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.

Easy DIY Wall Decor

 I love browsing the scrapbook paper section.  So many colors.  So many designs.  Too bad I'm not into scrapbooking.  I only scrapbook digitally.  But since the pages are too likable to pass up, I made some into wall hangings.

(More on the next page...)

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.

Hello Scary Giant - Our Battle with Scorpions

When a couple neighbor girls came by today to play with my daughter, they were greeted by this giant scorpion guarding our front door.  They were so brave to ring the doorbell anyway.  This guy is a Giant Hairy Scorpion.  He's as long as a crayon, but this species can grow up to six inches long.  Once I mistook one of these for a lizard, when I saw it down by my nephew's feet.