A Big-a-boy Bed!

It is hard to believe how fast my little ones are growing up.  Earlier this month we purchased a full size mattress, box spring, and frame for my three year old son.  His crib converted to a toddler bed, which had been working fine, but he was eager to move into a "Big-a-boy" bed.

Our crib came full circle when we once again "converted" it from a toddler bed to a head board for the full size mattress.  If you are in the market for a crib, I can highly recommend the "Lauren" by "Graco".

Here is a shot of the "Lauren" as a toddler bed.

And here is the conversion to a headboard.

Bedding on a Budget

Details:

• quilted coverlet, "Sam's Club", on clearance for just $24 
• sheet set,  "TJ Maxx", on clearance for just $15
• second set of sheets (Cars 2), "Ross for less",  $15
• knitted quilt, courtesy of "Mamaw"

Bed w/ "Cars 2" sheet set

Right now we are using some old milk crates we had on hand for a night table.  I am currently on the hunt for some more items to really personalize this space and continue moving it from a nursery to a toddler room.  I have created a "Pinterest" board with a bunch of ideas.  You can check it out, by clicking here.

Here are a few of the items/projects on my list for this room:

1. find some neat globes to display on shelves or dresser
2. make some fabric banner garland
3. create/buy a "Peter Pan" shadow to hang on the wall/ceiling
4. make a fun pillow for the chair
5. find a unique night table
6. new art, move "name letters" above bed
7. create a "book nook" in spare closet

Plans to change tree decal and re-style the dresser

Nothing is more fun and rewarding than creating a space for your child to enjoy!

-Laura-

Little Details (Monogramed Pillow and Paper Whites)

I have always believed that it is the little personal details that make a space a home. I recently added our monogram to an envelope bed pillow I made a while back (see full post here).  I used white thread for a strong contrast with the dark fabric. I also like how the white thread picks up on the silhouette pictures above the headboard.  It is amazing how such a small thing, like a monogram, can spruce up a space.

Another fun little item in this space right now is the bowl of paper whites that my brother gave me for Christmas.  I always love fresh blooms, thank you Steve!

There is nothing better than flowers in the house to push away the winter blues, especially when you have temperatures in the single digits like we did last week.

Hope everyone is having a great day and staying warm!

-Laura-

A little birdie told me......to stencil

Around Christmas I picked up a "Martha Stewart" stencil kit, using a half off coupon at "Michael's".  I have been itching to use it on something, and decided I would give it a try on the lampshade I spray painted a few weeks back in the master bedroom.  Just as a recap, here is a photo of the lamp/shade before:

original

spray painted blue

For full post on spray painting a lamp shade, click here.

I wasn't entirely happy with the end result of my painted lamp shade.  I thought, "what have I got to lose by adding a stencil".  Turns out, I really like the shade now that it has the stencil detail.  I may still change the shade out for something new down the road, but here's to making the most of what I've got.

Oh...what will I stencil next?

-Laura-

New Year, Project 1

New Year's day was really beautiful here .  The temperature was in the 50's and we had lots of sunshine.  I took the camera along for a walk in the backyard with my boys and  Cody dog.  Above is a view of the creek in our backyard. 

I have big plans for lots of projects this year, some big  and some small.  Up first, is a simple little paint revamp for an old jewelry box of mine. I got this jewelry box back in high school.

Here is the before shot:

It is hard to believe I was once in to these pastel tones and cherubs.

Now for the after:

With a fresh coat of white spray paint, I can now use this with my grown-up furnishings.  I just did a thin coat, which lets a bit of the original color show through.

Have you given new life to an outdated piece from your high school years recently?  I would love to hear about it.

Here is to the new year!

-Laura-