I kept the color scheme and most of the decor from the first nursery I put together. I haven't really added anything because he will be transitioning into a big boy bed/bedroom soon. I can't wait to put that all together! But for now here is his room:

*Sorry for the poor quality of pictures; the lighting is not conducive to picture taking because I have black-out curtains and only one small lamp.*  

This is our reading/nursing nook. Every night, as part of our nighttime routine, Myles gets a story read to him. Then it's lights out and I nurse him until he is relaxed and drowsy. 

The three frames were a gift from my baby shower. They have classic nursery rhythms printed on them. I'm not the biggest fan of the chair... Can we say early 90s much?!? But it was a cheap find on Craigslist and it is actually very comfortable. 
 Book Rack: Winsome Wood Magazine Rack, Espresso
Comforter: Blue and Brown Geometric 9pc Crib Set by Sweet Jojo Designs

Valance: Blue and Brown Geometric 9pc Crib Set by Sweet Jojo Designs
Room-Darkening Curtains: These curtains have done wonders for Myles and his sleep. When I used to lay him down at night, he would cry because he would see me walk out. Now it is literally pitch black in his room with these curtains and he has learned that dark means sleep. So far he is not afraid of the dark, but I am sure at some point he will be. We will probably get him a little nightlight if he ever needs it. But if you are having trouble with your little one sleeping, I would totally recommend giving these curtains a try!

Dresser: bought used from a friend (JC Penny)
I sewed some blue fabric together and laid it over the dresser to hide the couple of scratches on the top.
Mirror: Bed, Bath, and Beyond (years ago) I spray painted it dark brown
His sound machine and baby monitor are in the right corner, covered by some frames.
Frames were bought at Dollar Tree. The lamp was bought at a secondhand store. I painted it to match the bedding. I used rectangle-shaped stencils to draw out the pattern. Then I just painted all the rectangles with different blues and a dark brown. 

Changing Table: Graco Lauren Dressing Table, Espresso
 Small Navy Blue Bins
Light Blue Bins: Badger brand, but I can't find the pack that I ordered anymore
Giraffe Canvas: Gordman's
Pillow: Blue and Brown Geometric 9pc Crib Set by Sweet Jojo Designs
Picture Frames: Dollar Tree

I put this picture gallery wall together for under $10. The frames came from Dollar Tree and the prints were less than $1. And the ultrasound pictures were free! Well.... not really.. they were probably the most expensive item in the nursery ;) Good thing I had insurance! The top four pictures are from baby Myles in the womb, from 10 weeks to 30 weeks. The left two are from our gender reveal pictures and the right two are from Myles' first minutes here on Earth. This is probably my favorite part of his room; looking at those pictures never gets old.

And finally, where my little sweetheart lays his head at night :)


Crib: Graco Lauren Convertible Crib, Espresso  
Bedding: Blue and Brown Geometric 9pc Crib Set by Sweet Jojo Designs



Okay... maybe I have a tie for my favorite part of his room. This was a DIY project I did while pregnant. I knew for a while that I wanted to put this saying in the room somewhere, but I just didn't know how. This saying was something my dad used to always tell me... always.. it instantly brings a smile to my face whenever I see or hear it. I hope that Myles will one day feel the same way. 
Although it's not perfect. I am happy with how it turned out. I bought four canvases from Walmart and spray painted them dark brown. Then I used letter stencils to write out the words. I then painted all the letters with 4 different shades of blue. I had to do 3-4 coats of paint for each letter, so this took me a long time! I added some stickers and a few pictures of our family; one from 7 weeks, one from 8 months, and one from his 1st birthday party.... 
"I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow" 

Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out his room! I can't wait to start on his big boy room!

Are any of you transitioning to a big bed/bedroom soon? Are you putting a decor theme together? What are your ideas? I would love to know!

   

Christmas Decor: Wreath, Mantle, and Kid Art

Currently, I am not enjoying the decor am I about to show you! I am, in fact, about 2,000 miles away from my Christmas decor. And while that saddens me, I am in much better company. So although no one will actually be enjoying my Christmas decor on Christmas, I couldn't be happier to be with my family. So without further ado:

WREATH

I picked up a plain green wreath at Goodwill for $4.00! Then I added some Dollar Tree accessories. I got a classic red ribbon, at two-pack of red cardinals, and two bouquets of gold flowers, that I took the stems off of. It is very simple, but I really like the way it turned out. I was going for a gold and red theme this year!

Mantle & Fireplace

I really wanted to keep my mantle simple. I went a little over simple, but not too much! So, I am pretty proud of myself. I framed up a couple printables I found on Pinterest. Here is the  "Winter is the Time for Home" printable, "For Unto Us" printable, and "It's the Most Wonderful Time" printable. I printed them out on colored paper and layered them with other colors in the background. I also picked up a couple gold frames at the Dollar Tree to go with my gold and red theme. They also had those really cute tinsel trees in my colors, so of course I had to grab them up. 

The garland on the mantle I found at Goodwill for $10! It has the lights, pine cones, and berries attached, so I didn't have to do anything. I am very proud of this find! I also threw some red candles in Dollar Tree glass fish bowls. And my mirror wouldn't be complete without a "Merry Christmas" gel cling. I know they are pretty corny but I just love them.. and so does Myles. I bought him a set of his own for our glass back doors. It kept him occupied for all of 10 minutes before he ripped them up :)

I threw two red tapered candles and some red and gold tinsel in the fireplace. It is a gas fireplace and we are too scared to try it out, so I like to make it festive too. 

And the best part of the whole mantle: the display of Myles' art! I bought a kit for hanging Christmas cards at Target's Dollar Spot. It came with a green and white stripped string and 6 mini clothespins with a snowflake design glued on. I bought it because it was so cheap, but it could be a very easy DIY. Then you could customize the colors/patterns to your liking.

A week ago, I put Myles in the shower, gave him washable paint, some paint brushes, and let him have at it! Some of it ended up on the paper, but most of it was on the shower walls and himself. There are some feet marks and a little of my own strokes (to show him how to paint), but the rest is all him. Although extremely messy, this art activity was very fun for both of us, and the finished work is pretty awesome for a first painting :)

I also did some footprint crafts with Myles. I put him in his highchair and gave him paper and paint to play with. While he was occupied with that, I made his footprints. It helped that he was in his chair, but it was not an easy task. As evident in the quality of the footprints, he was not very cooperative. I'm guessing the paint was cold because he kept moving his feet when I tried to put in on and then he wouldn't stay still when I try to make the print. They could have looked better, but it's the memory that matters. I saw both of these ideas on Pinterest and just made them on regular scrapbook paper. I added a couple stickers and his name/year for a keepsake. I love the hand/footprint art for keepsakes. I wish I would have started from the beginning with him, but I want to do it for every holiday from now on.

Hope you enjoyed my Christmas decor tour! 

Hope you all are enjoying the holidays, your family, and all the beautiful decorations!

How is your holiday decorating coming along?