Shabby Chic Pinboard

There are few things that give me greater satisfaction than a project that I a) complete quickly, b) is inexpensive and c) that I couldn't be happier with the final result.  I needed one more item to complete Adalyn's wall decor for her bedroom.  I decided a pinboard was best because we could add and remove photos, artwork and miscellaneous items frequently and easily.  

I had a scrap of osnaburg fabric from another project, though I believe I paid about $3/yard for it.

I purchased the above cork board for $40 after a coupon. {Hint: When visiting Michael's or Hobby Lobby, always print a 40% off coupon before you go!}

Using a knife, pull staples ALL THE WAY up so that they are flush with the frame.

Iron your fabric and lay it on a large, flat surface.  I would usually use a staple gun for the next part, but if your husband is anything like mine with tools, you'll know why I used pins.  I looked everywhere and couldn't locate it.  However, I was determined to complete this project asap!  Using pins, I pulled the fabric taught over the cork board and pinned it in several locations, pinning corners back as well {10 pins overall}.  I inserted the fabric covered cork board into the frame, bent the staples back into place to hold it into place and was done in 15 minutes!

I'm very happy with the result and cannot wait to hang it in her room!

This project is also great to pin seating assignments for weddings and special events!

Room Decor

When decorating a room, I try my best to repurpose items I already own.  Adalyn's room is significant in size with a lot of wall space to cover.  I pulled all potential items that I thought may work for the space and put them in her room.  Then I considered ways to use them.  In a recent Pottery Barn catalog, I saw these beautiful heirloom frames.  I just so happened to have heirloom frames of my own...from my Grandmother's!

These frames were originally red and olive green.  A few years ago, we painted them white. They have all been utilized in multiple ways over the past few years.  Most notably, a coat hook, my maternity photos and a milestone frame.

You may recall from a previous post that I pinned sentimental items into shadow boxes for Aniston's nursery.  I had one remaining shadow box.  Adalyn wore the cream cashmere sweater below for nearly a year.  It was the perfect staple and we both adored it!  I could never let this sweater go!

I pinned the sleeve up with a small bow for added detail.

To add a subtle hint of pink to the room, I painted the frame below, found at TJ Maxx for $5.99.  I took the pillow sham from her bedding to have the color matched and just purchased a paint sample for $4.  I love the ornate details and that I recreated it far less than the Annabelle frame I originally wanted to purchase.

I created this shabby chic inboard to go above her dresser.  For easy DIY instructions, click here!

I have just one project left before I'm ready to share Adalyn's big girl room later this week!

Kids' Bathroom

It's a miracle!  I have finished a room of our home!  Well, almost.  Just a little touch up work {aka getting my painter back}.  This room was minimal in cost, but maximum in impact, so it was gratifying.

I took two photo frames I already had and hung one above the other. Unfortunately, the top frame did not have hooks to hang it, so I had to get creative with a piece of ribbon I had from a gift I received. I made prints using my book linen method. For full DIY, click here. 

The below rug was inspired the bathroom decor.  Nothing is more girly than ruffles, just seems sweet!  {Shabby Chic Criss Cross Bath Rug}  Doesn't that tile look like new?  {Say yes for my husband's sake.  He spent a few hours on his hands and knees scrubbing it and using a grout pen}.

And how could I resist this vintage ruffle shower curtain from RH Baby and Child {especially when they were having their friends and family event!}?

The clear glass knobs and pulls, also from Target, updated the large vanity.

Clear glass shower curtain rings complete the look.

We painted the gold framed mirror white to update the look.  We paid to have our cabinets painted white, but I'm still convinced that they were painted grey {hence having my painter return}.  

I selected bedside lighting rather than standard bathroom lighting because I thought they were more feminine.  We hung the towel rack on the back of the door to conceal it and avoid all of those wall drips that drive me crazy!  The "remodel" was completed with a new faucet.

The before?  Well, that wasn't so pretty {in my opinion}.

Remodel costs:

$30 paint

$70 light fixtures

$4 grout pen

$30 new hardware

Not too shabby for this shabby chic bath remodel!

Cake Toppers

Want to make your own birthday cake, but not an icing artist?  Not to worry!  There are plenty of darling and easy cake topper ideas to dress up your basic cake.

Balloons!

Ribbon flags

Tissue or fabric poms

Bunting and or bows

Statement candles

For more entertaining ideas, see what I've been pinning!  

Adalyn's 2nd Birthday | Toddler Birthday Ideas

It's hard to believe, but my baby is 2 today!  Last night we had my in-laws over to celebrate.  I served Adalyn's favorite foods.  I plan to keep the menus from year to year to show her how her tastes change.

I had Classic Cakes create this simple subtle pink stucco cake.  I made little flags to decorate it.

I love meringues.  They're not only pretty, but they are so delicious too!

Did I mention the flavor is salted caramel?  Mmmm!

I hung crepe paper from our light fixture for an illuminated "centerpiece".  The room had a beautiful pink glow.

Snuggling our big birthday girl!

This morning, before Adalyn woke up, we decorated her room in balloons and pennants.  She was really surprised!

  

Adalyn enjoyed kicking her balloons around.  I think it's going to be tough to get rid of these in a few days!

Happy 2nd Birthday Adalyn!

Baby Bedding | Baby Gift

When creating a nursery for Aniston, I knew I wanted soft, neutral bedding.  I love this linen bedding below and another set from Restoration Hardware Baby and Child.  When I told my talented friend Lori what I was going to purchase, she stopped me and offered to make the baby bedding.  It doesn't get more special than that!  

Using osnaburg fabric, she created the sweet and subtle bumper below.

She also made a quilt and stenciled Aniston's name in one of my favorite fonts, Jane Austen.  Isn't it sweet?

and because she has endless energy, she also made this darling pillow to complement the ensemble, complete with Aniston's birthday.  

I have been blessed with this beautiful gift and even better, with a beautiful friend!  Thanks Lori!

Adalyn's Bedroom Furniture, Refinished

When we purchased our "new" home, the sellers were kind enough to leave green canopy bed.  Right away, I started dreaming of ideas for our little girl's room.

I found this painted antique dresser on Craigslist for just $100!  The pedestals mimicked those of the canopy bed and the scallop shaped played well off the headboard.  When I had my husband pick it up, he wasn't convinced.

After several coats of paint in a soft cream, these two pieces were a dream!  I retained the original hardware - it compliments the hardware on the window and the lock on Adalyn's jewelry box.

What a difference a can of paint makes!  The room remodel post will be coming soon!

Master Bedroom Remodel | Redesign

I've been anxious to share some of our home remodel and decor with you.  Unfortunately, I have the horrible habit of starting one room, and before completing it, moving on to another.  The Master Bedroom is almost complete!  

To remodel this space, we removed old wood shutters, painted the windows {but retained the hardware}, caulked and painted the moldings, painted the room and replaced the carpet.  We hung heavy woven cotton drapes for privacy.

I know, there is nothing cute about a tv, but it's a must for me to fall asleep.  My chest of drawers is home to my jewelry box, a gift from my husband on Valentine's Day the year we married, engraved with my then future initials, JAB.

We are so thankful that both of our nightstands fit in our new home!  We survived three years without and it wasn't pretty!  Above, Chris' side is home to a Pottery Barn task lamp, a family photo {by RPM}, a piece of coral from a vacation along with one of Chris' medical books.

Proving that you don't have to spend money to redecorate your room, I utilized items I already owned.  I switched the matte in the Pottery Barn frames from the original burlap {used in our previous home} to the included white matte. A collection of my favorite books are displayed along with my travel jewelry case for convenience.  With a toddler running around, I can no longer risk leaving my rings loose on the nightstand!  The jar has been recycled from a bottle of lotion and I dried hydrangea from an old floral arrangement.  The jewelry tray has been seen quite a bit on this blog!  You never know where it will find a home next!

One of my favorite pieces in the bedroom is the trunk from my Grandma.  It holds additional pillows, blankets and a few family keepsakes.  Click here for the no sew toss pillow tutorial.

The before?  Well, what do you think?