Have you seen these amazing rugs by Youlka Designs of France? They are pure eye candy, and I'm sure any kids would just love to take all the pieces out (and never put them back in!). So while I'm tempted, I think it'd be a housekeeping nightmare.
But function follows form, right? Right.
I love it when I find a DIY project that truly looks like it can be sold in a store. I live and breathe kids' crafts on a daily basis, so it is so refreshing to see something so polished, stylish, and useful.
Amy from the b-line came up with these amazing felt storage bowls that can be large to hold toys or small to hold paperclips. And check out her tutorial. You'll die over how easy they are! Look at this detail:
Found via Li'l Magoolie.
Here is the ultimate intersection of work and life...Oliver's nursery in the June issue of Parents magazine! Take a look and visit Parents.com for more photos and craft instructions. (Caravan Crib from Kalon Studios, Mountain Wallpaper from Fine Little Day, El Shelves from CB2, Blue Nesting Tables from Areaware)
His curtains may be my favorite thing in the room. The fabric is from Ikea and I made the straps with belt material, overall buckles, and buttons.
I can't focus on much else besides Oliver in this pic! The drawer pulls are vintage wooden yoyos and the mobile is made out of paper punched circles and an embroidery hoop. (Flash Cards from 3 Potato 4)
His rug is by Flor...they actually sell a kit where you cut the squares to form a bear skin rug. Check out the video of me and Michael (with Oliver as spectator) "cutting the rug!" (Settee from Urban Outfitters, Green side table from West Elm, Elephant lamp and mushrooms from Acorn)
I turned a trashed school chair into a smiley monkey for when he gets a little bigger. You can download the templates for the chair here.
I bravely tackled making my own version of this yarn light fixture. It was a process to say the least, but I love it!
My mom and her friends from the Cast-On Cottage in Atlanta (a knitting and needlepoint store) knitted this awesome pennant for us. (Owl Pouch from Giddy Giddy)
These pillows from Vintage Jane (on Etsy) sit on the little settee next to Oliver's crib. I call them "his friends." He smiles at them when I dry him off after bathtime. (Get this...they are only $22!!)
Photographs by the amazing Heather Weston. Check out her 52 Families project!
I searched forever for a cute lamp for Oliver's room (ended up with this amazing one from my favorite toy shop in Brooklyn, Acorn) and now I wish I had seen this DIY project! You don't have to use Matsutake's sewing pattern to make this; any stuffed animal will do. Find the brilliant instructions for this fox lamp on her blog (one of my new faves).
Ahhh! I know, I know, my neglect of my sweet little blog has been beyond sad. I won't go on and on with excuses, I'll just show you a photo of the biggest (and most delightful) one. I'm getting back on schedule, so expect new posts very, very soon!
I've blogged about Made by Joel before...he's one of my absolute faves! Here, he made the simplest toy: he gathered sticks and twigs with his kids and then drilled a few holes in a sanded piece of wood. The kids inserted the twigs in the holes and voila, insta-forest! It doesn't beep, light up, or move. But it does entertain, in the simplest way.
My standard baby gift for years has been Ida Pearle's name print (see below). The world of personalized prints has expanded before my very eyes. Here are my current faves...
When I saw these prints, I had one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments. Brilliant idea No. 1: numbers mark the child's birthday. Brilliant idea No. 2: the intersecting circles have mom and dad on top and bottom with baby in the middle. By Ruka-Ruka. Found via All the Beautiful Things I Want.
The primary colors in this alphabet print spell out the child's name. So crisp and graphic. By Made by Girl.
English Muffin Shop's name prints are punctuated with cute little animals. So sweet.
And of course here are Ida Pearle's name prints. A classic in my household.
Oliver hasn't had a mobile in his room because I haven't found one that I like (read: not plastic). Until this week! Check it...
The Woodours Wood Musical Crib Mobile has it all...music, cute stuffed danglies, and it has a wooden arm! I mean, how hard is that? Oliver is really digging it!
Here are a few others that I found...
How gorgeous is this knitted mobile by Bla Bla Kids? I think I'll Oliver needs one over his changing table.
Artistic, graphic, and compelling for both baby and adult. These modern art mobiles by Puka Puka are gorge. Found via Design Mom's Babble column.
I love the simplicity of these bamboo mobiles by Petit Collage. But would they make my baby giggle and coo? I'm not so sure. Perhaps I need this one hanging over my own bed. Found via Design Mom.
