A Boys Room...Moving Up In the World

My little man isn't exactly little any more. He's growing up...way too fast for me, but it's still happening. He was 6 years old and had just finished kindergarten when we moved into our old house. Flash forward a few years and he is now 10 and well into his 4th grade year.

He has changed and it was time for his room to reflect that...here is what it looked like before...

And here are the after pictures...



The beds went from single to bunked. A new area rug and window panels were added as well as sconces for both bunks. The antique corner desk (Pennsylvania House...and yes, I got it from the side of the road) was paired with a hand-me-down chair that I painted black. I was able to get some old wood (for free) from the local wrecking yard that I cut into two shelves and mounted with metal brackets from Home Depot. After a quick trip to my favorite thrift store, I left with an old stop sign, a vintage architecture light, the "lucky" mason jar, an antique table fan, and a curio shelf that was hung and turned into storage for his Lego men. Paper storage was hung on the wall beside the desk for those afternoons when he has "SO" much homework. The closet door is a fun little place for chalkboard drawings, and he still has the perfect spot for his backpack. Mr. T moved the $1 book shelves from the other side of the room and I hung part of his pennant collection from the different cities we have traveled to. The bedding is the same...I just perked it up with a bottle of Rit Dye in Denim.

What's better than a fresh, new, organized space? Spending some great quality time with my little man!!!

Rachel :)

Copy Cat Chic

I've taken a little time (ok...a LOT of time) over the break and have been trying to update/clean/organize Brainy Smurfs room. The twin beds that were bunked at one time, then separated, are now bunked again. I have been searching for two swing arm lights to mount on the wall beside his top bunk and lower bunk to give him a little more lighting when he reads. Here's the inspiration picture...

Restoration Hardware

I love the sconces in this picture from Restoration Hardware. Unfortunately, I don't love the price. Long story short, I found them for a good bit cheaper and let my friend Reichel over at Copy Cat Chic know. Today, she featured this Chic Find...so stop by her place to see what I found!

Rachel :)

Industrial Shelving

It's a random blog post after being away for two weeks...but it gives a little glimpse into one of the projects I've been working on for an unnamed Brainy Smurf. I've fallen head over heals for industrial shelving. And it seems to be everywhere like...



Etsy



Restoration Hardware



Ballard Designs



Etsy

 There's nothing like a great paring of metal and some reclaimed wood (yes...another hint...)

Rachel :)

Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Smurfs and I made the trek across the state a few days ago to visit my wonderful sister and the cutest baby ever, my nephew, Henry. This was the Smurfs first time meeting their new cousin and we couldn't go empty handed. My sis loves the author Eric Carle and all of his adorable books. When Pottery Barn introduced their Very Hungry Caterpillar line, I couldn't resist coming up with my own version...

Pottery Barn Kids

I'm no artist, but fortunately my sister is the easiest person on earth to please. She was excited about the art and maybe even more excited about the art the Smurfs painted. They didn't want to be left out! I'm fairly sure you can figure out which one was painted by Smurfette and which one was painted by Brainy Smurf...

I also made the bedskirt for baby Henry's crib. It was my first attempt ever at a bed skirt and I was very surprised at the ease of the pattern.

It's our last weekend of summer vacation. We have had a super great summer and I am so sad to see it end. The Smurfs have graduated from making things with paper and cardboard to using real tools, sanders, and paint. It's always so much fun to be able to teach and watch them learn. Here's to a GREAT weekend!!!

Rachel :)

What You Can Do with $1

You can't do much with $1 these days. Or, can you? Saturday morning the Smurfs were over at a friends house, Mr. T was at work, and I was at home scrubbing the kitchen floors. OK...just kidding! I took advantage of the time and boogied on down to the Habitat ReStore. You know, the one where I bought this. I spent $6...yes, I know this post is about $1 and I'll get to the other $5 later. So, what did I buy with a $1? Here you go...

It's a pallet. Yes, a wooden, often found on the side of the road for free, pallet. I had a project in mind and didn't want just any pallet, I wanted one in good condition. Apparently those cost $1 these days...sold! Here are a few things you can make with a wooden pallet:

Under the Sycamore

re-nest



Apartment Therapy

Life on the Balcony

Amanda Carver Designs

 Here is what Mr. T and I did with our pallet:

A few weeks ago we unbunked Brainy Smurfs bunk beds. All of a sudden we had two twin beds and lots of wall space.  By sticking to our super small budget we were able to create two great walls spaces for Brainy to use! What can you do with $1?

Rachel :)