Painted sofa.

When we moved in, we inherited some furniture. 

Two sofas stayed. 

They are matching. They are pink. 

 I loved the curves and the simplicity. 

I did not like the color. 

I had seen tutorials on painting upholstery. I've always wanted to try it but could make myself do it. 

Well these were free. I figured if I messed up on one, there was always another. 

Also, it couldn't get much worse. Or could it?

I used this tutorial exactly. 

I used basic acrylic craft paint and Martha Stewart brand fabric paint medium from Michael's. 

That cost me about $20 for one sofa. 

Here are the results. 

I am happy with the look of it. 

The color is probably less than ideal with two dogs and a toddler but it is pretty to look at.

As far as texture goes...

the morning after I finished it, I was SCARED! It was very rough.

 I realized that I forgot to sand it down. I did sand down between coats but not at the end. 

After a light sanding, it was MUCH better. 

The best way I can describe the feel is "outdoor fabric".

I was surprised how well the pattern of the fabric was covered. 

It is definitely okay for sitting but i think this technique would be best for a smaller accent piece.

 

So, if you ever find a free chair, bench, or ottoman, they would be great candidates. 

Big Girl School.

Today, at 2 years old, Reyna started her first day of Montessori School.
Its all day. 8am to 3 pm. That is not much different than last year but this is SCHOOL.
She is in a classroom with 2.5-5 year olds. no diapers. nap. structure. lessons.

I am so sad I could not drop her off because I teach at 8:00am but she was excited this morning!
I can't wait to pick her up and talk about her first day of school over ice cream, just like my mom used to do with us.

 She asked to wear her polka dot shirt and two pigtails. 

house tour - Big Girl Room.

When we found und out we were moving into this house we started enthusiastically referring to her room has her "Big Girl Room". This was part of our plan to transition and potty train. She picked up on the enthusiasm and the transition went pretty smoothly.

 (potty training is a story for another day)

We did not buy anything new. We basically rearranged her nursery to fit the space. This is the room I set up first. I thought it would be helpful for her to have this small piece of consistency while everything else was up in the air. This is also my favorite room so far.

 

Welcome to Reyna's room.

Her dream catcher was made by me. The newest addition is this metal "I'm Gorgeous Inside" sign. I found it in a junk store. I don't know what it could have possibly belonged to but its part of our daily message that what matters most is "your head and your heart".

  

This is the view from her door.  

 

 

The curtains are new. They are long pieces of fabric tied to the rod. I've always wanted to do this in a room and a kids room is just the space to try something unconventional. Plus, it was free. This was all fabric I had lying around - I know, I have a problem...

I'm working on it!

 

We transitioned her to a big girl bed.

The crib we had converts multiple ways. It actually only had a 4 inch brace to keep her from falling out but that was not gonna work. I used a closet shelf between the slats and it works perfect!

 

The hoop art over her crib is a new addition but again, free. And incomplete. The large center one will be a globe when it is complete. I make the bedskirt with existing fabric as well.

I also had the little star lights hanging over her crib already. She loves to read herself to sleep to they work great as a night light.

 

To the right of her dresser is another nook.

I put out some pieces from her old room and included the fortune cookie painting I did.

This is special because, if you are not familiar with the story, we announced our pregnancy to our family with a fortune cookie.

 

Her room has two closets. One we use for clothes, the other for books. I'm not kidding when I say she has a closet - floor to ceiling - of books. The girl loves her books.

 

My favorite part of the room is her letter r.

We have had this for more than 5 years as part of a set that spelled "bears". Again, always something I wanted to try in the house.

When you make it to visit, she will be so happy to show you her Big Girl Room. and every toy. and every book.

So come by anytime!

home tour - entry

every box is unpacked.
my goal was to unpack before school started. now comes the fun part -decorating!
I thought I would start a little tour of the house for all my family and friends who are interested.
I'll share the three entry way today.
Also, these will make for good before  pictures.

this is the view as you walk through the door.

The  double  doors  lead to the kitchen.

 fireplace is technically in the next room but its one of the first things you see.

.

 

 

 I put out a few of my favorite things.

Our entryway is beautiful in itself but I added this sign.

(the view from the double doors)

 

 

 

 here is a close up.

 

 

 

this is  one of my favorite pieces now. I ran across  a frame on clearance for $5.00 and used paint sharpie for the letters.

 

 

 

SO WELCOME TO THE NEW HOUSE.!

i'll share more soon.