Sadie Ann's Pink and Gold Nursery

When I was planning Sadie Ann's nursery, I knew I wanted it to be soft and calming - the polar opposite of what the beginning of her life was. I immediately thought of pink and gold; as I continued to plan, I decided I would also incorporate whites, creams, mints, and corals. As far as style, it's eclectic. I blended modern, vintage, rustic, and romantic - it's a lot going on, but I think it works. I absolutely love this room. Chris and I agree it is our favorite room in the house. 

Chris insisted on the five-foot giraffe. We call her Ginger. 

The bunny wall! 90 gold bunnies and two pink bunnies. Chris and I spent an afternoon placing each decal on the wall. It was tedious, but completely worth it. 

Here's some unsolicited advice for those of you who may be in the market for a nursery chair. I highly recommend one that glides, reclines, and swivels. We haven't used the recliner yet, but I have a feeling as she gets older we will. I also recommend some type of ottoman and the high back. I can't image not having somewhere to rest my head when I'm feeding her at three o'clock in the morning. 

This ultrasound picture is so special. It was my second ultrasound and I was seven weeks along at the time. The girls were small enough that they both could be seen together on the screen - and they are in the shape of a heart. It's one of the only pictures I have of both of my girls together in one picture. I plan to have this picture enlarged and transferred onto a canvas to hang in our home. 

This hangs just outside of Sadie Ann's nursery and is a beautiful reminder of her twin sister. 

And, of course, I had to snap a few of my sweet girl.  

Nursery Details:

crib - Jenny Lind

bedding - Pottery Barn Kids

paper tassel garland - Prospect Goods

baby stats pillow - Pillows for Everyone

fearfully & wonderfully wooden sign - Handmade gift

giraffee - Melissa and Doug

dresser - IKEA

glider/recliner - Best Chairs Storytime  via Storkland

sheepskin rug - IKEA

pouf - RH Baby

wooden and gold table - Threshold via Target

bookshelf - IKEA

baskets - IKEA

bunny decals - Ohong's Design Studio

bunny mobile - DIY

mint baskets - Hobby Lobby

"You Are My Sunshine" art - Picturality 

"Hello Sweet, Beautiful Girl" art - Hobby Lobby

abstract framed art - Hobby Lobby

white and mint distressed frames - Hobby Lobby

closet dividers - Gina Marie Originals

gold lamp - Hobby Lobby

personalized hanger - Hitched Hangers 

knit booties - Handmade gift

Mary Elliotts wooden sign - Handmade gift

Color Inspiration

When the house becomes officially ours (in two weeks!), the first thing we plan on doing, before moving anything in, is paint! In previous years, I've found myself choosing bold colors for walls; usually browns, dark teals, and deep reds. I'm over that. I dream of a house in light, bright pastels and neutrals. 

Below are just a few inspirational photos for colors I plan on throwing on our walls. 

  

 

 
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Daily Threads: A New Clutch

top: tj maxx {similar}, shorts: target {similar}, cardigan: belk, shoes: jack rogers

chains: self-made, watch: fossil, clutch: self-made

So this cardigan definitely wasn't necessary, but my arms aren't ready to make a debut. Just wanted to throw that out there. Moving on, I feel like I have been seeing large, simple zip clutches all over the Internets lately. When I spotted this American Apparel one I almost gave in, but found a couple DIY tutorials that seemed simple enough that I could try and hopefully save myself about $45. And I did. 

It's definitely not perfect. In fact, it's no where close to perfect, but it will do. It was only the second item I've ever sewn, so I'm actually counting it as a true success. I got my fabric (vinyl) from Jo-Ann's and there were several gorgeous colors I wanted to grab, but I didn't want to get ahead of myself. So I only got one. And the most neutral one I could find. There was a deep blue that I may have to go back and snag and give this clutch a second go! 

If you have superior sewing skills, you should definitely give this project a try. If you have beginner sewing skills (that's me) this tutorial was great, but I'd definitely say do additional research. I like to have options of how to do things, so I combined about three different tutorials. Good luck!

DIY: Coasters

One of the gifts I gave my bridesmaids was these home-made coasters. Coasters are a great way to add a personal touch to any room - and they are easy to make! I was in Hobby Lobby last week and as I passed by the Valentine's Day cardstock I just could not turn down heart candy paper or the vintage Valentine paper. I thought coasters would be a great way to subtly bring in some Valentine's Day decor. 

Although Valentine's Day is already upon us, that doesn't mean you can't do this project! Just take a stroll down the cardstock aisle and pick paper that matches your living room, the next holiday or season, or a friend's living room for a gift. 

Trust me when I say this is an easy project - it's just a bit of cutting, gluing, and waiting  - that's it! It does take a couple days (to get through the drying process), but that's the worse part - especially if you are like me and want things right now. So for almost nothing you can add a personal and functional touch to your living area! Here we go!

Need:

Cardstock of choice ($0.29 - half off!)

Paper cutter (or scissors if you can cut straight lines) (already had)

4 4x4 white tiles ($0.13 each)

Mod Podge (glossy or matte - your preference) (already had)

Small sponge brush (already had)

Sealer (already had)

Felt dots ($2.96)

Total Cost: $3.77

Directions:

1. Measure exact length of tile and cut four pieces. I didn't want any white peeking around the edges, so I cut the pieces the exact measurement of the tile. If you would like a bit of a white boarder, just cut the paper 1/8'' shorter.

2. Wipe off each tile piece with alcohol. This cleans the surface from dust, dirt, and finger prints - which will help the paper to stick more cleanly. 

3. Pour Mod Podge into paper plate. Use sponge brush to apply a generous layer of the glue onto the tile. Then apply one of the pre-cut pieces of cardstock - be sure to center the paper. Press the paper firmly - start in the middle and work your way out to eliminate air bubbles. Also, pay attention to the edges as it is important for the edges to adhere well. 

4. Allow the layer to dry (about 10-15 minutes). Then apply a top layer of the Mod Podge. Be sure to apply glue in one direction as there will be stroke marks. 

5. Repeat applying Mod Podge layer 2-3 times - until you are satisfied. I do a total of three top layers. Let these layers completely dry over night (about a 24 hr period is best). 

6. Set up in a well ventilated area - outside is ideal, sealer can be very strong and extremely harmful to inhale. Follow sealer instructions. The one I used required an initial layer of quick, short sprays and then a couple more layers of slower, thorough spays (about 15 minutes between each layer).

7. Allow sealer to completely dry (again, at least 24 hours). 

8. Apply felt dots to each corner of the bottom of the tile. 

Then your coasters are complete. Wrap up the set or place them around your living room and you are in business! 

DIY: Decorative Tray

I am a big believer in that you don't have to drop Benjamins on decor to make your house look beautiful. Many things already existing (and to come) around our house have been DIY-ed or fabulous finds. I think creating your own decor is so much more rewarding and personal than walking into a Pottery Barn and picking out items. (For the record, I love Pottery Barn, but who has money to decorate their home with pieces straight out of a page in their magazine?)

I regularly receive PB magazines as well as others to pull inspiration from and for recreating ideas. Many items found at Goodwill, thrift stores, and flea markets can easily (I'm talking little to no effort here) be transformed into something that looks unique and high-priced.

I found this tray at a Marshalls in Raleigh (actually, I think it might have been in Cary). It was all beat up, not the prettiest thing in the world, and on clearance. I threw him in my buggy (along with a couple other clearance items) and $3 later, he was mine!

Need:

An old tray

A can of white primer

A can of white spray paint

Directions:

1. Wipe down tray to remove dust or dirt that may have accumulated. 

2. Spray a couple layers of primer (~10 minutes between each - read primer instructions).

3. Spray a couple layers of white spray paint until fully covered.

I already had the primer and paint, so this project cost me a bank-breaking $3. A $3 exact replica of a $69 tray. Can't beat that. I love this tray and I am on a mission to find other beat up trays to bring new life. 

Hair Tutorial: Fishtail Braid

I've had a few people ask for a tutorial on my fishtail braid - and so here it is! I hope it's easy to understand and I'd love to know if you re-create the look! I'm also going to be doing one on a knotted bun later on. Enjoy!

Used:
Brush or comb to tease
Bobby pins
Hairspray 
Clear hair tie
Dry shampoo (if needed)

The only important thing I said while the music was playing was that if you have really fine or silky hair, you may want to invest in some texturing product (a spray or balm). Textured hair really helps to keep the hair where you want it! Good luck!

DIY: Rose Wreath

A very dear friend of mine (hey Mary Ann!) sent me a link a while back with a DIY for a wreath. When I saw it, I knew I was in love and had to do it. A couple months later I finally finished and I'm ready to share! Hope you love it!

Need:

18" wreath

25 (9x12) felt sheets

glue gun

scissors

cd

Directions:

1. Fold felt sheet in half, and then half again. This creates four layers. 

2. Trace cd (with a pencil) and then cut out the circle traced. This will yield four separate circles. 

Tip: The cd was slightly larger than the folded felt, but it didn't make a difference. 

3. Repeat this until all felt sheets have been cut. 

Tip: If you have nice scissors, you might can layer two of the folded felt sheets to cut eight circles at a time and speed up the process.

4. Layer four circles at a time and spiral cut them.

5.Once cut, begin from the center and start rolling the felt by following the cut you made. 

Tip: Be sure to keep this side flat so that gluing on to the wreath is easy.

{bottom of rose | top of rose} 

6. When you finish rolling your roses, place a bit of glue at the end to keep the rose together. 

7. Once the roses are finished, cover the flat side of each rose with glue and then place it on the wreath. 

Tip: Position a few of the roses to where you want them before gluing, just to make sure it fits and looks good.

This is an extremely inexpensive and easy project that anyone can do! It is a bit tedious and time consuming, but I wasn't in a rush to finish. I would cut and roll roses while watching tv until I finally accumulated enough roses to cover the entire thing.

I'm absolutely in love with this wreath. It's adorable, girly, and has this soft, romantic feeling to it. Now I just have to decide which room in our home will be graced with its presence.

DIY: Adding Length to Curtains

Back in August when we moved into our new place, I knew one of the first things (as far as decorating) I wanted to do was add drapes to the living room. So I went on the search for long, neutral drapes - that were affordable. I eventually found two 80" cream-colored, sheer panels that I could live with. That seems long, but not when you have high ceilings and long windows. I (personally) think drapes look best hung a foot or so above the window and fall to where they just dust the ground - rather than hitting a foot (give or take) above the ground. However, even 80" wasn't long enough for this. So I just dealt with them. Then about an month ago I decided to tackle my choppy drapes. 

Need:

Panels (already had)

Coordinating fabric (2yrd $4, on sale!)

Fusible fabric iron on ($4.99)

Yard stick (already had)

Iron (already had)

Curtain rod (already had)

Curtain rings (2 7pc pkgs $5.99)

Total: $20.97

Directions:

Before you get started you may want to see where your current panels hang and then measure how much additional fabric needs to be added in order for them to dust the ground and/or for them to be hung higher. 

1. Lay out your panel so that you can get a measurement of the width. Then lay your fabric onto the panel. Measure and cut off additional fabric length and width wise to appropriate lengths, but be sure to leave a couple inches on each end - just to be safe. 

2. Place a strip of the fusible iron on about an inch from the edge of the fabric, fold over about a half inch of  fabric, and iron the fabric together to create a hem.* Do this all the way down each side of the fabric length-wise only. Since I was working on the floor, I placed an old towel underneath the fabric while ironing. 

*I found it easiest to cut and iron about a one foot piece of the fusible iron at a time.

3. Once the length of both sides of the fabric has been hemmed, position the panel onto the fabric. Again, I went with about an inch of overlap. Once positioned, place your strip of iron-on between the fabrics and iron for about 10 seconds on each strip until you've adhered all of the fabric to the panel.  

4. Once the fabric has been ironed onto the panel you should have a couple inches of fabric left over on each side. Cut off additional fabric on the ends so that about one inch remains. 

5. Again, lay down a strip of iron on fusible tape about an inch from the edge of the fabric, fold the edge over, and then iron to fuse fabric together. Do this on both ends and this will finalize all hemming. 

6. Lay completed panel on the ground so that you can evenly space out the curtain rings. Clip on rings.

7. Slide rings onto existing rod and you will have yourself longer drapes!

So in the picture above my drapes are not dusting the ground. They are hanging out on the ground. When we move into a new place I will hang the rod to where the drapes dust the ground, but this rod was already up and I wasn't going to re-hang it. I really don't mind them being extra long. 

The first panel seemed to take me f o r e v e r! I almost wanted to quit, but I stuck it out. I actually also added fabric to the panels in our bedroom (the blue/green fabric in the first picture) and by the last panel I really was moving quickly.

If something in my directions is unclear, please email me at dwellingandtelling@gmail.com and I will be happy to clarify. I found this DIY to be slightly harder to put into words. Good luck!

DIY: Organizing Your Tight Drawer

So the other night I was laying in bed and began to think about all the tights I have. They are scattered about   in drawers and in two different closets. They need to all be in one place and I need to be able to find the pair I need quickly - without having to put my arm into a leg to see what pattern is on the pair or if it's opaque or sheer (it's kind of hard to tell sometimes, with black tights especially). And this idea was born. I hope you all find it useful!

And just for the record - I have tried the hanger method. It works well, but not for me. I eventually got tired of knotting them for hanging and unknotting them to wear. They eventually ended up in drawers and on closet floors.

Need:

Cardstock/Scapbook paper of choice

Labels*

Scissors 

Clear tape

Empty paper-towel tubes

{follow the pictures above}

1. Line the end of the tube with the end of the paper. Cut paper paper to fit length of tube (if necessary). 

2. Roll paper up tube and tape. To make it secure, tape all the way across and leave some extra tape on the end to wrap around and tuck inside the tube.

3. Roll up the tube so that it is entirely covered. Cut off excess paper.

4. Tape the other end of the paper onto the tube. Again, tape all the way across and have some extra tape on the end to wrap around and tuck inside the tube. 

 5. Write color of the tights on the label or name of pattern (e.g., polka dot) and place label on center of tube. (If you have both sheer and opaque tights in the same color place a (O) or (S) on the label.)

6. Lastly, stuff the corresponding pair of tights into the tube. 

7. I also have a few of the We Love Color knee high socks and they fit perfectly into empty toilet paper tubes. 

8. Arrange them how you would like in your drawer.

It's really a great time of year to start this organizational system because presents are being wrapped and empty tubes are abundant (you can cut these to appropriate paper towel tube length). Be sure to ask your friends and family members to keep empty paper towel tubes and wrapping paper tubes for you. 

*I think the floral paper and labels are pretty, but ff you don't want to use the labels, you can always purchase solid colored cardstock to correspond with the color of the tights.  If you have patterned tights, you can do the same thing - polka dot cardstock for polka dot tights, floral cardstock for floral tights, and so on. This may make things easier when looking for the tights you want. 

Let me know if you like this DIY and if you try it out yourself! Happy DIY-ing!

BEV: Ways to Use Moss Covered Letters

Moss covered letters are a great detail to your wedding day. They are not only a personal touch, but also add another element to the florist and greenery perspective. In my DIY for moss covered letters, you'll see for our wedding they were used as decor for doors and windows and were our monogram for Jackson.

Not only can they be used as last name monograms, but also as the bride and groom's first name, table numbers, or cute messages. They also can be used to cover frames or pots holding plants, flowers, or table centerpieces. There are also a variety of ways to display and hang your letters. Here are some uses I really love.

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There are quite a variety of ways to utilize moss into the decor of your special day. I wouldn't recommend going over board with this though. Pick a couple of different ways to incorporate moss and go with it. It's such a nice touch. 

Another great thing about making or purchasing the letters is that after the wedding, they are yours! You can use them around your house to decorate or hang them on a front or back door.

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