DIY Mobiles

Excuse my lazy-I-just-dumped-some-stuff-from-Pinterest post.  Its better than nothing, right?  Hoping to catch up on blogging this Wed when we have off for the 4th.  I have a bunch of topics started but not much written...

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For your viewing pleasure this Monday, I bring you some cute DIY mobiles via Pinterest:

Source: designdazzle.blogspot.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Source: daffodildesign.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Source: sewshesews.wordpress.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

DIY: Sweet Doily Crib Mobile

Since I haven't had time to work up a tutorial on the pinwheel crib mobile I made for my nursery, here is a tutorial for a sweet scallop doily & fabric crib mobile from Lemon Tree Creations.  Click here to be taken to their blog and step by step instructions.

Tip: if you don't have an old crib mobile with arm's to use, try purchasing a used or inexpensive one you don't mind tearing apart.  Or you can apply the fabric doily concept to the embroidery hoop mobile tutorial that I haven't created yet.....

DIY: Ribbon Chandelier

Even the least crafty Momma can do this next project. Store-bought crib mobiles with music are great for over the crib, but if you are looking for something for something different or maybe something to hang above the changing table check out these adorable ribbon chandeliers.Complete DIY instructions and photos can be found on the Project Nursery Blog here.

Here is another version I found on the web using the same concept but with a variety of ribbons:

image from The Purple Pug

If you are working on your nursery and you haven' attempted at least one DIY project yet, you need to. Your nursery should be a personalized space and I promise your homemade items will become your favorite ones!

Origami Mommy

I subscribe to a couple of email blasts from HL, Aaron Brothers and Jerry's Artarama (for the coupons) and Jerry's recently featured a special on DIY Origami kits for kids. While they make a good Summer break art project, it got me thinking about other things you could use origami for - like the nursery!

I am all about personalizing your nursery decor and I love unique mobiles. These DIY origami projects combine both. For those of you that are more precise and don't feel like you are "crafty" these projects are perfect!

How cute is this fish mobile, perfect for an ocean theme or a nursery in green and blue....Tutorial available here on Design Sponge.

A DIY tutorial for this bird mobile is available at MarthaStewart.com:

This tutorial features some links to butterfly instructions and a good how-to on creating the mobile frame:

as seen on The Stir Cafe Mom blog, photo by Lisa Solomon

Love the concept but don't think you are up for the challenge? Looks what is available on etsy for just $18!

Image and mobile from BellasIdeas etsy shop

Maps & Globes

As I browse the web looking for the best ideas to share, I have been seeing lots of creative ways to incorporate maps into your nursery and playroom decor. When The Husband and I went on our honeymoon to St. Lucia we picked up a map of the area with the thought of one day hanging them with other maps from our travels. I think that map is still in a closet somewhere, but it would be a perfect way to personalize a nursery.

If you love to travel, think about using simple furnishings and bedding and adding accents from your travels - including new or vintage maps you picked up along the way. If you weren't thinking that far ahead check out ebay for maps of places you have already been.

This PB Kids map retails for $159 - I am picturing something more custom, with landmarks and places that are important to the family - like Grandma's house!

This Oopsy Daisy wall art is actually printed canvas:

This Restoration Hardware mobile is no longer available, but you can create your own with globes. Add a personal touch with gold stars or pins on placed you have been.

This large map takes up a blank wall and pairs perfectly with the transportation elements of the room:

This dresser got a makeover with decoupage and vintage apartment door numbers:

image from here

J, I know there are no kiddies in the near future but this one would be perfect for you!

Target Hits the Mark with Frugal Finds

Don't you just love Target? I could spend hours there - between the guest designers, costume jewelry, work out wear and make-up sections it is seriously a time suck. While searching for patio furniture the other day I happened to walk by the baby sections and noticed all the cute DwellStudio items they had. Target has always had stylish stuff, but I especially love their designer-at-a-discount items. Here are a few exclusive finds from Target.com that I think you will love:

Sumersault Geo Brights Mobile - $34.99

Spark by Skip Hop Diaper Bag - $29.99 - that's half the price of regular Skip Hop bags!

Bananafish Nantucket Crib Set - $149.99 - you can't see it that well but those are little alligators! So preppy and cute!

DwellStudio for Target Dot Fun Shower Curtain - $24.99 - perfect for a boy & girl sharing a bathroom

DwellStudio for Target Medallion 3 Piece Crib Set - $74.99 - I've heard mixed reviews about the quality of the Dwell for Target sets but for that price the design can't be beat. The crib featured is from their furniture line. It also gets mixed reviews but they are mostly good and it is a great price for modern furniture.

On a personal note, I am going to see the Chelsea Handler "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang Tour" tonight and I can not wait! The Husband and I just love her and I think it will be so fun. We are also attending a wedding this weekend and I helped the bride put together her hotel gift baskets and favors and everything was AMAZING. Hopefully I will have some stylish and inspiring pictures to share on Monday!

Birdy Branch Art

Maybe its the organic trend but lately I have been seeing more natural elements being added into nursery decor. I have been seeing these birdy branch mobiles everywhere. Maybe it started in the Pottery Barn catalog with this version (featured with the Brooke bedding)......


I don't know about you but I get SO ANNOYED when I find a decor element I love in their catalog, only to search on the page for the item and realize that they just used it to tempt me and don't actually sell it. So, if you are dying for one, check out these homemade versions:

Found this one on the blog of photographer Audrey Habeck - love that she used stars

This blue bird nursery was featured on DesignDazzle.com

Directions for this DIY version are available at DesignSpongeOnline.com:


What do you guys think? Love 'em but not into birds? You can substitute practically anything - from stars to circles to origami shapes. I like the natural element they bring into a room and they would work over a changing table or hung in a corner over your rocker.

How To: Custom "Logo" Mobile

My fellow fashion-loving friend Alana is busy creating a custom nursery for her baby Will. She created some amazing curtains and is sewing the bedding set herself. Impressive. But, one of the coolest things she created was a custom "logo" mobile to hang above her crib. I asked her to put together a step by step tutorial on how to create your own and she agreed to help me share the project with my readers. So, get excited, this is an easy project that will make sure your nursery is personalized and unique!

What You Need To Get Started:

• 3 different sized sewing circles (the inner portion, not the outer portion…I used wood but I guess you could do plastic if you didn’t want to paint them)
• Fishing line
• Weights
  
• Acrylic Craft Paint
  
• Wooden letter
  
• Husband to drill holes in wooden items (or, if you can do it yourself, even better!)

Steps:

1. Drill a very small hole through the letter and the top of each of the hoops. Make sure the hole is only large enough to get the fishing line through. The hole cannot be bigger than the weights that will hold them in place.
2. Then paint each wooden piece of the mobile your desired colors. Make sure that you do not let the paint dry in the holes that were drilled. Use a toothpick to clear the hole after you paint and before it dries. Once everything dries it’s time to assemble.
3. Tie a knot at the bottom end of the fishing line and place one of your weights just above the knot. Place each weight as close as possible above the knot, the knot serves to prevent the weight from slipping. Drop your letter on the line above the weight.
4. You will then need to determine the spacing of your circles. I went for equal spacing. Once you determine how close you want the smallest circle to the letter, put a knot in the line and a weight just above it, then the circle on top of that.
5. Repeat this step for the remaining 2 circles. The purpose of the knot/weight combo is so the circles and letters can rotate 360 degrees without getting tangled.
6. To secure to your ceiling simply place a screw in the ceiling and tie the fishing line around it and then finish securing the screw all the way to the ceiling to keep it in place. I then painted the screw head white, so it doesn’t stand out on my ceiling. Cut off all the excess string and you’re done!

How cool is that? Even if you are set on a traditional music mobile for above the crib, you can use this idea above the changing table or in a corner of the room. Thanks for the great project idea, Alana!

Sensational Site Sunday - Etsy Mobile

I love crib mobiles. There are so many choices out there and each one is so unique. However, one thing I don't love about most of them is the plastic. Plastic arms, plastic music box, they just look kinda cheapy sometimes. I know you can get a mobile are cover but we know what it is really hiding, right? Enter the handmade mobiles are Lillipop Moon's Etsy.com shop. I stumbled upon this adorable elephant mobile the other day and fell in love. Available in 3 different color patterns I love the handmade, one-of-a-kind look.

Plus, at $40 it is the same prices as a store bought version. Interested in some custom colors? Just drop her a line and see what you guys can come up with!

Decorating is For The Birds

Lately I have been really into a bird theme for nurseries. They are such simple, sweet shapes and can be used in a girly way or made modern. I love this Love Bird set from Banana Fish, available everywhere for under $175.

If you're going modern with the bird them, check out this AMAZING mobile featured on SpoolSewing.com. There is even a free pattern for the birds so you can create one yourself!

All that's missing now is - you guessed it - artwork! I did this piece as part of a 3 canvas set. I am working on a design right now that incorporates birds as well and I can't wait to show it to you guys! I think it is one of my favorite pieces yet!

Sensational Site Sunday - My-Stationary.com

A few months ago I posted about jazzing up the traditional wooden name letters and April at My-Stationary.com is the perfect person to help you out with that. If you are not so crafty she offers a huge array of design choices and at $5 a letter they won't break the bank. Don't see the letter or color combo you need listed? Just email her and she will work with you to create exactly what you are looking for.

Another cool offering are these baby mobiles. I am always on the hunt for something different and fell in love with these when I saw them. Sure, traditional mobiles are cute and provide music, but I have always thought the white plastic arms were kind of cheesy. Perfect for over the changing table or rocker, these sparkly designs are sure to delight baby and keep them entertained. Plus, each one is hand made to order in your choice of 4 colors so it is sure to match your room perfectly!

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Have a cool baby or decor related website you want to show off? Send me an email at customnurseryart (at) gmail (dot) com and I might just feature it on Sensational Site Sunday! If we can do a link exchange and both benefit from it - even better!

Things are Looking Up - Ceiling Decor!

When I am decorating, I mostly think of what furniture to get, what color to paint the walls and what to hang on them once I am done. I never think about the ceiling. But this adorable nursery got me thinking about ceiling decor! Now in Texas, everyone has a ceiling fan, so it can sometimes be hard to hang something that will blow in the breeze. But if you don't turn on the fan much, or you don't have one, you are free to decorate to your hearts content!

These inexpensive paper Chinese lanterns add some great pops of color and act as a mobile. Bonus - they are hung high so you don't have to move them when baby can start grabbing them like you would have to move a traditional mobile.

Or, check out this mobile from Flendsted - they make paper and plastic mobiles in tons of different themes and they work great over a changing table for a little destraction.

Or, if you feel like being crafty, you can create your own funky ceiling decor using a craft hoop and some coordinating ribbon. Its a simple project that will provide tons of stimulation for baby.

Sound like too much to tackle? They are available for purchase at Polka Dot Patch Boutique online.

So, when picking out nursery decor, don't forget the ceiling! And stay tuned for another post on lighting fixture options!