work is so much more fun when it's cute

Since I've started freelancing, I've discovered the need to have a desk back (I moved ours into storage when I turned our 2nd bedroom into the nursery). It just not optimal conditions to do all my research/writing on the couch, in front of the TV, with the laptop on my lap. Especially when Jared is watching something and does his signature high volume laugh, and tells me "watch this" every ten minutes. lol.
So I began scouring KSL for a tiny table/desk that would be appropriately sized for our little apartment, and possibly function as a decor piece as well. I was looking for little secretary desks, roll tops, "entry" type tables, brainstorming different options.

One morning I saw a new post for this:

I know it doesn't look all that amazing, but I saw potential in it! The size was just right. Plus I thought outside the box and figured with a cute mirror hung above it, and a little stool it was perfect to be used as a bedroom vanity as well! I have always wanted a vanity, but haven't come across one at the right price.

I loved that I wouldn't have to just throw it out when we have a bigger place someday, it will just get repurposed into my bedroom vanity! Of course it needed a makeover badly.

So off I went to Lowe's in search of supplies.

24 hours later, my $10 find looked like this:

Goodbye wooden knobs, hello victorian glass!

Here's a close up of the glaze

Of course the inside had to be cute as well

Can't you just envision it someday filled with makeup, my curling iron and blowdryer, and topped with bottles of perfume? And a big oval mirror will hang over it :-)

But in the meantime.... it makes me excited to do some work! And the BEST part? It's the exact dimensions of Emmett's changing table and the color matches his Dr. Seuss room! So out goes the changing table, and in comes the desk!

Now I have a place to go to when I need peace and quiet (well as much as our little shoebox offers anyway!)  

DIY Queen

So last post I told you how I'd been keeping myself busy working on all kinds of projects.... and now I want to show them off! I've kind of been on a roll lately!

We'll start with my most recent because I'm really excited about it.

My friend Deanna and I made these last night. They were more work than expected but I love the way it turned it! It was exactly as I envisioned!

Next up...

My Cupcake stand

Total cost = $5

Gotta Love D.I  :-)

And next we have...

My wipes case. I get happy everytime I have to pull a wipe out of my purse now!

Another....

These four beauties are another recent project. The 1st and 3rd are chevron style friendship bracelets, and the 2nd and 4th are leather wrap bracelets.

And last but not least....

I have long hated the unsightly towel bar that was in our bathroom, so I picked up this little diddy at DI, spraypainted it a metallic bronze-y color, and voila! Instant facelift! (PS it kills 2 birds with one stone, because we can't keep our toilet paper down on the t.p. holder due to Mr. Emmett)

So there you have it. A crafting whirlwind! It pretty amazing actually that I have gotten these things done while caring for world's craziest toddler. Also, I have yet to show you the paint job I've done on our front froom. It deserves its own post. But it's coming!!

Emmett's Baby Quilt

Jared's Mom (and his younger sister Sarah) love sewing and making quilts. I love designing things, but don't exactly have the sewing know-how to make them. So... I decided it would be fun to mastermind a fun Dr. Seuss quilt that would match Emmett's room, and have Sherri and Sarah put it together for me. I went shopping and picked out all the fabrics and how I wanted them arranged, and sent them with Sherri to be assembled.

It was a great team effort and I love the way it turned out!! I picked a variety of fun, soft textures for him to experiment playing with... minkee, fur, flannel, and cotton. And of course lots of bright colors for his eyes to look at!

I think Emmett is just as pleased with it as I am, he loves having playtime on it! Thank you Sherri and Sarah for all your hard work!

                           The whole back is red minkee, you can see it folded over in this shot

Here's a close-up shot of the fabrics so you can see more of the detail

Emmett chillaxin (notice his oxygen is gone? That's right, he doesn't have to wear it during the day anymore!)

 zoomed out to see how big it is

And as planned... it goes with his room PERFECTLY!