PLAYROOM GALLERY WALL

More on the playroom...
The reading nook needed some color!

FRAMES
Mostly randoms from around the house supplemented with IKEA cheapies. Inserted are sunshine and rainy day images that we love.

LIGHTING
This IKEA light is, of course popular and well known. We've had it in this room for years. Still kicking and fits the look of this room.

PILLOWS
The blue heart is from Target's dollar section (love that!) The green pillow is made with fabric by Heidi Kenney called dandelions. It's so cute I couldn't bring myself to cut it so I just made one big pillow out of a fat quarter. It is backed with a yellow cozy plush fabric. The cloud, I used a white fluffy (ever so messy) fabric from Joann's and the teal cushion was originally made to sit on but I like it propped up against the wall.
 

RUG
From Target

CURTAINS
I used IKEA Vivian curtains for the window to block out some of the sun and IKEA Lill curtains next to the shelving to create a sheer division.

PLUSHIES
One handmade bunny and one blabla owl we named Olive.

GALLERY WALL PROCESS
1. My process to do a gallery wall is fairly simple. First I lay out the frames with nothing in them on a flat surface. I tend to arrange things on an axis of some sort... a "+" that is slightly off.

2. Next, I put the artwork options on top of the frames and arrange those until they're visually appealing to me. Take a picture of the layout.

3. Next, I insert the artwork into each frame and prep the frames for hanging. Some may need arms taken off and hardware put on. If there's nothing on the back to hang with and the frame is light, I like to use 3M Command Velcro because it doesn't ruin walls and is easy to use.

4. Next I cut out paper pieces the same size as the frames. Place each one on top of its coordinating frame.

5. Number each piece of paper and take a photo of the numbered layout.

6. Tape the paper pieces to the wall until they are back in their designed layout, making sure they're centered in the space.

7. Now it's time to hang them up. I usually start in the largest in the middle. Nails, velcro... whatever means. I usually end up with a variety of hanging methods because my frames are a mix of new and old.

8. Take out the paper pieces after the frame is up if nails are used, but before if velcro is used.

That's it. Not too painful ;)

PLAY TABLE, HOORAY!

I've wanted this table for far too long and when it showed up on gilt today, it officially became part of the playroom plan. It's coming together, people!

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S!

I made a couple of skirts for the occasion.

THE SOMETIMES MAMA BLUES

Some days, being a mom makes me want to scratch my eyeballs out. Other days are filled with beautiful, lovely, shining, memory making moments.

Today is one of those eyeball-scratching-out-days. A day where bad decisions are made and wood floors are ruined. And then more bad decisions are made. And we spiral into a pit of despair that seems to never end.

On these days, I find that I need a small break in a room alone without anyone asking for sippies or a snack. A moment when I'm not cleaning up pee puddles (as if I own a dog). A moment when kids aren't giddily destroying the house. A moment without complaints or whining. A moment without blaming.

A while back my girlfriend emailed some inspiring thoughts that brought me much needed comfort today (Thank you Tia!). And I have to breathe deeply and remember that we can't be too hard on ourselves, that parenting these little ones can be a roller coaster of tough times and joyous times all within a matter of minutes.

I don't need to be rescued (this isn't an option anyway), we'll get through it. Then it's on to better days, hours, and minutes. We may even get one or two in today.

I have hope.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY DECOR

Finally, my St. Patty's decorations are increasing. Last year I made a little felt ball and felt shamrock garland. I still use it, but I added some garlands from Dwell Studio (they were on sale;) I splurged because anything from Dwell is still a splurge even when it's on sale.

I also dug out anything gold and green from my party stash (mostly painted vases). I purchased some chocolate gold coins, some clover and daisies.

This isn't much, but it's enough to help our home feel like Spring is on the way. Hooray for that!