un peu d'inspiration

pom poms

2009-11-05T21:52:00.003-07:00

from the etsy shop PartyPoms

i love pom poms. i had them at our wedding and now i want to use them in our baby girl's nursery. i think i will do something like this right above her crib...in lieu of the traditional mobile. i think it's very feminine!

here is a link to a martha stewart tutorial on creating tissue paper pom poms (i used this tutorial to make the pom poms for my wedding and it worked out well!)

http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/tissue-paper-pom-poms-how-to?backto=true#slide_0

birdies

2009-09-20T23:26:00.001-06:00

just found this in the antique's section of the phoenix craigslist (here). too bad i don't have an extra hundred bucks to drop. it would be a nice addition to my house.

halloween

2009-09-13T22:30:00.002-06:00

i love how classy this halloween decor looks!

see it on life in the fun lane.

cute decor

2009-09-10T10:43:00.002-06:00

i stumbled upon this dining room/family room combination by stacey sargent and really liked a lot of the elements, so i thought i'd "catalogue" it for future reference. i like the wall by the dining room table especially! i love how it adds a little pop of color to the house. i also love the wall paper!

see the original post here.

lovely

2009-09-07T22:24:00.003-06:00

how adorable is this little swimsuit?

you can find it here.

but - since it costs a lovely $66, maybe i'll try making one in the future. i just love the design!

more play kitchens

2009-08-20T20:01:00.002-06:00

i am back on a play kitchen kick today, after taking max to the doctor and him loving the play kitchen in the office. i really don't like the look of the commercial play kitchens, they're kind of an eye-sore in a house, so i am really wanting to make our own. plus, a DIY kitchen has the potential to be much cheaper (the plastic kitchens and specialty kitchens are upwards of $150!). here are a few i have found that i am loving and will use as inspiration for the project.

most of these kitchens are from ohdeedoh.com and use ikea components as the base of the project. some are pricier DIY's than others but i think overall, i could probably make a play kitchen for easily under $100, but hopefully under $50 or $60 (perhaps using thrifted units instead of new ones from ikea).

enjoy!

details here

aren't they all so cute? there are a few i just love.

hart & sew giveaway

2009-08-20T00:31:00.002-06:00

there is a little giveaway at hart & sew which i am super excited about because they are cute, girly headbands perfect for my little #2 on the way!!

go check them out now!

here's a link to the etsy shop, hairblooms.

thinking october...

2009-08-07T20:27:00.003-06:00

is this not the cutest halloween costume you've ever seen?

well, i think it is. i guess i just have something with animal costumes...i absolutely love them!

i think it'd be so cute for mr. max this october...but, if not for him, definitely for some baby in the future!

and it works, girl or boy...because this cute little monkey is a girl...

from katie did

DEFINITE must-do project

2009-07-29T14:58:00.002-06:00

i just saw this project on design mom and fell in love! i have been trying to figure out what to do for max when he is ready to move to a big boy bed and have been going between the toddler bed or twin bed scenario.

i wanted to do a twin bed cuz i didn't want to purchase another crib mattress (since a baby will be sleeping on it - we'll need two). but then, a toddler bed is a much better size and i am sure someday we'll need both a twin and a toddler bed.

this project would cost $75 for two toddler beds, so even cheaper for just one! that definitely beats out even the cheapest beds i have had my eye on. that price doesn't include a mattress but ikea has some mattresses (here, here, and here) that are definitely priced in my budget. PLUS, i can customize the bed however i want as far as color scheme goes.

i am really excited about this! i think i will either do it later this fall, before the baby comes, or have my dad make it for me when my parents come down to see the new baby. since big brother won't be two until after the baby is born, i think i definitely have time before he is ready to move to a bigger bed (that is unless he magically starts climbing out of his crib suddenly!).

see the entire project & tutorial here.

magnetic ABCs

2009-07-27T12:04:00.001-06:00

what a cute idea - and relatively cheap! which i always love.

this is the perfect way to teach my baby his ABCs!

tutorial here.

dream kitchen

2009-07-10T14:28:00.002-06:00

i love white kitchens and i just found one on design*sponge that i absolutely love.

go here to check out more pictures.

more nursery ideas

2009-07-10T14:23:00.004-06:00

ever since i saw this nursery, i was in love!

it kinda goes along with the color scheme i have been thinking of...but i just love it. especially the bright, bright yellow!

it is my dream nursery, i think.

i love this idea. i was thinking of using frames to put fabric in but these hoops are neat too. i love the circular look. maybe even a combination of circles and squares would be neat.

how could your baby not be happy in this cheery crib?!? :)all pictures from megan at me and wee

thanks for the inspiration!

baby room

2009-07-09T17:17:00.002-06:00

although i don't know what i am having yet (finding out august 10th!!), i am dreaming of what i would do for a nursery if we had a girl...

of course, if we have a boy, i will just continue to use the bedding we already have for our son...but, it'd be fun to have a girl because i could change things up!

our third bedroom gets the hot afternoon sun, so it heats up really badly. i bought some curtains at ikea the other day (on sale for $14.99 - but incredibly heavy, and good quality!) to help keep the room cooler. they are a light red, almost pink-red, color. so...i thought, if we had a baby girl, those curtains would obviously already be in her room, so here are some ideas i am stirring around in order to tie those curtains in with a nursery...

maybe a bumper made out of this beautiful amy butler tree peony in ivory fabric...

and maybe some accents with this amy butler lotus wallflower in mustard fabric...

and of course, i would need to put lots more pink in the room...so maybe some wall hangings done with some other coordinating fabrics...

what do you think of a light red, pink, and mustard color scheme? not typical...but, i think it would work! do you?

updating

2009-06-23T17:36:00.004-06:00

there is something that is very appealing to me about living in an older house and then updating it. i like the "new house" feel...and the comforts that go along with it, but a big part of me has always loved the "old."

often, old houses need a lot of TLC and design wise, are pretty ugly. i thought i would post some pictures i've seen recently of things that have inspired me and showed me what you can do with something that may appear to be sort of "blah." i've learned you can really make things look great with just a little paint and some creativity!

how ugly is this? well...i think it is. it's just very plain and typical.

how lovely is this?? a COMPLETELY different feel to the house!from design*sponge

those wood doors seem to be so common in older houses and i am really not a huge fan of wood...i really like lots of white in a house...

look what some paint can do! it instantly updates it and gets rid of that '80s look.from design*sponge

another way to update a very out-dated room...again, the wood doesn't appeal to me at all...
doesn't it look completely fresh & different after the new paint and molding?
what is the best about this makeover is that it cost $82. INCREDIBLE!
from the lettered cottage

now here are pictures from my friend's sister's house...
it looks incredible...tiffany is of course an interior designer...but still, i think with some help, anyone could do this. her house looks great! (some of the rooms are still in progress in the photos but they still look completely amazing!)

how beautiful is this room now? i love the molding around the window. instant update.
how many kitchens have you seen like this and think how expensive it would be to update it? some paint on the cabinets and new hardware is a great way to save money yet still have an updated look...
the countertops are supposed to be a concrete look...i really like it. very modern.
this is the living room after they refinished the floor. i really love how it looks.
all images from modernbarn

so many wants

2009-06-16T16:59:00.004-06:00

lately i have felt sad as i see so many projects that i want to do but then realize i can't because of the lack of money we're experiencing. it is a hard time of life to be in but it is making me realize that wants aren't everything...although they sure are fun!

there are some current *i want to do these really bad* wants that will just have to wait at least a few months, maybe years, who knows...i'm trying not to feel depressed about not being able to have this creative outlet!

so basically i haven't posted anything in a long time because it's just depressing right now to be blog-surfing and see all the things i want to do but can't. so...if i am MIA it's because i am taking a break from my "wants" so i can focus on just being happy with our needs!

update: okay i feel a little better...i was really just down but then i decided to use some fleece i had bought awhile ago to make this cute neck pillow for my son from make it & love it. quick, easy, little to no cost project. gotta love that! of course, mine was not pink...instead, dinosaurs!

baby doll

2009-05-28T14:13:00.004-06:00

are these not the cutest dolls ever? when i have a baby girl some day, i am going to make one of these!! found here but not sure where she got the pattern, or if she made it up. i'll have to ask!

DIY play kitchen

2009-05-15T16:41:00.001-06:00

i would really love to make max a play kitchen for christmas. so, i'll be gathering up ideas on making one which i'll post here.

found here

vintage suitcase

2009-05-07T13:08:00.003-06:00

i have a vintage suitcase that my grandmother used on her honeymoon and i can't think of how to use it...it doesn't quite go with the decor in my house, so i have been a bit stumped because it is something i love and would love to put to use.

i think i have an idea brewing after seeing these...

oops can't remember where i got the above image...

image from here, as seen on design*sponge

GIVEAWAY!!!

2009-05-06T14:06:00.001-06:00

in celebration of the opening of my new etsy shop, petit.enfant designs, i am doing a giveaway! head on over to my personal blog to check it out...tklarsen.blogspot.com.

the giveaway ends friday night so hurry hurry!

thanks!!

diaper giveaway

2009-05-04T12:27:00.002-06:00

you all know how much i love cloth diapering...here's a great giveaway going on! check it out!

cute projects

2009-05-02T23:20:00.003-06:00

here are some cute projects, all from make it and love it...

i am always in need of a cute bib and loved this pieced together look...

http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2009/04/scrap-pieced-baby-bib.html

a great table cover that doubles as a fort - i think it'd be perfect for play time!

http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2009/02/fort-table-cover.html

tissue box

2009-04-30T21:26:00.003-06:00

i always am in need of a tissue but i hate how ugly the boxes are. here is a great tutorial on how to make a tissue box cover!!

i need this!

2009-04-30T21:20:00.002-06:00

i love this idea. i think it would work great for those things i am constantly trying to pass to my son in the back seat (like snacks, toys, sippy cups, etc.). maybe i'll have one for trash and one for "things" haha!

see the tutorial from "make it & love it" here.

cute embellishment

2009-04-30T10:33:00.004-06:00

image from here

someday when i have a girl (or actually even for myself) i'd like to embellish a plain tee just like this. tutorial here.

white

2009-04-23T19:02:00.002-06:00

i love white. in my dream home, i want a white kitchen and big white molding. here are some pictures i found today that i want to remember when planning my dream home (which hopefully i'll get someday!?!?).

i LOVE this green door!

this person had the cabinet bottoms cut out and set directly on the countertop so as to be able to store appliances so they look good but are easily accessible. what a great idea!

i just love the colors in this dining room.

all images taken from design*sponge

cute bunny

2009-04-19T22:23:00.003-06:00

here's an adorable bunny i want to make my son for next easter! my favorite part is the diaper!

tutorial here.

loving pink

2009-04-15T23:59:00.003-06:00

someday, i would really love to have a room in my house that is pink. i saw a beautiful living room in house beautiful that was pink and it really got the ideas flowing.

these images are from absolutely beautiful things. isn't this room darling? i sure love it. it's so vibrant and happy.

easter basket toolbox

2009-04-15T23:54:00.002-06:00

i didn't do anything this year for easter as far as gifts go mostly because we're tight on money but also because i was just too lazy. i figure since my almost 1 year old didn't have a clue it was easter, i could let it slide.

i just found this wonderful idea that i am most definitely going to do next year! i love it! and, it's perfect for a boy. (you have to admit, there are ALL these ideas for girls floating around but not too many for boys...so when i find great ideas, i've got to save them!!)

images from the charming armelle blog

anthropologie

2009-04-12T22:32:00.001-06:00

you could win a $200 gift card to anthropologie over at lola b's blog...the giveaway ends tonight so hurry quick!!

DIY pen holder

2009-04-07T13:23:00.004-06:00

i made this little pen holder the other day in about 10 minutes - maybe less. it was so easy and now we have something stylish to hold our pens in since our computer desk is in the family room. i'm sure there are many different ways to use this idea - besides a pen holder...but that's where YOUR creativity comes in ;)

...materials...

empty formula can, hot chocolate can, or something small like that
cute cardstock, wrapping paper, wallpaper, etc.
any embellishment you want (ribbon, etc.)
double sided tape
scissors

...what to do...

simply cut the paper to be the size needed to fit around the can, then use double sided tape to adhere it. embellish it with whatever you love - i chose a simple thick ribbon around the top of the can - again, adhered with double sided tape. you're done! see how easy??

making the switch to cloth

2009-04-03T13:33:00.006-06:00

bumGenius 3.0 all in one cloth diaper (one size)

i have been doing research over the past few days (almost 24/7!) and have decided to switch my baby to cloth diapers. it's more economical (in the long run), healthier for my baby, better for the environment, and let's face it...super cute!

here is a list of very valuable websites that have helped me (and will continue to help me) in this process of switching from disposables to cloth. i am amazed at the resources that are out there! thank you to ALL of the websites, seriously.

if you are somewhat interested or curious about cloth diapers, i highly recommend checking out the websites i am listing. i am listing them for me personally, so i can remember where to find all of this information, but if it helps someone who's curious, that's an added bonus.

information on cloth diapers
http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php *this solidified my desire to use cloth
http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/newtocloth
http://clothdiapers.blogspot.com/
http://www.cottontails-diapers.com/pages/verses.php
http://www.mumsthewurd.com/2008/11/are-you-a-bumgenius/

sewing cloth diapers
http://www.diaperjungle.com/sewing-cloth-diapers.html
http://www.diapersewing.com/measurements.htm
http://www.diapersewing.com/prices.htm
http://www.diapersewing.com/fitted_with_velcro.htm
http://www.diapersewing.com/quick_dry_aio.htm
http://www.diapersewing.com/prefold_to_fitted.htm
http://diapersewing.wordpress.com/
http://fernandfaerie.com/sewing_fitteds.html *this is the diaper i am going to sew
http://diaperfabric.com/very-baby-diaper-tutorials/
http://fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html

sewing wet bags
http://www.polliwogged.com/detail/five-ways-to-make-your-own-wet-bag/
http://doityourselfec.blogspot.com/2008/01/making-wet-bag.html
http://etsylabs.blogspot.com/2007/05/long-overdue-fusing-plastic-bag.html
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/sew-along/226517-sewalong-zippered-wet-bag.html

fabric shops
http://www.sewzannesfabrics.com/
http://www.celticclothswholesale.com/
http://www.verybaby.com/
http://www.diapercuts.com/

cloth diaper products i am thinking of using
http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/products/clothdiapers/gentlyused/gentlyusedbumgeniusonesizeclothdiaper
http://www.purelynurtured.com/item_277/Wonder-Wraps-One-size-Diaper-Covers.php
http://www.babyearth.com/bumgenius-diaper-sprayer.html

taking care of cloth diapers
http://www.bumgenius.com/help.php
http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/newtocloth/washingcloth

diaper deals and announcements
http://www.diaperpin.com/forum09/announcements.asp

pacifier clip tutorial

2009-03-31T12:04:00.002-06:00

i have really needed one of these for my son but they have always been pretty girly in the stores so i've never bought one. it would have come in VERY handy on the streets of new york city as he was chucking his binky out the stroller.

i definitely want to use this tutorial to make a pacifier clip for my next baby, since mine's now a little old to be clipping his binky on (he'd probably just tear the clip off anyway!)...

baby's first book

2009-03-31T12:00:00.003-06:00

i found this baby's first book idea awhile ago and can't get it out of my head so i needed to make sure i post it so i can remember the idea.

i have been tossing around ways to make an ABC book for my baby. my sisters have made ABC books that use most of the names of family members plus familiar objects and i have really loved how they turned out. what i love about this particular book is the format...i think i'll kind of combine the two ideas and hopefully end up with something cute and functional.

see more here.

things to make with felt

2009-03-31T11:56:00.003-06:00

i just came across some super cute ways to use felt...

first, a paper bag lunch set! we all know how much kids like to play with pretend food (at least, i know i did when i was a child). i think this would be fun to make for my little boy when he gets older. see the tutorial here.

now look at this cute little animal cracker play set. how cute! check it out here.

play tent

2009-03-27T17:59:00.002-06:00

i saw this idea on design mom - you can buy these tents from Mignon on etsy here, but i think i'd like to file this idea away and attempt to make one of my own when my little boy is a bit older {they are a BIT out of my price range, haha}. it's such a great idea though...i am loving it!

polka dot party

2009-03-23T10:58:00.003-06:00

for a tutorial on making a polka dot cake, click here.

i am so excited for my little boy's 1st birthday, coming up in less than a month! i am having so much fun planning it. while i won't spoil the little details, i will say that it will be polka dot themed (blue, green, and brown). i found this adorable polka dot party which is inspiring some of my ideas!

i love this garland above the table.

all images taken from inchmark journal.

tote bag

2009-03-21T19:17:00.002-06:00

use this tote to pick apples, oranges, or just go grocery shopping. can't wait to make one!!

tutorial over at {the purl bee}

fabric tufted ottoman

2009-03-21T18:16:00.004-06:00

i love ottomans but they are just so darn expensive...here is a great tutorial on how to make one yourself for under $100! i am definitely keeping this in mind for the future...

$100

$60

you decide...
here's the tutorial!

ruffle cake

2009-03-20T22:39:00.003-06:00

from {martha}

someday when i have a little girl, i'm going to make this for her birthday party. i am in love with it!

wallpaper

2009-03-18T10:21:00.003-06:00

i love this idea using wallpaper in a living room. i am really in love right now with bright, cheery colors. i just love how fresh this room looks. and don't you love those pleats on the couch??

the baby crib - finally!

2009-03-14T21:07:00.003-06:00

i finally got a picture of the crib i painted. it was given to me by my sister and had been used by 3 children previously and was 9 years old (at least...). it was in okay condition but starting to look very worn. plus, i really wanted a white crib for my baby. it was a TON of work to paint the crib, mostly because it was in pieces and so it was a slow process. but i am so happy with how it turned out!

the before crib...nice, but not in love with the wood...

the after crib...the white is called "whispering wind" and is more of a dirty white...i wanted it to be older looking...antique, if you will...

i still need to paint this dresser and glider, plus a changing table...so much work but it will be worth it! i'll post those pictures as i finish them (it helps me stay motivated to think..."i've got to post those pictures!")

magnets

2009-03-12T21:58:00.002-06:00

i love love love magnets and especially pretty magnets. they just make my day brighter when i look at the fridge. here is a tutorial on how to make fabric covered magnets...

fabric mail sorter

2009-03-12T18:38:00.001-06:00

again, another cute idea! click here for the tutorial.

fabric storage cubes

2009-03-12T18:33:00.004-06:00

click for tutorial.

aren't these cute?? they look pretty easy to make. storage bins always seem so over-priced, in my opinion, so i think these would be great to make with leftover fabric.

silhouette how-to

2009-02-20T13:53:00.007-07:00

i searched and searched on how to make a silhouette and after spending hours trying to do it digitally, i finally decided to do it by hand. for me, this way was so much easier and not to mention much more efficient!

step 1: take a profile picture of the image you want to use for your silhouette. the subject should be the primary focus in the frame.

step 2: print the photo out. i printed these in a 5x7 size on regular cardstock. there is no need to use photo paper or to even have a great quality printout (as you can see, the ink was running out which was no problem at all!). next, cut the photo out very carefully so that you have only the profile left.

step 3: paint over the photo with black acrylic paint. usually only one coat is needed. it dries very quickly.

step 4: arrange your silhouette however you would like to display it and voila! you're done! it was that easy!

here is another example of a silhouette i did of my son at 9 months old:

this was the best profile shot i could get of him and it ended up turning out just fine. i had to do some extra trimming of his neck and chest but it worked.

...and, the final product:

(this silhouette was printed as a 5x7 as well. generally it seems that you would print the silhouette out according to the size of frame you'd like to put it in).

have YOU ever made a silhouette? if so, how did you do it and did you love the end result?

halloween decor

2009-02-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

{link to tutorial}

i don't have very much holiday decor so i am always looking for some DIY ideas. i found this idea from tanya's blog and thought it was very cute and looked pretty easy!

magazine holder 2

2009-02-12T14:06:00.004-07:00

well i gave the magazine holder tutorial that i found awhile ago a try and it worked! it is pretty cute and i'm excited to hang it in our bathroom. the only thing i would recommend is using heavier fabric for the backing (like the tutorial says to do). i didn't have heavy fabric so i just used a lightweight cotton and although it works fine, it would be better with heavier fabric. also, the tutorial was a little hard to understand so i ended up just doing it my own way but i think it turned out fine. here it is!

{i found the cute blue fabric at joann's...it was a remnant and i only paid just over $2! i LOVE it. i love good finds!}

bed frame makeover

2009-02-08T22:46:00.004-07:00

i lied...i said next up would be the baby crib...but, when we went over to our house the other day (we are s-l-o-w-l-y moving in) we forgot all of the pieces to set it up...so, as soon as i get it put together, i'll post it on here - i'm so excited to see the finished product!

here's another project i have been working on...a bed frame...an ugly one with lots of potential. my parent's gave it to us because we didn't have a bed or a frame (it came from D.I.)...well so they gave us this frame and a full size bed. yes, a tiny full size bed - but it was free! so, this will be our bed for the next few years. i thought this frame would look beautiful painted in antique white so that's what i did. it was a big project mostly because of all of the spindles, but after sanding, priming, and painting 2 coats of paint, it looks great! i am SO happy with how it turned out!

{this is the bedding i found at target the other day for 50% off! it was so cheap! and i just love how it looks sort of vintage. it isn't super high quality but i am not a super high quality girl...i mostly just care about the price...if it's cute and the price is right, that's my kind of thing. it's all wrinkly because i had just taken it out of the bag because i couldn't wait to see how it looked on our new beautiful bed! i am in love!}

not too shabby of a makeover, right?

hall table

2009-02-04T23:00:00.010-07:00

here is my first ever refinishing project. i am so happy with how it turned out! it is robin's egg blue and very bright. i am going to use it as a hall table in our entry way.

this was a desk that my dad built about 45 years ago. it was one of his first ever woodworking projects. that is why this means so much to me! i have always loved this desk but it needed a little face-lift.

i bought a quart of paint which cost $10 - actually free with a left over giftcard to Lowe's from our wedding 2 1/2 years ago :) score!
i sanded (well, actually, my husband sanded) down the desk and then primed it with one coat of primer
i filled in the two holes with putty where i removed the original hardware
i put two coats of paint on
i lightly sanded the edges to give it a more vintage feel
attached a new piece of hardware that cost me just over $1 at Home Depot (i might get one at anthropologie eventually...they have really beautiful drawer pulls)

so...this project basically cost me next to nothing AND it has tons of meaning!

i decoupaged the inside of the drawer with SUPER cute paper - but, i can't get it open now! it is seriously stuck. i think the paint made it a tighter fit. it never opened very well anyway. but, i will try to get it open and when i do, i'll take a picture of the inside of the drawer because it's one of my favorite parts of this project.

my husband worked hard and got the drawer out so i could take a picture of the inside. cute huh! well, i think it is at least. you can see where the drill wore down some of the paper, oh well...it doesn't bother me so i'm not going to touch it up - the drawer doesn't work anyway. we sanded the paint down on the sides but it's still not a great fit so that drawer will just not be used. but - at least I know it's cute inside!

next up: the baby crib.
ohh. too much work. can you tell i'm having a hard time finishing it? it is taking so much motivation to finish because it's plain old annoying.

work work work

2009-01-28T22:49:00.010-07:00

so i am currently working on some DIY projects that i'm so excited about. it is LOTS of sanding and painting and i'm eager to finish everything...

stay tuned for a baby crib & a vintage desk turned
hall table.

and eventually two dressers, a changing table, a glider, and a bed frame. oh la la. so much to do.

i LOVE what paint can do!

table runner

2009-01-26T14:27:00.003-07:00

i loved this table runner idea. here's the tutorial!

lined curtain tutorial

2009-01-26T14:25:00.003-07:00

i would really like to make some curtains for our house. this seems like a good, thorough tutorial to refer to as i do it. now i just need to see if i can make them cheaper than i can buy them (sometimes the fabric i love is way out of my price range and i can just buy cute curtains at the store for less...so, we'll see...).

tutorial here.

magazine holder

2009-01-26T14:23:00.002-07:00

my friend has one of these hanging in her bathroom and i loved how it looked. i just found a tutorial so i thought i should definitely hang onto it! (i probably wouldn't use it for toilet paper though...just magazines...).

tutorial here.

hot pads

2009-01-26T14:22:00.004-07:00

i need new hot pads...i only have 2! so i thought this was a great way to get more plus they are very cute. i just need to go get some fabric now!

tutorial here.

make your own headboard

2009-01-26T14:16:00.003-07:00

i really would love to make a fabric covered headboard for our bed and i have been trying to figure out exactly how i'd do it, then, i came across this tutorial and thought it looked great! it is very thorough and kind of filled in the holes on my idea (ie how to attach the bed to the headboard). definitely gonna do this one...!

here's the tutorial: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=558

spices spices

2009-01-12T22:54:00.002-07:00

(link to tutorial)

i have so many spices that are so hard to keep organized so when i found this idea, i got so excited! #1 it's cute and #2 it's practical. it isn't a huge eyesore in your kitchen - in fact, it's kinda vintage looking. i think i will definitely do this!

bulletin board

2009-01-12T22:43:00.002-07:00

(link)

i really love bulletin boards but they can really become an eyesore when they get cluttered. i saw this idea and loved it! i don't know if i am handy enough to make it but i thought it was a wonderful idea that i may try out someday - i think it'd come in especially handy someday when i have a houseful of kids!

DIY babylegs

2008-12-18T15:15:00.004-07:00

guess which picture is real babylegs and which one is homemade babylegs??

i really like babylegs because they're so cute & functional, but i've got to be honest...i am too cheap (and too poor) to buy my son a pair for $12.00. well...i found a solution! a DIY tutorial on how to make them from a pair of adult socks...so, all you have to do is spend money on the socks and then take the time to make them. a fellow blogger, isly, has tried them out and they look great!

now, for the tutorial...click here!

(picture #1: homemade babylegs (link), picture #2: real babylegs (link))

more ribbon ideas

2008-12-12T12:21:00.006-07:00

images taken from {capture the moment} (link)

i like this idea even better than the oatmeal box idea...although both are great. this is great for those little sections of ribbon you have lying around that don't fit on the spool anymore. plus...it just looks great! i think i'll definitely do this. click the link above to see how she spools the ribbon around the clothespins!

delicious damask

2008-12-10T11:52:00.003-07:00

i am totally in love with damask. i love it so much i'm tempted to decorate everything in it...but that would be overkill...so don't worry, i'm going to control myself. anyways, i have been looking for some damask prints i could use in photoshop but they have been hard to come by. however, i found this tutorial that shows you how to make damask backgrounds, borders, etc. all by yourself! i thought i'd share in case anyone is as interested in this as i am! here ya go...

http://weddingmonograms.blogspot.com/2008/03/illusive-damask-design.html

little birdies

2008-12-08T10:44:00.004-07:00

image taken from how about orange (link)

i love these birds. click here for a pattern & tutorial on how to make them. i think i'm going to whip some of these up for next year's christmas tree!

undercover crates

2008-12-06T11:25:00.003-07:00

image taken from paint in my hair (link)

i am in LOVE with this idea! crates are wonderful for storage, but let's be honest, they are quite an eyesore if you want your home to be stylish. i think these would be great in a child's room or in a craft room (let's hope i have one of those someday!). click on the link above to see a wonderful tutorial on how to sew slipcovers for a crate.

DIY wall organizer

2008-12-06T11:16:00.004-07:00

image taken from Living Creatively (link)

i love this wall organizer. in my dream house, i want a little nook right off the kitchen where the computer will be and where our kids can work on homework, art projects, etc. this would be the perfect organizer to put on the wall in that space! click the link above to see the tutorial.

make your own kitchen mat!

2008-12-06T11:13:00.004-07:00

image from sew, mama, sew (link)

i thought it was a great idea to make your own kitchen mat. i don't LOVE this one...i am just posting it because the site gave a tutorial on how to do it (click the link above to see the tutorial), plus it got the wheels turning in my head. i think if you found some really funky fabric, this would be a fun project! it seems easy and plus it would probably be cheap enough that you could make a new one when you got bored with the current mat - and, sometimes you just can't find what you're looking for in the store!

little birdies

2008-12-06T11:10:00.004-07:00

image from Good Housekeeping (link)

i love birds. i just think they're so cute and hey, they're in style right now. but, i think they are timeless enough that if you make something like this, it won't be out of style next year. these pillows are from Good Housekeeping. you can go to the link and find a print out template of the birds plus a tutorial on how to make these cute pillows. i've already got it printed out and in my craft idea folder!

tiny pincushions

2008-12-05T13:38:00.005-07:00

image taken from how about orange (link)

can you believe i don't own a pincushion? i guess i just haven't found one in the store that i like, so all my pins are stored in the original plastic container - yes, it is frustrating to get a pin while sewing! i think these are sew cute (haha). i think i'll make some! now i just need to find some cute fabric...click the link above to see a tutorial on how to make these cute little treasures.

love this DIY idea

2008-12-05T13:27:00.003-07:00

visit this link to see the steps (link)

one time i was watching rachael ray and loved this DIY idea. all they did is they took an old bookshelf and turned it into a really neat display case. i loved the color of the one they had on the show. i think this would be a really great way to recycle an old bookshelf!

ribbon holder

2008-12-05T12:52:00.001-07:00

picture taken from curbly upcycle (link)

i am desperately in need of a container to hold my spools of ribbon (all six of them, hehe...i don't quite have a collection yet!). i found this and thought it was a great idea, especially because i have an empty oatmeal container on hand! this tutorial looks very well done and very do-able for anyone, crafty or not!

advent calendar

2008-12-05T12:44:00.002-07:00

image taken from craftastica (link)

i have always loved advent calendars. my mom had one that she made before i was even born that i have always loved looking at during the holidays (although i don't think we ever used it because pieces were missing, etc). next year, i definitely want to make one so i can start up a family tradition. i thought this was cute and a great DIY idea. i am on the lookout for more advent calendar ideas because i want to find something i absolutely love.

here is another advent calendar i found that is a little more my style...

image taken from (link)

photo collage

2008-12-05T12:21:00.002-07:00

image taken from cookie mag nesting blog, a special on stephanie nielson's home in arizona (link)

i love this idea of doing a collage of your family in your kitchen. there's no better way to bring love into your home than to cover it with pictures.

my dream nursery

2008-12-05T11:26:00.005-07:00

i am in love with this nursery, done by re:place. i would love to have such a quiet, serene place for my baby and me! check out the link to see more pictures of the beautiful room. the bird silhouettes on the wall can be found here. they are pricey ($30 for two bird silhouettes...yikes!) but if you had the money, i think it'd be worth it. otherwise, they probably wouldn't be too hard to make yourself using some scrapbook paper, fabric, or wall paper.

silhouettes

2008-12-05T11:20:00.001-07:00

image taken from cookie mag nesting blog (link)

image taken from design*sponge (link)

image taken from the blog design*sponge (link)

i am in love with silhouettes. i love that you can make them easily yourself and that they bring a vintage flair to any room. follow the links above to see the tutorials.

here is a tutorial on how to create a silhouette digitally, rather than by hand.

i'm not sure which way i'm going to do mine yet. i like the hand-crafted part of doing it without the computer, but perhaps it'd be a cleaner outcome if it was done digitally. i guess maybe i'll try both!

fabric wall art

2008-12-05T11:16:00.001-07:00

this image is taken from the blog how about orange (link)

i love canvas wall art like this. they are way out of my price range to buy in a store, so i found a great tutorial on how to make your own using a fabric with large print. i can't wait to do this! i think i'll do one in our front room and our bedroom...maybe even more rooms...but, i don't want to over-do it!