Things on my mind...

FOR YOUR INFO: Pictures of our basement are posted below if you would like to see the progress. Okay... so lately I am totally obsessed with doing little or big projects. I am really into crafting and I have loved cruising other people's blogs when I have time, looking for ideas and all the fun things they do. The goal in all of this is thinking realistically and not getting too carried away with what I can do. I thought I would make this post because I found a list of craft items noted on this blog (Brown Paper Packages). This is the first time I looked at this particular blog, but I really enjoyed the list and thought that I would post it so I could refer to it again. Now, for an idea of the craft projects I have been enjoying. ~~~ Just a couple of weeks ago I finished making a fabric puppet show curtain. I got the idea from A Bushel and a Peck. When I saw it, I just thought... oooh, I can make that. Well, I did, however, it was a lot harder than I was expecting. I had a bed sheet, which was my main piece, and I used $3 worth of other fabric to finish the curtain and make it fun and colorful. At this point, I haven't yet taken a picture of it, but pictures will be soon to come. I realized during this project that it has been so long since I sewed anything, that I need many more practice items before I can expect anything to turn out looking "good". ~~~ The next idea and project that I have been obsessing about is making a play kitchen for my kids. I feel that now since I am having a girl, I have liberation in making this, even though Brad will play with it equally I am sure. I got this idea from Crafty Chic Mommy. This is a newer site, but one I have enjoyed so much. I AM going to make this kitchen, although at this point it is very much still at the drawing board. I am on the search to find cheep items, including wood so I can start. Once I have all the wood I need, then I will begin and since I have thought it through so much (I mean for days...) it should be a rather quick project. The one downfall is that since I am pregnant, I cant really paint by myself, so I will have to ask my hubby which means some Saturday that he actually has time. We will see... the painting may have to wait until after the pregnancy. ~~~ My mostly finished project was reorganizing my basement by building a shelf and buying a couch on craigslist. I am very pleased with how it turned out, and it just feels a little more inviting and comfortable downstairs now. More like a family room than a dungeon. These BEFORE pictures are of right after we moved in. Just for your info, this room has been organized and we have been living in it for the past 6 months. The only changes I made were to make the room better. I don't want you thinking that we hadn't made any progress on this room until now, but I don't have any other pictures for comparision except these ones, so they will help with the shock factor.

BEFORE

Under the stairs...

In the corner where the couch and TV are now...

AFTER

This is currently how it looks under the stairs. We created the playroom right here and Brad loves it. He has all (or most) of his toys down here and will play for hours. Brad and Dad playing in the toyroom area. Brad absolutely loves playing with his Dad, and Dad always thinks of the funnest things to build! This is the bookshelf/ toyshelf that I made. I think it turned out great. I have been trying to find out what I could do to have the toys more organized, and I am very happy at this solution. Of course the picture above the shelf has been moved up and centered since this photo was taken, but I think the shelf turned out pretty good for $8.00. We already had the wood for the frame of the shelf, I just cut our long shelving pieces a little smaller, and then screwed them together. The only thing I had to buy was the backing. I really loved this ribbed backing. It made the shelf look so adorable. And, since it was already white, I didn't have to paint anything. This is the family room area. We have the TV set up downstairs which makes it a little better and less crowded upstairs. I love that when we are upstairs Brad is not asking to watch TV all the time. ("out of sight, out of mind"). Also, BTW, this is the couch / loveseat we got on craigslist for $20. Dont think it is perfect or anything, but is is a cream/white color and is comfortable enough. Way worth the $20 we spent. I am pleased, to say the least. It really ties the room together. Now, this is my crafting area. It is still definately a work in progress, but it is much better than it was just a couple days ago. I am really trying to find a place for everything so I can work on stuff and feel organized while having a 2 year old run around all over. It does make it nice that he has so many toys to play with down here, which will give me good 15 min. slots to do something fun for me. I am very happy with how the basement is at this point. It has just improved so much! Horray!

Anyway, I am really motivated at this point in my pregnancy to make things and get everything organized. I like this feeling, but it can also be a little overwhelming at times. I am the type of person that once I decide to do it, I just want to do it 100%, so waiting on wood, or good prices, or people to help me, becomes my biggest challenge. It is very rewarding though to look back and realize all I did and learned!