Nesting (With Super Cool Wall Art Project!)

So, in the spirit of jewel box living, I'm currently in the process of creating a nest for Biscuit.  It's a bit of a challenge as I'm attempting to blend it with the master bedroom.  Because of this, I'm not really going for the zoo animal/all star/transportation motifs.  Of course, he is a baby, so I'd like to add some whimsy.


It wouldn't be jewel box living if space wasn't an issue as well (this is a tiny room) so that affects my plans dramatically.  It took some research, but I'm very pleased to present my first purchase toward this project...  A mini crib!

I'm so thrilled with it.  It is a fraction of the size of a standard crib but has passed all the same safety tests.  It has four mattress level settings so it can accommodate a baby well into two years.  And... it's cute!  They sell mini cribs in a lot of the big stores but I actually found mine on craigslist which saved me about $200.00.  


Bedding is the main draw back.  They don't sell much at the major retailers.  I have found a few web sites which I might be able to order from, but I think I'll just pull out the old sewing machine for this one.  It doesn't need all the frills that we've grown accustomed to.  I think a few cute sheets and blankets will be perfect.  I really like this fabric.  It's called Topsy Turvy Toile.

But I may just go with something really simple.  Maybe polka dots or stars...


Today, I started the decorating of the nest.  I really like simple wall appliques like this one.  You can find quite a selection on line and they aren't too terribly expensive.  Of course my budget is more limited than some so I came up with an alternative.


I call it the "Contact High".  I've included instructions for those of you who might want a project.


Supplies:  Contact paper (can be found at Target, Walmart, etc. for about $7.00/roll), a pencil, and scissors.  


Step One:  Roughly sketch your design on the back of the contact paper.  It might help you to have a picture of what you're attempting to sketch in front of you.  Keep in mind that it will be the mirror image when applied.


Step Two:  Cut out your design.  Keep the design simple so the cutting doesn't get too detailed.  


Step Three:  Apply to wall.  I find it easiest to take off a little of the paper backing at a time to prevent the contact paper from sticking to itself.  The great thing about this is that contact paper is easy to peel off and reposition if you aren't thrilled with your first application.  


You can choose to mix colors if you like.  I wanted to keep it clean and understated.  I also had an old roll of marbled contact paper under my sink.  I figured, free is good, so I went with it.


You don't have to cut out the whole design at once. You can break it into more manageable segments and apply them in pieces.  Just be sure to choose a contact paper that will conceal your grafting lines.  A marbled pattern is great for that.


So this is the nest wall...

I think it's a good start.