My DIY Nursery

So, this is a big first for me (and a bit of a departure from this blog's usual content) - I'm linking up to the DIY Thursday party over at A Soft Place to Land. I have been a blog stalker over there for quite some time - I think I've pretty much read every post she's ever written - and I've gotten a lot of inspiration. And I've been using a lot of the inspiration I find there (and the Nesting Place and Centsational Girl and Thrifty Decor Chick and... the list goes on) to put together the nursery for Andy (due date is just a week and a half away!!). So, without further ado, here are all the projects I've been working on:

First an overview (you'll probably have to click on the picture to enlarge it if you really want to read my clever in-picture commentary.) :


My inspiration for the whole room was (were? I hate antecedents. I think it's was.) these three prints I found as I was wandering around on etsy. (They can be found in Gumball Grenade's etsy shop.)

I fell in love with them and knew I had to have them. Once I decided to base the whole nursery theme around them, though, I found that there really wasn't a lot out there in the baby realm to complement them, which necessitated many DIY projects - which suits me just fine.

So here are some of the projects I did:

I would have loved to have these prints custom framed, but I'm cheap and working on a small budget, so I bought those super cheap unfinished wood frames at Ikea ($2/per I think?), painted them, and then made "mats" out of scrapbook paper. They deserve so much better, but for now this will have to do.

Also in this picture you can see my shelves that I painted (same color as the blue frame). They look better in person. Really, they look better than the unfinished wood condition that I bought them in. So that's always good.

Here you can see the quilt that I made- it's a rag/shag quilt and it's fairly simple. Just blocks of color that echo the colors in the paintings. I also made that dust ruffle out of a plain red flat sheet I found at DI (like Goodwill). I just ripped two long pieces from it and sewed them together. The bottom was already hemmed hallelujah, and then I just tucked it around under the mattress in a ruffly sort of way. Totally pleased with myself there. Oh, any opinions - to bumper or not to bumper? I'm tempted to make one, but then I keep hearing how you shouldn't use them. Thoughts?



And here's the mobile I made using this tutorial. It uses the red, white, blue, and yellow motif from the paintings (and the rest of the room) and also the sail boat that is in one of the three prints. I like it. It's not amazing, but it's kinda cute.

And, my piece de resistance, the window "mistreatment" ala Nester. When I bought sheets for the crib (from Ikea) I was saddened to find that one of them had a hole in it. I couldn't be bothered to take them back (I'd lost the receipt and Ikea is a bit far away), so I racked my brain thinking what I could do with them. Then, after seeing several curtains and window treatments, I finally hit upon the idea of this, my own window mistreatment. I used 1/2 yard of 50" dark blue fabric for the top, the rest of the red flat sheet (from the dust ruffle) for the trim and ties, the crib sheet (that's the big blue part), and - as the lining - a curtain from Savers that I originally bought for the room and discovered was too small. Oh yeah, and some left over yellow fabric from the quilt, which I used to make the stars to cover the hole in the sheet. Whew. I only sewed one seam (across the top). Everything else I did with hemming tape, which I loved because I have issues sewing straight lines, especially when the fabrics are all different textures (that crib sheet was danged stretchy). Oh yeah, and of course I used the glue gun. How could I not?

Last of all, some advice? This room is doubling (tripling? quadrupling? It's also my office and craft space.) as a guest room while my mom stays with us for a month or so after the baby's born (thanks Mom, you are the best). I feel like that wall needs something, but I don't know what. I've got four prints by the same artist who did the sail boat painting over the bed - they are gorgeous prints of Greece, but they don't really go with the nursery. I was also thinking of doing an alphabet wall, but then I'm worried things will get too busy in the space ... and also that it isn't fitting for the "guest room" zone of the room. Any ideas? Should I just leave it? Really, I should just leave it, seeing as 1.) The guest room will only exist for the month that Mom is here and 2.) we're looking to move out of this apartment (I wonder why?) and into a house in the next few months, so it's probably just not worth the aggravation. Still open to suggestions though.

Anyway, thanks for looking at my DIY Nursery :)

Tutorial Tuesday: Feather Hairpieces

So, yesterday I offered up the idea of using fascinators to spice up a simple dress to make it into a prom-ready ensemble. In that post I claimed you could easily and cheaply make one yourself. Well, just to prove it to you I found two tutorials that will show you how you can make yourself a lovely fascinator, for prom or any other fancy occasion you may be attending.


First a video from threadbanger, mostly utilizing feathers.



And second, a link to a photo tutorial from corvus tristis showing how to use feathers with flowers and ribbons to make a gorgeous hair accessory sure to sparkle.

Modestify Your Prom: Episode 2

Today we're going to talk about modestifying the price of prom. Yes, prom is an important night - honestly, it's probably the last time in your life when you'll be participating in such a unique social engagement. Sure, there are formal dances in college, but trust me - they are very different. So, yes indeed, you want prom to be special and you want to go ahead and splurge in all sorts of ways that make you feel like a princess. Or a fairy. Or a flapper. Or whatever you most want to feel like. It's your prom.

But at the same time, the expense of all this splurging can get to be overwhelming and leave you feeling more like a pauper than a princess - the little match girl left on the street. But there are tons of ways to go all Cinderella, even without the fairy godmother.

First, the dress. Here's a definitely awesome tip from Cinderella and her little furry friends: use your existing resources to make or modify an existing dress. Go through your closet, your sister's closet (if you have the sharing kind of sister), your mom's closet, and the ever-wonderful thrift store to find a dress that may not be perfect at first glance but can be made perfect with a few adjustments. For example, take a simple dress and add embellishments that will glam it up for your night of glory.

Here are some of my ideas for how to make something simple into something fabulous:



Glam it Up by CherryTree84 featuring Betsey Johnson necklaces

In this set, I used the classic tiara, some high-heeled mary janes, a multi-string necklace, and fingerless lace gloves to turn a simple silver dress into one worthy for prom. So take a second look at your Sunday dresses and try to imagine what they might be like with a little help from the accessory department.


Glam it Up 2 by CherryTree84 featuring Tarina Tarantino necklaces

For this one, I've added a splash of pink to this little black dress with some oh-so-girly pink heels and a pink beaded necklace. I absolutely adore that black lace headband which you could totally make yourself after a trip to the craft store. And of course, the clutch purse to tie the whole girly ensemble together.


Glam it up 3 by CherryTree84 featuring Carvela heels & wedges


This one is the one I am most proud of. That dress is way simple and not something you'd normally see and think "prom." But then we add some unique elements - the feather fascinator headband (again an easy and creative accessory you could make yourself), the wrap belt with the lovely bow (think long black strip of fabric wrapped around several times), some kicky heels, and finally some black fingerless lace gloves. Neat eh?

Hope this gave you some ideas on how to take something simple and turn it into something uniquely inspired, totally you, and prom-ready. Stay tuned for further episodes on modestifying the price of prom in other ways.

Tutorial Tuesday: Flower Headbands

So, playing around on polyvore.com (which I'm sure will be a new favorite pastime), I've seen tons of headbands that just make me squeal in girlish delight. Bows, flowers, hearts - all such sweet little embellishments that have me thinking spring and wishing I had even a single headband in my collection. Well, I found a tutorial that just might help me (and you) out - DesignMom gives us an easy-to-follow tutorial on how to make a sweet flowery headband that's sure to compliment all your modest spring outfits.

Modestify Your Prom: Episode 1

Love a prom dress that isn't perfectly modest? Don't worry, you have options. Here's a dress worthy for prom, with a plethora of additions that would make it worthy for you. My favorites? The metallic ruffle shrug and the red willow top (to be worn under the dress, of course). Bonus- if you like what you see here, most of these combinations would end up costing you less than 100 dollars. Being modest isn't as difficult as you thought, huh?

Post Options
You Have Options - by CherryTree84 on Polyvore.com

Creating a Modest Wardrobe with Polyvore

Wow, I just found a site that is way too addictive, though definitely worth it. Polyvore.com lets you search through hundreds of different fashion elements - shirts, skirts, dresses, jeans, shoes, accessories, everything you can dream of - and choose your favorites to arrange in various artful creations. You can choose clothes from just certain sites or you can browse the web finding anything and everything. It's the ultimate window shopping experience. Then if you find something you really like and actually want to own, it actually links you up with the site that sells that item of clothing and you can just... buy it. Neat huh?

Here's one of my creations - a modest outfit put together for the happily pregnant me. Of course, I can't afford most of the stuff I chose, but I figure I can use it for inspiration when sewing or actually shopping. Check out what I made, then go make your own. :)


Preggie Pretty - by CherryTree84 on Polyvore.com

Whoa-Resources

Sorry for the lack of postage lately - big things have been going on in the personal life department. Biggest news - we found out we're having a boy! We are so excited to welcome our little boy into the world, I can't believe I still have to wait five months. (Saying phrases like "our little boy" "my son" - wow, that gives such a thrill.)
In other not-so-big news I am getting a serger soon and the anticipation is killing me. I am really looking forward to playing with this new machine and having more options for making my own (modest) clothing. Hopefully there will be some fun tutorials/giveaways coming up.

But back to the modestifying stuff. I was going link crazy today and found some pretty neat things. Started out on Meal Planning Mommies (which for you cooks out there, mommies or not, is an amazing resource), then skipped from there over to Joy in Every Step, and from there to The Stay-at-Home Missionary (both extremely uplifting blogs), who led me to Beautifully Adorned (now we're getting into the fashion stuff), who finally led me to The Modest Fashion Bloggers Network. There you have it. The site provides links to blogs focusing on modest fashions and promoting modesty and femininity. They also have a shopping list of sites that provide modest fashions and information about events going on in the world of modest fashion. So go check it out and enjoy!

Prom Highlight: Good Deals at JenClothing

So, prom is just around the corner and I know that when I was in high school this is about the time I'd start flipping through magazines looking for the perfect modest prom dress. I never found one, by the way, but my misfortune doesn't have to be yours. These days, with so many options on the internet and so many resources for learning to modify what's out there, you don't have to settle for something you don't love and you certainly don't have to discard your standards.

My biggest problem way back in '01 searching for a promdress, was that I could find modest but I could not find affordable. I'm sorry, 500 dollars for a prom dress was simply ridiculous. But today there are a lot more options of the affordable variety and today I'd like to point out just one of them.

JenClothing is currently having a sale on all their prom dresses. The priciest one they've got is $150, and the majority rest somewhere around $85. Add free shipping during the month of March, and you've got a pretty good deal.

Here are a few of my picks:

It's classy, it's simple, and I have a thing for the ruched waist. It's on sale for $87.95 and you can find it here.

This one is in their new arrivals section, and it's a little pricier at $149.95, but if you're ok with paying a little bit more, I think this dress is perfectly lovely. It's modest and elegant and can make any girl feel like a princess. Find it here.

If you're going for something a little less formal, and more fun and flirty, this is a great dress. The pricetag is a modest $69.95 and you could totally glam it up with some fancy accessories. Find it here.

Jen's got tons more, so go check out JenClothing's modest prom dresses, and see if you can find your dream dress there. Good luck! :)

Tutorial Tuesday: Wrap Pants

Easy, breezy, beautiful... wrap pants. I found this tutorial by Laupre on how to make these awesome wrap pants that look to be divinely comfortable. They're versatile, unique, comfortable - and, our favorite, modest. Click here for the tutorial. Or, if you would rather shop than sew, you could probably order some from her Etsy shop. I'll also take this opportunity to highlight a few of the other delightful items she has available in her shop right now.

Exhibit A: This adorable shrug, currently on sale for $16.00


Exhibit B: This fun, almost patchwork-esque shirt for $27.00


Exhibit C: In the accessory category, this purse has totally captured my heart.

So go check out Laupre, and maybe make yourself some pants!

Mommy Monday: Baby Pod

Of course I had to include something from my friends on Threadbanger. I love those guys, truly. A while back, they created this awesome video tutorial on how to make a baby pod from an old, soft sweatshirt. It's a slightly more complicated project, but should take more than a few hours and you can customize it however you like. Lots of fun possibilities with this one. Without further ado, the video:

Tutorial Tuesday: Sweater to Bag

So, I've decided that winter is officially over. I'm sick of it, and I am ready for spring. Therefore, it's time to chop up those old sweaters and not look back! Cindygert (fiber fashioned with flair) has created a brilliant tutorial for how to turn a winter sweater into a purse perfect for the transition between winter and spring. Enjoy! Click here for the tutorial.

Mommy Monday: Easy Peasy Bibs

The Purl Bee is usually about a lot of knitting, which sadly I am not able to do, but happily I found an awesome tutorial on their site on how to make a big using bias tape and some fleece. Looks like fun and would make an awesome gift for a baby shower, new mom, first birthday, whatever.


Click here for the tutorial.

How to Dress Like Penelope

Ok, I know this movie came out over a year ago but I just watched it again on Netflix instant play and again was enchanted by the set design and wardrobe. It may not be the best movie I've ever seen, but every time I watch it I think "I want to live in that movie." I want those colors all around me, I want those plants in their terrariums, I want that swing in my bedroom for goodness sake. But the thing that enchants me most of all, I think, is Penelope's wardrobe. There's something classy and classic about it, yet at the same time something original and personal. And best of all, the majority of what she wears is modest - tasteful and classic.

The first time I watched this movie, upon arriving home, I immediately jumped on the ol' internet and searched desperately for any pictures I could find that could give me inspiration in recreating this look for myself. (With my own personal touches of course - as much as I love skirts, I just can't give up my jeans.) Nothing. There was like ONE picture of Penelope online - her in that adorable coat. But even though it was adorable, it just wasn't enough. So, after watching Penelope again, I tried again - even harder - to find some pictures and get some ideas of what makes Penelope's wardrobe so enchanting. Finally I found some. Here they are:

Yep, all three screenshots I could find. But, still, I did gain some insight into the style and I wanted to share some major points of what makes Penelope's wardrobe so great, and how to recreate it, or elements of it, for yourself:

a.) Colors - For most of the movie, Penelope dresses in vibrant but muted jewel tones: reds, greens, browns, blues. They have a sort of saturated feel that makes things feel older, classier, somehow.

b.) Skirts - I don't think Penelope wears any pants in this movie. She mostly wears knee-length skirts and dresses with coordinating tights and shoes. In the last scene of the movie she's wearing a blue dress with blue tights and blue shoes. How I love it. In all, her clothing is sweet and very feminine.

c.) Embellishents - Again, with the feminine - many of the shirts Penelope wears are embellished with very feminine elements like beaded flowers, ribbons, ruffles, puffed sleeves, and my personal favorite - buttons.

d.) Shoes - Penelope wears these adorable, solid-colored, heeled Mary Janes throughout the movie. They usually coordinate perfectly with whatever tights she's wearing.

So, while everyone else has moved on, I've finally cracked the code to Penelope's clothes ;) I think we all need to find our style inspiration and wear things that make us feel unique and beautiful in a modest way. Who are your style icons?

Tutorial Tuesday: Muumuu Top

Today's tutorial is another from our friends at Stitch Lounge - this time a refashioning adventure! It's a slightly more complicated project than the ten-minute top, but the results will be worth it. Plus you get to take something that is mostly unwearable, though horribly comfortable - the muumuu (I used to have a real thing for muumuus) - and turn it into a still-comfortable, much more wearable, adorable top! :) Click here for the tutorial.

Mommy Monday: Easy Burp Cloths

Here's another fun and easy project for the beginning sewing enthusiast. Gerbera designs shows us how to fancy up some simple cloth diapers to turn them into some very charming burp cloths.


Click here for the tutorial.

Tutorial Tuesday: Sweatshirt to Flirty Skirt

I think all of us have that sweatshirt - you know, the one you just love for whatever reason (maybe it's super soft or maybe it has sentimental value), but you just never wear it. It's a bit bulky or it's not flattering. Well, Do Stuff (leethal blog) has come to the rescue and created a tutorial for turning that lovable old sweatshirt into a cute new skirt that's totally you. Click here for the tutorial

Mommy Monday: New Take on the Baby Tee

When I was in middle school it was all about the baby tee. What that meant was that basically we were all wearing tiny t-shirts that barely covered our stomachs, paired with flannel shirts and baggy pants. It was an interesting time. And a tough time for trying to be modest. Thankfully I made it through that period of my life and the flannel shirts and baby tees are behind me.

Or are they? This Mama Makes Stuff may actually have made me change my mind. Today's project is a different take on the phrase "baby tee" - this project has you turn your old t-shirts into adorable gowns for the newborn baby in your life.

Click here for the tutorial. Enjoy!

Tutorial Tuesday: Hat and Mittens from Old Sweater

So, I've been scouting around on the internet and I've found some of the most delightful projects to share with you. Today's treat is a tutorial from One Pearl Button, showing us how to take an old sweater and turn it into the most adorable mittens and hat set. Winter is only here for a few more weeks and hopefully you won't need these long, but they could make these last few cold weeks a little more cheery. Click here for the tutorial.

Mommy Monday: Sweet Booties

So, I guess I can make the announcement here as where as everywhere else: I'm pregnant! :) Litte Baby West is due in August, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have babies - and baby projects - on the brain. So, I've decided to dedicate Mondays for the next couple of months to Mommy-related topics, mostly projects to make for the precious little packages. Now, those of you who do not currently have children or aren't expecting, don't feel left out. These projects are fun and mostly pretty easy and would make absolutely sweet gifts for the next baby shower you attend.

Today's featured project is making this adorable pair of baby booties:

The tutorial is here on the Craftzine.com blog. I think the booties themselves are super cute, with or without the LED lights. So, tech savvy or not, these are a fun project with great results.

Happy Valentine's Day: A Gift from Me to You

I really like Valentine's Day. Everything is all pink and chocolatey and it's just three days before my birthday. It sort of makes me feel like all the happy pinkness is for me. And the best part is, since my birthday was always right around the corner, I couldn't care less if anyone gave me a valentine or roses or whatever, because there, sparkling in the future, was my birthday. Ah, February. How I love you.

But for those of you who aren't lucky enough to have a birthday just a few days after Valentine's (fewer babies are born in February than any other month, I hear, so there aren't that many of us), I understand the desire to celebrate the 14th. And so, my gift to you today is this collection of tutorials on how to make various types of flowers to celebrate the day. Make them pink. It's what it's all about.

First, Burdastyle created a lovely tutorial on how to make roses out of fabric. They'd make such a lovely centerpiece. Here's the tutorial.


Next, if you're more of the paper-folding type, you can learn to make these lovely origami cherry blossoms with this tutorial from The Flirty Guide's Everyday DIY Ideas.


And last, for something a little more cute, whimsical, and wearable, here's a tutorial from artsy-crafty babe on how to make these adorable button flowers.


Happy Valentine's Day!

Tutorial: Ten Minute Top

Well, I've been trying to find us a good tutorial for a while, and today I think I hit the jackpot. Stitch Lounge created this adorable and easy top that just involves two squares of fabric and ten minutes of your time. I have some green-striped jersey I'm eager to try this with (I got it at Wal-Mart... three yards for 1.50. That was a good day.), so if it works I'll be posting pictures soon. Click here for the tutorial.

Heads Up: Free Shipping at Great Lengths

Ok, so most of you already know that Great Lengths Shorts is not just about shorts. They're also about awesome, affordable modest clothing for all occasions, including those oh-so-important occasions that involve corsages, bow ties, and decorated school gyms. And they've got a great deal going right now. From now through Valentine's Day (actually the day after, the promotion officially ends February 15th) shipping on all formal gowns is free. So whether you're thinking ahead for prom, planning a wedding, or just wanting to wear a pretty shiny dress for no good reason, head on over to Great Lengths Shorts and check out their formal wear.

Simple Sewing Tips

Not everyone wants to sew their own clothes, I understand that. But I think it's beneficial to know a little bit about basic sewing so that when your favorite, most beloved shirt gets ripped or the pull falls off your zipper of your best jacket, you don't have to host a viewing, perform an elaborate funeral ceremony, and bury it in a place of honor under the tree in the backyard. About.com has a whole section devoted to DIY fashion, (just discovered this, and you can bet I will be exploring it further) and they have a page dedicated to ten simple sewing skills it would be useful and handy to know. So go check it out, and increase your knowledge :)

Modest Fashions at Bellisima

So, January was a dismal month for blogging, eh? January tends to be a pretty dismal month all around, what with the cold, the snow, the cold. Yeah, mostly the cold. But here we are in February, and suddenly everything seems better. We've turned the corner. Snow is melting (even though it will probably snow again), and we have the rosy pink glow of Valentine's Day to perk everything up. Oh yeah, and I was born in February, making it the best month of the year. Happiness.

So, February will be a month (hopefully) to renew both blogging and sewing efforts and hopefully get some fun things going around here.

For the first post of February, I just have to let everyone know about Bellisima! Modesty Boutique. Cute Faith clued me in to this site (thanks, Faith!) and wow, do they have some great stuff and great prices. Makes me anxious for the Husby's check to come in so I can spend it. Mwahahaha.

Anyway, here are a few of my favorites:

First up is this adorable bolero that could be used to modestify any formal without looking cheesy or bulky as sometimes, sadly, boleros do.

Next up, for those of us not attending a formal dance any time soon, but still wanting to get dressed up, this paisley skirt is just to die for (best part? it's on sale for 4.99):



This blouse totally gets me, as in - it knows where I'm coming from and it totally wants to hang out with me. I want to hang out with it too:


This entire outfit makes me giddy and totally brings that rosy pink glow of Valentine's Day into my heart:

So, go check out Bellisima. There is so much there - so cute and so affordable.

And keep checking back here at Modestify - there should be good things happening in February.

Mommy Monday - Hooter Hider

This... sort of has to do with modesty. Well, I've decided it does-- and it's a very useful and easy project that also has an added bonus of being pretty fun. My friend Meredith came over today and made a nursing cover (hooter hider, though I think that might actually be a copyrighted name, in which case, I'm sorry) for her sister who is expecting. We had a blast and it was a super easy beginner's project. It was such a success I decided I had to share it.

We used this tutorial and it was very straight-forward and simple.

Here's the one Meredith made:

I don't know if you can see it, but it has the most adorable little owls on it. Click on the picture and get a closer look. The fabric was just too adorable.

Anyway, enjoy the tutorial! Oh, and happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! :)

Sale at Sakura Rose

Ok, so I need to check my comments more often... oh yeah, and post more often. New Year's resolution, maybe? Anyway, a few weeks back I got a comment from the owner of Sakura Rose Boutique (wow, flattered), informing me - and by extension all of you - of an awesome sale they are having over at Sakura Rose. I went over and checked out their stuff and man, they have some beautiful clothing for some extremely reasonable prices. I chose a few of my favorites to share with you all, but go! Check it out. You won't be sorry.

First, from the 9.99 Sale (9.99?!? You kidding me? I'm getting me some o' these)

They also have this one in plum, but I'm such a sucker for red. Oooh, red.


I'm also a sucker for tuxedo tops. Look how cute!

And this one looks both comfortable and classy. And hey, it's just a coincidence that all the ones I like are red.


There are more bargains on the site; like check out this gorgeous, sparkly dress. Anyone have a formal coming up?


And then there's this beauty. Sigh. So charming.


So, go check out Sakura Rose. Replete with awesomeness. And, it actually does get better - free shipping! (Seriously? Man, this makes my day)