Archive for the ‘Parents Corner’ Category
Sunday Spotlight : The Nursery
A few days ago I tweeted that I wondered if anyone would want to see a spotlight of all the Etsy.com shops and items that I have used to decorate my baby girl’s nursery. Within moments I had many many replies asking for it so by request the Sunday Spotlight this week are all the shops that have contributed . I should say upfront nothing showcased was given to me to review, I bought everything I am showcasing.
Here is the main themed wall, although we aren’t heavy in a bird theme a lot of the accessories are birds and butterflies, most notably this vinyl tree and bird decal from Styley Walls The room was already tan ( it has been a guestroom and a playroom previously) and I had no desire to repaint. Instead this tree would make it all more feminine.
More birds are on this awesome alphabet print with each letter is in an adorable birdhouse .This was a standard listing from Wall Candy that they happily made into a larger size. I am in love with this and everything else in their shop.
This butterfly mobile from Liv’s Lullaby was a last minute addition, I wanted something light and airy and not pink. This was perfect and I love that it spirals down in size.
This book nook is dominated by my great great grandmother’s rocking chair , to think about how many generations of our family have been nursed in it makes me smile. Obviously it wasn’t bought on Etsy but the pillow comes from Stitch Bandit It was just the splash of chocolate and pink the book nook needed.
Not to be forgotten are these awesome teethers from Little Alouette. I actually won the heart one at a conference and bought the birdy one to match the theme. I can’t wait to see if my daughter loves them as much as I do.
This magnetic frame from Shabby Vintage Mom is a great place for pictures , I love how delicate it is , girly without screaming princess! I didn’t want to open the package when it came it was wrapped so nicely.
Other Non Etsy:
Crib: Ikea- HensvikCrib Sheet: Pottery Barn Kids
Changing Table: Pottery Barn Kids ( discontinued)
Baskets and Liners : Pottery Barn Kids
Lamp: Ikea
Curtains: Ikea ( discontinued)
Paint Color : Benjamin Moore Arizona Tan
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Parent and Tot Projects
We normally focus on things kids can make but making something for your child to play with and use is something special to share. These are some of our favorite parent and tot projects we have made in the past 2 years.With the exception of the firetruck ( which was well loved and recycled) everything is still used years later!
Diaper Box Fire Truck ( above)
Yes They’re Flash Cards !
Flash Card Garland
See flash cards are good for something! When a friend asked recently if flash cards were good for anything, I jokingly replied with ” You could make a craft with them!” and so this idea was born. Flash cards aren’t inherently bad, if you play, create or need them to accommodate disabilities they can be fun or even crucial. However sitting and teaching the average preschooler with them just isn’t the best way, rote memorization and learning are not equal. So if you have some don’t throw them away, make this and dress up your playroom or kids bedroom .
- Gather your materials. You will need flash cards, some card stock ,double stick tape, scissors , ribbon, and a hole punch.
- Start by deciding on a pattern for your paper. My son helped me and we took the opportunity to talk about patterns.
- Cut the paper to size.
- Attach the flash card on the paper with the double stick tape.
- Punch two holes at the top.
- Repeat 25 more times.
- Time to start lacing the cards on. I used just over 9 feet of ribbon. I left extra on both ends just in case. This is not a fun part of the craft, I forgot G and had to re-lace H-P.
- Tie bows at the end of the ribbons once all the letters are laced on.
- Put it up. My playroom is too small to allow me to get a good shot of the whole thing!
For another fun alphabet activity check out what I posted today at
DIY Framed Chalkboard !
* Updated to add this super cool link to another chalkboard at infarrantly creative that blows ours away! don’t miss it! *
Cereal Box Mosaic
- Gather your materials. I used Benjamin Moore chalkboard paint, a roller, paint tray, painters tape, an old picture frame, an old sheet, 4 nails and a hammer.
- Start by deciding where you want the chalkboard. Have your child show you how high they can reach so that it’s all usable space. I’m no good with measuring tape so I just eyeballed it and thumb tacked it to the wall to decide. You may want to measure where on the wall you put it.
- Tape off the area to paint.
- Apply your first coat. Wait 4 hours or more and add a 2nd. Let dry.
- Take off the tape.
- Place your frame on the wall so the painted area is centered, and secure it to the wall. I nailed mine but depending on your walls you’ll want to use the appropriate fashion. I particularly liked using a frame because it creates a ledge for the chalk as well.
- Add chalk and child!
Parent’s Corner Extra !
I am totally honored to be mentioned as the website of the week on Family Anatomy. If you aren’t familiar with this site, you should be. It’s a treasure trove of information about issues facing families with kids. The men behind this site and the podcast are both clinical psychologists who are also dads. I thought the discussion about self-esteem was bang on and didn’t want to miss sharing this with all of you! Click on the image above to be linked to FamilyAnatomy.com .
