Tuesday, February 28, 2012

So many nursery options, so little time

Help. I’m in need of a little color coaching. I’m having the hardest time selecting a color combo for our nursery. There are so many pretty options. Here are a few that I’m considering:


Note: All color palette images courtesy of Design Seeds and Photo Card Boutique.
Turquoise, Gray & Yellow (with the possibility of a splash of Taupe) 
This has topped my list for a while, but I can’t help but wonder if I’d be missing out by not using any pink. I am, after all, very much a pink lady.

Here's a pretty example I found on Pinterest. Image courtesy of Oleana Boutique.


Pink & Gray
Another color combo I’m awfully fond of, but I do worry that it’s somewhat limiting. 

Here's a pretty example I found on Pinterest, courtesy of Spearmint Baby.





Pink, Gray, & Taupe
This one is slightly different than the one above. The pink has more red in it, and it has some taupe thrown in. 


This pretty example is more of a soft pink and taupe, but I like it. (Image courtesy of Benjamin Moore.)





Orange, Pinks, Yellow, & Gray
This one is kind of a combo of the above with a little orange thrown in. 


Here's a happy example of a similar color scheme, a la Project Nursery.



Orange, Tangerine, Taupe, & Pinks
This option seems warn and happy, but I think it could be hard to find elements in all of these colors. 



Orange, Pinks, Turquoise, & Taupe
This one is vibrant. Too vibrant? Perhaps. 

Turquoises, Brown, Pinks, & Yellow
A softer palette. Not sure if I love it, but there's something inviting about these colors. 


Cream, Pinks, & Brown
This one feels a bit overdone, but there is something soothing about this combo. 


Another beautiful Project Nursery example.



Do you see why I'm having such a difficult time? There are so many beautiful combos out there. Sheesh! Any thoughts on the subject? Here are a few facts to consider:

* The floor will be a dark-ish wood
* The furniture will be white (or antique white)
* The walls are currently taupe, but that can change. However, I'd rather not paint if it works out.
* We hope to add wainscoting to the walls

Bedding Question
Also, do you know where I can buy baby bedding in colors beyond pink/brown and pink/green?It seems like these are the only ones I see when I'm out and about. I was surprised there hasn't been more to choose from. Any shopping suggestions?

Any color coaching you can offer will be greatly appreciated. I can't guarantee I'll go with any of these, but this is a start, I suppose. Thanks, in advance, for your help.

Cheers!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Baby Fashion Show

Why wait for Fashion Week or the next season of Project Runway for your fashion-show fix? I’ve got your front-row seat to the cutest show in town. Well, I’m admittedly a bit bias, but I think you’ll enjoy these little numbers. They're a few of the baby things I’ve purchased since finding out I’m having a girl.  
Now, I know it may seem odd to photograph clothes, but I’m a scrapbooker, and that’s what we do. We photograph life’s details so that we can transform them into documented memories. Or at least into happy blog posts. 
With that, dim the lights. This cat walk is about to get ultra cute! 
Outfit #1: The Bear Hat
Well, this isn't exactly an "outfit," but it is one of my favorites. You see, I call Cory "Bear," and this little girl is our baby bear, so a baby bear hat is perfection. What is it about ears on hats that makes 'em so cute? Plus, the fuzz around the mouth is so soft. 

Outfit Info
Size: 18-36 mo.
Purchased at: Naartjie


Outfit #2: Corduroy Overalls 
This outfit is tied for "favorite." I wish the photo did it justice. That you could reach out and touch it. It's so soft. And it reminds me of an outfit my mom bought for me when I was young, so there's that sentimental attachment that means so much. 

Outfit Info
Size: 6-12 mo.
Purchased at: Janie and Jack




Outfit #3: Tiny Summer Suit
This sweet summer ensemble is extra special because it came from a friend. She went out and purchased it (and several other darling things) for me the day she heard I was having a girl. Isn't that nice? It's going to be just right come fireworks time!

Outfit Info
Size: 0-3 Months
Purchased at: Gymboree


Outfit #4: Birdie Jumper
I love a good bargain, and this was part of a fun Tuesday's Treasure promotion that the store has, where a couple of surprise full-price items get marked down 40% every Tuesday, for that day only. Yeah, I pretty much have a standing appointment with that shop every Tues. for the next few years. :)

Outfit Info
Size: 3-6 mo.
Purchased at: Naartjie



Outfit #5: Patchwork Pink Ensemble
This was the second Tuesday's Treasure purchase I made. I adore how the shirt is made up of a patchwork of different prints. And the ruffles on the pants are so sweet!

Outfit Info
Size: 3-6 mo.
Purchased at: Naartjie


Outfit #6: Tea Time Onesie
I found this on my first trip to Baby Gap, and what a find! The little tea cup is appliquéd fabric, and the design has a soft watercolor look to it. 

Outfit Info
Size: 12-18 mo.
Purchased at: Baby Gap



Outfit #7: Bunny Bidnaz
This one had me at the striped pants and tulle trim. Then I saw the matching shoes with the button eyes and it was all over. 


Outfit Info
Size: 3-6 mo.
Purchased at: Naartjie



Outfit #8: Sweater Suit
You may recognize this darling ensemble from an earlier post. As that post describes, it holds a very special place in my heart, and I can't wait to take a picture of my babe in it someday so that I can scrapbook that story. 

Outfit Info
Size: 3-6 mo.


If you think these are cute now, just wait until you see how they look with a baby in them. I can’t wait. When those days finally come, I’ll be sure to take some photographic evidence to share. ;) In the meantime, thanks for humoring me with this post. I know it’s a bit silly to post about baby clothes, but these sweet ensemebles make me smile, and I hope at least one of them managed to do the same for you. 
Cheers!

Friday, February 3, 2012

My CHA Adventure: Projects

I'm a lucky gal. Twice a year, I have the opportunity to attend the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) tradeshow. What an inspiring place! It's where companies introduce their new lines, complete with awesome booths and incredible projects. I always come home with so many ideas!

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite CHA project-finds with you. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do.

Isn't this cool? Kelly Purkey made a map of the places she's traveled and included pictures. It was on display in the Studio Calico booth. If you look closely at St. Louis, you'll see me. That was a good trip!

This is a Clip It Up storage system that has been painted pink. Why didn't I ever think to paint mine pink? Love that idea! Thanks, Nikki Sivils booth, for the clever idea!

I'm always attracted to colorful layouts, and this one found in the Paper Smooches booth simply shines! 

So sweet! I can definitely see myself adding this idea to my future nursery. Thanks, Silhouette, for the idea!

Yes, those are candy Dots! How cute! Thanks for the party idea, Ellison. 

Leave it to the Doodlebug to inspire me with color. Look at that sweet card and layout. Both so cheery!

I admit, I have an Edward layout in my own album, so I was naturally drawn to this page in the SEI booth. Besides the hella handsome fella, I love the circles along the side. 

Love this, Maya Road! Thanks for the words of inspiration! 

These are yarn-bombed chairs. So cool! 

I'm very into yarn art right now, and I loved seeing all of the yarn displays at this show. 

This wreath, on display in the Jillibean Soup booth, is made from jar lids. What a clever creative approach!

More yarn fun! This yarn-wrapped tree was standing tall in the Heidi Grace booth. I want to wrap a tree in a neutral color (white or gray) and switch out the ornaments for the various seasons. Fun!

I could go on and on but I guess I'll stop here. Thanks, CHA, for another inspiring show!

Cheers!