DIY Scarf Organizer

My supplies.

Nesting Project #3: DONE! I am really proud of myself for being on this roll of completing all the projects that I planned to make during my last weeks of pregnancy. I usually make a list of things to do and somehow always end up with things unchecked that remain unchecked for a looooong time.

Painting the dots using the opposite end of the paint brush for perfect circle results.

Letting the dots on the rings dry by hanging them so I don’t mess them up.

But lately I have been feeling little bursts of energy, feeling the need to occupy my boredom with fun, easy crafts. This is the third craft I’ve done in less than a week and it is so cute! I was inspired by Pinterest. I saw a few pictures of similar organizers but a specific one caught my eye due to its creative decor. I decided I wanted to make one that looked JUST like it, but a different color. I used a plain white hanger that I already had (otherwise you can buy a pack for a $1 @ the Dollar Tree), shower curtain rings ($1 @ Dollar Tree), Turquoise paint ($0.50 @ Walmart), & 2 rolls of sheer turquoise ribbon ($2 ea. @ Walmart). This inexpensive and useful craft took me about 2 hours to make including drying time. I think it turned out so good! I don’t even want to hang it in my closet because I want it to be out in the open where it can be seen by everybody! I’ve been using a lot of pink lately because that’s my favorite color, BUT that’s not my only favorite color. I also love turquoise and lime green. When I first moved in my house I bought turquoise paint to paint my walls. I haven’t painted them yet, but I plan to! So I made this project to match what the color of my bedroom will be. (:

The Finished Project. (:

 

Baby Keepsake Box

This is my newest baby project: Natalia’s baby box. I decided to make her a box that would contain all her keepsakes as memoirs. I wanted to decorate it to match her nursery which is all zebra print with light pink and dark pink polka dots. This is the completion of it & I think it turned out 10x times better than I imagined in my head! Even though I sketched it before hand. ;D

This is the second box that I’ve decorated and I did a wayyyyy better and faster job on this one than my first. It only took me 3 days to complete, but only because I had to wait to go to the store to get the rest of the supplies I needed. When I made my first box, I googled “how to decorate a box” and was disappointed not to see too many instructions on how to do that. So I am going to make my own instructions on box decorating!

1. Brainstorm! The first step is to think about what you want to have a box for of course. It could be to store things in, to give as a gift, or simply just for a decoration project when you’re bored!
2. Decide what size box you need/want, and go get it! I knew I needed a big box because I was going to store an entire baby book along with other bulky items such as her homecoming outfit and things of the like. I got my box for free at a shoe store because buying a big box would just be too expensive, and they are usually already decorated. What’s the fun in that?!
3. Sketch a drawing of what you imagine your box to look like. I always think before hand to save time. I sketched how I wanted the box to look like, what kind of fabric I would use, the colors, the accessories, and the font for the lettering.
4. Shop for supplies! This is my favorite part (;
   Buy everything you will need to make your box. I went to Walmart and bought zebra and polka dot fabric ($8), 3 packs of assorted pink buttons ($6; $2 ea.), a pretty pink bow clip in the children’s section ($1), and then went to Save A Lot for fabric glue ($2) because it’s just cheaper there. The other supplies, I already had, which include a sharpie, a pink marker, and card stock to draw the name, loose black glitter, Elmer’s glue, fabric scissors, and zebra duct tape ($3.50).
5. Measure and cut fabric to size of the box. I bought such a large piece of zebra fabric that I didn’t have to do too much cutting and it turned out looking so much better than if I would have had to cut it to fit around the corners because it wrapped around perfectly (conveniently for me). I started by gluing one side at a time and letting it dry before I went on to gluing the next side, this way when I pulled the fabric around the corner, I wouldn’t move the fabric I just glued out of place. Make sure you glue the very outside edges of the inside and the outside of the sides of the box. Otherwise, if you just glue the insides, you will have to come back around and glue the outside, but it will be hard to lift the fabric because it will already be glued around the box.
6. To give the bottom of your box a neat finish, fold the fabric as if you were wrapping a preset box and glue the trim down and hold it in place until it’s somewhat dry (It will completely dry on its own, but this makes the fabric completely flat because the glue will seep through the fabric).
7. You can use the same technique to fabric the lid, but the lid is easier because you can glue the edges of the top, place the fabric, let it dry, and then one by one glue each side down, folding the corners inwards to make it look neat.
8. Cover the bottom of the inside of your lid and box. I used the pink polka dot fabric to cover the inside of the lid, and zebra duct tape to cover the inside of the box. I used tape because it was easier to make stick, it would hold the bottom fabric in place and it looks good! I used the pink on the lid because I wanted it to be different. 😀
9. Lastly, decorate it however you like! I cut a smaller sized square piece of the pink polka dot fabric and glued (just the edges) in the middle top of the box lid. I then drew Natalia’s name in cooky, child like font letters. I used the elmer’s glue to glue a trim on the outside of the card stock and sprinkled glitter all over it to give it a cute border. Then I glued the pink buttons on the border of the pink fabric, after I arranged them to make sure they would all fit. I glued the pink box in the corner and then her name in the middle. Finally finished! Although I still want to get some black sequin ribbon to glue on the inside of the lid to border the pink fabric under there, but for now it looks good, and the ribbon can wait until next time I go to the store.

   

Nesting Projects

Well, since I need to start relaxing for my last 3 weeks of pregnancy, I figured I would get on Pinterest and find some inspiring ideas to occupy my time. I found quite a few amazing project ideas that I’m going to work on for the next couple of weeks while I wait on the rest of Natalia’s nursery decorations to come in the mail before I finish her bedroom!

#1. Cord Labels – I definitely need to organize my cables because I have so many that I have NO IDEA which is which! So this will be an easy organization project that will save me a lot of time and frustration. I have plenty of bread bag clips that I’ve been collecting since I pinned this, so I have enough to get started! I might decide to make mine extra cute and color them with a hot pink sharpie! ;D

#2. Toiletry Travel Case – Since I went to Gainesville over the weekend and me and my baby’s father are hours apart, this is the perfect travel case for me to make so I can bring it with me! I can foresee myself traveling a lot in the mere future, so this is definitely a must have for me. I already have cute colorful towels, sewing supplies and ribbon, so there’s no additional shopping I need to do to make this project. (:

#3. Scarf Organizer – I absolutely LOVE this idea. I’ve seen quite a few of these on Pinterest, but this one is by far the cutest one I’ve seen. I want to make one JUST like but in Pink or Turquoise! I can get the shower rings at the Dollar Tree and the pretty ribbon at Walmart. I already have bright colored paint to paint polka dots and the white hanger. So this will be an easy project to organize my scarves. Then once I hang them I will have an extra drawer of space in my closet to add other stuff, like all the additional craft supplies that I have!

#4. Duct Taped Clipboard – This is a simple 5 minute project that I want to make. I just need a clipboard! (Dollar Tree) I have the duct tape, But I also want to add a pretty pink ribbon at the top just to give it my personal girly touch! Then I can hang it on my wall so it will be an easy grab and go kind of thing and also add decoration to my plain walls. ❤

#5. Decorative Storage Tins – Another cute idea I came across that will be easy to make! I like the cheetah print and the black, but I might change it up. I’m not too sure exactly what colors or patterns I want to use, nor what to use them for, but I will figure it out once I start making them. So far, I’m thinking of decorating them with the theme of Natalia’s room and putting them in there for storage and decoration. I could put all my baby-related samples in them, or coupons, maybe even hair bows (although I would rather hang them on the wall). The idea will come to me! I don’t have popcorn tins, but I do have empty coffee tins that I could use.

#6. Oatmeal Can Headband Holder – This idea is very similar to the one prior. I kind of like this one a little better, so I might just blend the two ideas together! I like the fact that you can wrap headbands around this and still be able to open it up to throw in the clips, hair ties and other hair accessories.

#7. Baby Room Door Muff – Awesome idea! I love how cute and purposeful this is. It’s also very easy to make and I have all the materials needed to make it, so this is definitely on the project list!

#8. Convenient Bib Hanger – This is so perfect and what a great place for them to be! Very convenient baby bib organization. All I need is a large stick-on hanger that I can get very cheap pretty much anywhere. *Added to the grocery list. (;

#9. Maternity Photo Idea – I plan to take some professional maternity photos with my baby’s father’s uncle for free and this would be the perfect idea for it. Especially if it is an all black and white photo with the color splash ribbon. This is more of an idea/plan than a project, but it’s definitely on the to-do list!

#10. Healthy Carbonated Beverage – Last but not least an easy delicious beverage recipe to satisfy my sweet tooth and still get the nutrients I need. This delicious blended fruit soda blend will be on my list of drinks to try before I have this baby. (:

So these are my top ten nesting ideas & projects that I want to do while I wait for Natalia’s arrival. I will start my shopping tomorrow afternoon and my next post will look exactly like this one, except they will consist of all MY personal project photos. ♥

Natalia’s Nursery Project

The process of painting the walls.

Wall Pops!

Here is the project that I have been/will be working on for the next two weeks: Natalia’s nursery. I still have quite a few things to add to complete her bedroom, including decorating and hanging her name on the wall, ordering and hanging the matching curtains, finishing putting the crib together (after I order the bumper that I thought came with the bed set but didn’t!), decorating the dresser and shelves, and organizing her things in the closet and dresser drawers.

Zebra Organization Storage Bins.

I still want to order a few little things for her room, like a zebra print light switch plate and outlet covers to match everything else in the room, a couple of cute matching picture frames, some zebra fabric bins to organize the changing table, and some wall pops! I already have everything I want in my shopping cart, now I’m just waiting for the money to be there, lol!

Light Switch Plate.

But Once I finish her bedroom, I’m going to spend the rest of my pregnancy organizing her baby book and making a baby keepsake box. This should keep me plenty busy until Natalia finally arrives! I also have to install the car seat and pack my hospital bag sometime between all that, but everything will get done just like it has been. I am very excited about how her room is turning out and I am so proud of myself because I did everything by myself. I moved the furniture, painted the entire room and everything in it, put the crib, changing table and stroller together, and the end result is very rewarding. Natalia is so spoiled already! She has the cutest room and the cutest clothes to match. I will continue to take pictures of everything I do so I can someday show Natalia how hard mommy worked to make everything perfect for her beloved daughter. ❤

Not quite finished yet, but making good progress!!! (:

Homemade Baby Shower Decorations

Well, I’ve decided that I want to be crafty and make my own decorations for my baby shower! I’m going to make a customized garland that says “Welcome Natalia” because I can’t find any cute ones that will match the theme of the shower for a good price. So, I spent no more than $7 buying everything I needed to make my own garland; can’t beat that! I bought a silver sparkly garland at the dollar general that was on sale for “after Christmas”, only paid $1.50 for it. Then I bought some hot pink, black and white card stock to make my letters. I already had glitter and markers, so didn’t have to buy those things. I also bought some zebra duct tape and some assorted pink feathers to make these really cute tabletop decorations that I saw on Pinterest. I already have TONS of pink ribbon, so didn’t have to buy that either. This is what I’ve got so far! (:

My Homemade Feather Decorations. (:

The Start of My Garland Project. I drew the zebra stripes and free-handed the letters!

Half of the Brooches I’m Making for Me & My Mother to Wear.

The Other Half of The Brooches! Unfinished (;

The Goodie Bags, Zebra Striped Balloons and Table Runner! I would have taken pictures of the prizes, but I don’t want my guests to see them yet! (;

Oh and here are some more decorations that came in the mail! Now all I’m waiting on is the hot pink zebra cupcake holders which should be here in no more than 3 days! I’m super excited, especially because my dress finally was delivered and it looks absolutely AMAZING on my pregnant self. ;D
Not to mention, I already have the PERFECT shoes to go with my dress. Coincidentally, they are the EXACT same colors as the dress, and I also have some pretty black sparkly flats that are brand new, haven’t been worn yet, to wear as back-ups because I don’t think I’m going to be wearing heels for my 2 hour party, lol!

A Sneak Peek of One of the Games that will be Played at the Party! Raffle Tickets (:

I’m so excited about this baby shower and it makes me happy that I made half of everything. I’ve probably spent more money than I should, but hey! I NEVER throw parties, so I don’t mind spending money on a party for my daughter. I’ve got some really fun games planned for my guests to play to keep them entertained and they are coming out great. After the party, I’m going to post pictures of how everything looks, the food, the table, the decorations, and of course myself. I’m also going to take pictures of the games and everybody playing them, the prizes they win, and the guests-as well as the presents. I cannot wait for this weekend!!! ❤

Baby Shower Planning ♥

Next Project: planning my baby shower. I’ve officially started as of Friday. I’m using my Microsoft Excel Software to help me stay organized and also to help refrain from overwhelming myself. I kind of stressed myself out a little bit trying to figure out how in the hell I was going to plan a baby shower; especially since I’ve never planned a baby shower before, or any kind of party for that matter. I think I’m doing a great job so far! I have the guest list thought out. I’ve already designed and sent out the invitations/made the event on Facebook. I have the shopping lists for food and decorations ready to go. I’ve decided to make a few of my own decorations, so I have due dates for those to be made. One of my girlfriends is taking care of the location, the cake and half of the decorations. I’ve got due dates of when to get everything prepared, such as the food that needs to be made before-hand, when to go shopping, and when to make the music CD’s. I have games, prizes, party favors all figured out and due dates for those things to be set up. I have the party schedule organized and entertainment for children that will be coming along with their parents. I even have my whole outfit, hair and nails figured out! Best of all, I’m not having to stress myself out about anything because I know exactly when everything needs to be figured out! I’m thankful to have the help of my mother and my good friends. Here’s a sneak peek of the theme of my baby shower and the invitation that I made and sent out. (:

Pregnant Treat – Strawberry Banana Smoothie

This yummy smoothie recipe, that I got off my recipe app, was one of the best beverages I have ever made. The funny part is, I just recently acquired a taste for strawberries. I never used to like them until I got pregnant. Anyways, its an easy 5 minute recipe that is both sweet & healthy! (:

Ingredients:

1 Cup Sliced Strawberries
1/2 Banana
1/2 Cup Low-Fat Yogurt
3 Ice Cubes
Strawberries for garnish

Serves 2.

Directions:

1. Combine the sliced strawberries, yogurt, banana, and ice cubes in a blender.
2. Process until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses and garnish each serving with a strawberry.

***1 serving = 79 calories, 1 fruit exchange 2 grams protein, 12 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fat, 31 mg sodium.

I used a while banana instead of half for extra sweetness & nutrients. I also cut the banana in slices before I threw them in the blender. I have to say, this is definitely the perfect drink for pregnant women that will satisfy any craving!