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Friday, July 23, 2010

DIY Nursery Art



When designing Henry's nursery, we really didn't have a ton of money to spend (um, hello. we still don't). I wanted to fill his walls with colorful pictures but do you even know how expensive those can get? Before he was born I got really into making these framed prints. Easy, cheap, and fun? Yes, please.

Start looking for cute pictures that catch your eye and/or match the theme of your nursery. Pull out old storybooks from your past, search the thrift stores, and visit the library. With so many amazing childrens artists, the possibilities are endless! Images with less busywork happening around them work best because a) they are easier to cut out/paste and b) they stand out against your background color.



I chose this cute little marching bear because I love the colors, they match Henry's room so perfectly. Scan and print your image (for better quality or larger prints go to a copy store).


If you want to add text to your picture there are many awesome font programs available for little or no cost (I use Picnik). Play around with colors, placement, and size until you find something that works well with your image. You could also pick up some letter stickers from your local craft store!



Cut and paste your prints onto a background of a different color. I suggest using a thicker paper like cardstock and you can find a rainbow of these in the scrapbooking section of any craft store. I use cheap glue sticks which seem to do a pretty good job, but you might want to use a scrapbooking glue stick so that your image doesn't bubble or peel up over time.


Your paper will look something like this (almost done!) Now all you have to do is frame it! Frames can be pretty pricey so I buy most of mine from thrift stores. I love that you can always find vintage wooden frames for under five dollars.



Of course, these look cute unframed too. Because this was a smaller image I ended up displaying it on Henry's knick knack shelf.



Have fun!


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16 comments:

Jess Craig said...

whoa! that fo realz looks awesome. i might have to do that. and then say i thought of it all by myself.

Vanessa said...

Very cute, I might have to try that!

Moriah said...

what a cute idea! i love it!

Courtney said...

fun!! LOVE this! how cute is that little bear?! eden's nursery was very 'diy' as well...in fact, i am going to post a pic of the mobile that i made for her soon. i'm kind of obsessed with it! i made my own pictures for her wall as well (prints ARE so expensive!) with some old frames and a cool gift bag I had. her nursery is my very favourite room in my house. i'm pretty sure she'll probably never like it as much as i do! haha ;)

all that to say - i think that 'homemade' baby rooms are the very best kind!! henry's a lucky fellow! xoxo

Paige Baker said...

I JUST DID THAT FOR AN ENVELOPE! We are on the same track, girl.

Paige Baker said...

PS-Shel Silverstein books are GREAT for this.

melissa said...

you're so amazing... i love you endlessly and mostly vertically. i am sorry i wasn't able to talk longer this evening and actually cannot wait very easily to talk with you tomorrow and had to pause hard myself from calling you now (1 am) because i love Henry endlessly too and didn't want to wake him with phone ring and momma stirs. love

Stormy Seaworthy said...

I love it!!! SO precious!!!

Iris Flavia said...

You´re really creative!!! That´s beautiful!
Seesh. I just don´t know how much I should do! I´m "just" the aunt, I don´t wanna interfere too much...

Brittany said...

I love this idea too! Cute, simple, and fabulous! :))

alliehallmarr said...

thank you all for such wonderful comments!

courtney: i saw your post on the mobile a while back and tried to click on it but it had been taken down. i'm so glad you are posting it again SOON!

Paige: um, soul mates? yes.

melissa: i hope you enjoyed your movie! i can't wait to talk tonight, i'll call you in a bit!

iris: i'm sure your brother wouldn't mind you helping out/giving a ton. i know the situation with his wife is sticky, right? it would be her i would worry about annoying...

Paige Baker said...

Oh my goshhh. We're great together.

jill said...

what an adorable idea allie! i need to try this. because we didnt find out if corbin would be a boy or girl AND we moved kind of unexpectedly when i was like 30 weeks pregnant, his room isnt really "put together". this is a cheap, cute idea that would make it feel more corbin-y! haha
ps. LOVE henry's knick knack shelf!

emily bilbrey said...

what a perfect decor idea! love this and i fully plan on stealing it for myself. i will credit you, of course. (;

xoxo!

alliehallmarr said...

jess: steal it!

jill: thanks! why did you have to move unexpectedly? we did too around 30 weeks because of mold! crazy!

emily: thank you! i loved your sweater hat tutorial. you are so creative and inspiring!

Chelsey - The Paper Mama said...

Wow! Looks awesome!

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