Thumbtack Border for Wall Chalkboard

I hung the crowns above the chalkboard wall.  I was going to put molding around the chalkboard.  When I realized the molding I liked would be over $50, I decided to buy silver thumbtacks for 75 cents and used those for a border instead.  Easier and cheaper.  I used the same tacks on the canvas painting for her room.

How to paint Diamonds on the Wall

I just felt like this wall was missing something.  So I painted diamonds using leftover gray paint from the lighter two walls.  I love how it turned out!  It was a little trickier to do than I had expected. 

(More after the jump...)

The Purple Duvet Cover

I just finished Ella's new duvet cover.  For the back I used the black and white striped flat sheet that came in her sheet set.  (I only use a fitted sheet and comforter on the kids' beds.  If all they have to do is smooth out the duvet, they are more likely to make their beds.)  For the front I cut and pieced together some fabric snatched from my mom's well stocked collection.  Thanks Mom!   An old T-shirt was cut up and used to make the ties.  I hate when the comforter slips down and gets all bunched up inside the cover, so I sewed loops to the inside edge of the comforter.  The T-shirt ties run through the loops to hold the comforter in it's place.

I found the flowers at a clearance sale for 30 cents each.  I was originally going to make some fabric flowers.  However, I don't like to make things that I can buy for less.

Here's a look at Ella's past blankets.

Her first blanket was a crib quilt made by Grandma for her nursery.

When she was graduated to a twin size bed, I made her this duvet cover with the help of Mei Ling (my talented sister-in-law).  The light pink side was actually a cotton shower curtain I found on clearance for under a dollar.  It worked perfect since the shower ring slots functioned as button holes.  The darker fabric with stars was leftover from her nursery curtains.  We made fabric covered buttons to hold it together.

Organizing the Little Stuff

For my kids to actually keep their rooms clean and organized I try to have a place for everything... even the little stuff.  I also have an obsession with putting things in clear jars.  For these, I spray painted the lids and glued on animal figures. 

A Place for her Art

 Ella has been called the "Tape Master", because she can make anything from and do anything with scotch tape.  Lately she's been decorating her room by taping up her artwork on the wall.  I think her beautiful pictures should be displayed, but not with tape.  Now she can retire her tape and just clip her art to the jute I just strung across her bedroom wall.

How to Transfer an Image with Gel Medium

I decided to create my own art for Ella's wall using an image of her.  



This is the original photo that I started with.

See how I did it on the next page...

Make Your Own Wall Decal

I wanted to paint a key on the side of this shelf.  However, the thought of painting directly on it made me nervous.  I just refinished the shelf and didn't want to paint it again if I didn't like how the key turned out.
(Read more on the next page...)

Freezer Stencil ~ Ballerina Memo Board

I made this board for Ella's room.  She wanted a place to hang her ribbons and other small things.

Giant Chalkboard

I was a little concerned that the novelty of a giant chalkboard wall may wear off quickly and the kids would lose interest.  So far that is not the case.  The chalkboard is a hit and has made Ella's unfinished room the house hang-out spot.  The only downfall is that I am constantly cleaning up chalk dust.  I need to order those chalkboard markers I heard about. 

Purple Bed

I recently sold Ella's bed when I was inspired to redo her room.  She's been camping out on the floor, so I  searched and searched and until I finally found her a new bed.  I was looking for something with character and curves.  This Craigslist find was quite beat up but it had potential.  It has become the Purple Bed.   I'll post more pictures when here room is finished.

Before

After

I got a little excited with my new addiction (spray painting) and painted a bunch of stuff.  Ella's once white table is looking good in purple and blue. 

Painted Crowns for Ella's Room

I just painted Ella's walls two shades of gray.  I love the gray, but with nothing else in there yet it looks a little sad.  I'm thinking something silver and sparkly is needed.  What 6 year-old princess doesn't love crowns?  First I sprayed them with a hammered silver metallic paint.  Then I added a little purple paint and glitter.  Voila!

Before

After

These beauties are now awaiting a space in Ella's redecorated room.
This room is turning out to be a challenge.  It's a small space and it has to function as her playroom and her bedroom.  Also, I'm trying to redecorate it on a $200 budget.  I'll have to upcycle, recycle, do whatever I can; but I want her to have a room she loves. 

Money Tally so far:
$13 --chalkboard paint
$40 --gray paint for walls
$ 9  --fabric for curtains (9 yards)
$20 --spray paint
$20 --decorative hanging crowns

That leaves $98 and she doesn't have a bed yet. 

The chalkboard has already been getting good use.  I found the fabric for the curtains on the clearance shelf for just $1/yard!  I sewed two sets, one set shown here and a matching set for the window.  I hung them from ceiling to floor.  I think it makes the 9' ceiling seem even higher and it looks dramatic.  I'm thinking about putting up molding to frame the chalkboard...

Inspired (Ella's Room)

I've been inspired to re-do Ella's room.  I constantly move stuff around and reorganize her things.  But I really want to Re-Do her whole room.  I mean everything.

Before Pictures...

Cousin (dump-out-all-the-toys) Fest

The inspiration pic for her new room. 

I love-love the purple bed, giant chalkboard and mostly neutral colors (and the huge window).