Picture from Serena and Lily

(See the white fluff on the left of the crib. Yes, that is a light!)

Well, thanks to Jessie at The Gimlet Eye, I found it at Unica Home! And, it wasn’t totally “designer” unaffordable. Score! So, I ordered it….in July. Then, I found out it was back-ordered for five weeks. Five weeks passed and it was still back-ordered for an “indeterminable amount of time” per their customer service. That annoyed me, to be honest. So, another five weeks later…i.e. Friday…I decided to CAN the order. Bummer! But, then, on Saturday, a FedEx van showed up at my house. Low and behold it was my coveted light!! I went to work right away.

Here is the beginning of the project…hanging the light fixture. Yes, I had to figure out how to run the wire along the ceiling and down the wall to the outlet. Ideally, it would be wired through the ceiling but I just am not motivated to have an electrician rip up the nursery ceiling a month before I’m due!

Here is the one of the “fluff” panels. I ordered three. Consider yourself warned if you order this light: it is very small and needs at least three panels attached. I am glad I kept the ceiling fan and used this as an alternative light above the glider. I don’t think it would’ve been big enough for the main light fixture in the room.

When you take this out of the packaging, it’s a little tricky because it’s metal and the small parts tend to grab each other. But, with a little patience and creativity, I got them wrapped around the light and hung!

Here is the final result:

Well, semi-final result! I have to take that painters tape off the cord! Anyway, I was THRILLED with it and, of course, deem it worth the wait. Now, I can focus on what’s left to do: wall decal, birch tree mural (in progress, stay tuned), put all the bedding together.

More tomorrow!

Adrianne

]]> http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/light-success/feed/ 2 http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/rikshaw-design/ http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/rikshaw-design/#comments Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:00:58 +0000 adrianne http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/?p=4572 No, I’m not talking about the design of a cart pulled by a human in India…

I’m talking about some of THE most adorable baby bedding and clothing I have seen in a while: Rikshaw Designs! I wasn’t aware of this precious collection until the other day (Thank you Jessica). First of all, the collection is fab. Secondly, the company is woman-owned (always love that) and she has a really interesting story.  She makes me want to travel the world! The worldly influenced goodies I found are as follows:

Bombay Crib Bedding. I LOVE the feel of these patterns together. So fresh!

Super chic and cute!

LOVING the seahorse design on this burb cloth and bib set.

These lightweight kurtas are stylish and fun.

A sassy camel pillow. I need one for Miss Babe!!

Last but not least…are you kidding me? How cute is that tush?! I’ll take one of each pattern.

Look at more of her cute things by visiting her site: Rikshaw Design.

Happy shopping!

Adrianne

I also have to give credit to Good Night, Sleep Tight. I have mentioned this book before, I believe. I happened to pick it up a few days ago (for the millionth time since having a child) and read that she recommends three-year-olds get no more than 10 1/2 hours of sleep at night with a 1  1/2 hour nap during the day. Enter waking him up 30 minutes earlier in the morning and putting him down for nap time an hour later. So far, it’s working. I don’t want to jinx myself but we are on day five of no insane getting out of bed and running around. H.U.G.E.

Thanks to everyone that gave me advice and input! It really did make a difference.

On that sleep note…I have also had requests to see my newly painted headboard for the baby’s room. Remember these beauties my friend found on Craigslist?

I was going to paint them green, remember? Couldn’t visualize? Well, see below!

Granted, I have not put the bedding together yet (sham on the duvet). YET. We are keeping her name top secret and the duvet has her monogram. I won’t be showing that to you any time soon!! I know…the suspense…

Here’s another shot pre-glider delivery this afternoon. Yes! The glider is here. It resides to the left of the bedside table.

I could sleep in that thing…and will.

(Ugh! Dark pic…hard to get the right light except for at night!)

Anyway, I was super excited about the result. It matches the drapes perfectly and has the pop effect I wanted. It was an easy project, too!

OK! Back to the birthday project tomorrow!

Adrianne

1. I can’t believe it’s been five years.

2. I am so thankful that a lot of the city has been cleaned up (a lot of it has not been…I am hopeful!).

3. Most of all, I am relieved and thankful that all of our dear friends and their families are safe and back in NOLA. They are all a big part of the reason the city has survived: pure tenacity, endurance, and a refusal to take “no” for an answer. I am humbled by them all.

For a full commentary and true local perspective, visit Jessie’s blog, The Gimlet Eye.

To remember Katrina and support the city that survived it, let’s shop a little at the local boutiques from New Orleans.

Two Sprouts: “New Orleans Inspired Stationery and Invitations”

A perfect crawfish invite for your crawfish boil! Yes, even waaaay up here in VA, Tripp and I always host a crawfish boil in the Spring. Countdown to Spring begins now!

Calling cards for your little sweetie. I may have to buy these for Miss Babe!

How can you not love the Jazz Fest Stroller invite?? For a true New Orleanian!

Doing their part to help save the coast as well. Buy a t-shirt or onesie for your babe here!

Perch New Orleans: Beautiful and stylish interiors!

Check out their blog for their latest shipments…including these papier mache birds! I have seen these in a local White Stone store. They are just as cool as they look!

Clip on butterflies…loving the idea of these spontaneously clipped to drapes in a nursery!

Perch has many other fabulous things to fancy your eyes!! Visit their site and see more of their interior design genius and clever items like note card wallets.

Orient Expressed: A Magazine Street Must Have!

It’s truly everything from smocked clothing to stylish gifts:

A classic…

Adorable smocked pillow!

The perfect host gift! Lovin’ those fleur-de-lis!

I think everyone should book a flight to New Orleans right now! If you can’t swing it, though, at least visit one of the sites I mentioned here and buy something for yourself or someone you love.

Safe and sound to you today!

Adrianne

]]> http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/i-heart-nola/feed/ 1 http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/lambchop-news/silhouettes-hump-day-fun/ http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/lambchop-news/silhouettes-hump-day-fun/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:00:45 +0000 adrianne http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/?p=4260 Soooooooooo I told you about a fun little project involving silhouettes a few weeks ago. I found a brilliant explanation/version of this project in Nonpareil Magazine. Here is my post on Nonpareil. Here is the photo of the beautiful result:

I love the idea of this in the nursery. I also love the clever use of old frames spray painted to your liking!

Yesterday during nap time, I decided to take this on myself. You can, too (or you can email me and I’ll make yours for you!)

Here’s what you need for the project:

1. Profile picture(s) of whomever you are “silhouetting.” Here is Davis’:

This picture makes me feel like I could reach out and touch him!

2. Cool paper (a solid for the silhouette and a neat pattern for the background…or v.v. Be creative!):

My choice for the silhouette cut-out. Remember, our nursery is plum and grass green!

I was thrilled when I found these coordinating papers! I chose paper prints with variations of purple and green, of course!

3. Permanent Adhesive:

This stuff is the best – not messy, very effective.

4. A pencil with an eraser, some sharp scissors, and a steady hand.

5. A frame (I used an 8×10 plainie Janie frame from Walmart):

Here’s how you do it:

1. Cut out the profile of the picture you chose.

2. Place cut-out picture on the solid paper and trace the picture cut-out with a pencil:

A little hint: Make sure your solid paper is the same size as the frame you are using…or make sure the size of the silhouette will fit nicely on your background paper before cutting. Sizing these takes a bit of trial and error, patience, and a copier. You may have to blow up the original picture or decrease the size depending on how you want it to look.

(I used the matting to size it correctly so I’d have the right proportions.)

3. Cut out the traced silhouette on the solid paper very carefully and smoothly (here’s where the sharp scissors and steady hand come in!).

4. Make sure your printed paper is the right size for the frame you chose. I used an 8×10 and had 12×12 printed paper to work with, hence, I cut the 12×12 to fit the 8×10 frame. (Again, I simply used the matting to size and cut the paper.)

5. Use the permanent adhesive on one side of your cut-out silhouette. Mount it on the printed paper just so. I don’t think there are any rules here…centered, funkily placed, whatever you wish. Go for it!

6. Toss the matting and place the printed paper with your silhouette in the frame. Voila! (Note: I did not paint the frames…yet. I may paint them green. I’ll have to see how it all ties with the rest of the wall art first! If you do paint them, I’d prime them first and just use spray paint. Simple!)

Here are two of mine. I am going to hang one of everyone in the family, including our dog, Alice. They will go around a mirror above the changing table a la picture from Nonpareil!

Davis

Alice

Done and DONE! Try it and let me know your thoughts. Again, if you just want it done for you, let me know and we’ll discuss. I am happy to do it for you!

Adrianne

]]> http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/lambchop-news/silhouettes-hump-day-fun/feed/ 6 http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/dwelling-on-crib-bedding/ http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/dwelling-on-crib-bedding/#comments Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:00:44 +0000 adrianne http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/?p=4034 Hi Everyone,

Sorry about yesterday! As you know, I truly never miss a blog post day! I had one of those “I am so tired, I cannot function” days. Literally. I slept most of the day and feel 100% lazy about it! We had a big weekend because it was my hubby’s birthday. We had two dinner celebrations with two different sets of friends, a three-year-old birthday party, and a long visit with his family on Sunday. Whew! It was all really fun, though. That being said, back to it!

There are so many great crib bedding options out there, I simply couldn’t cover them all in last Friday’s post. For example, I didn’t even mention Dwell Studio. How could I NOT? Dwell is one of my favorites. And, they have many, many accoutrement to go with their themes. Take a look:

Good for a boy or girl. Simple yet stylish. And, how could you resist it with those chunky legs standing in front of the crib?!

This is a favorite. Look at the kangaroos! The color combo is killer, too. I love different and a little quirky!

Back to basics with this beautiful white circles bedding. So crisp and fresh!

OWLS. DONE! I love owls! (Yes, I was a Chi Omega…) This is a cutie option for a boy or girl, too. And, I love it paired with the green walls. At first glance, it looks like “Cabbage Patch Green” from California Paint.

Sweet baby! Look at that adorable doll baby bedding! I love the understated colors that truly pack a decorating punch.

Now, this set, you must look at closely. It looks white but it has multiple colors on it. It’s adorable. Here’s a closer look:

…the matching bib and burb cloth. Oh, did I mention this pattern is on sale?

Adrianne

P.S. I sent out my August newsletter…specials are going on now. I’ll report more later but this is why, if you haven’t already, you need to join my email updates. Email me to join the list!

(Aside: goody gumdrops it’s starting to storm as I’m writing this post. What is more cozy than a storm in the summer? LOVE IT.)

We all love Pottery Barn and it’s trifecta of baby, teen, and adult home decor. But, what if you want something a little different? Have you tried Pixie Dust Decor, Serena & Lily, Rosenberry Rooms, Oliver B, Kate Quinn Organics, or Carousel Designs? Keep reading…

For my friend having another boy, here are a few of my favorites:

I love the fluffiness of this light blue and white combo from Pixie Dust Decor. Here is a close-up:

See the little pagoda? Too cute…and very original. If you wanted to add more color to this theme, I would add a dash of lime. Look at the crib sheet you could have made:

This swatch is of Pixie Dust’s Aqua Lattice fabric. Oh, did I mention that you can also buy fabric by the yard from them? Fabulous!

Pixie also carries an adorable red/blue theme for a boy:

I love the boldness of this look! Here is the close-up:

Oui, oui! Non?

How about this cutie gumball design by Carousel Designs? I like blue and brown and I do love the fun gumball design! I think, however,  it would look really fresh and crisp with white nursery furniture. I love a good, CRISP room.

Moving into a little gender neutral territory…

I really like the idea of this pique white bedding with a white crib! It’s so simple and so chic. And, think of all the possibilities for room decor…endless.

I am really into neutrals right now, though. So if you wanted to add a little interest, you could  add:

Marlo Crib Bedding Blanket from Serena and Lily

Or go with the entire Marlo room:

Crisp! Fresh! Soothing! And, may we please discuss the awesome origami birds above the crib?

Let’s be honest,  even though I heart neutrals, you know I love a good color pop! This bedding from kate quinn organics comes in other great shades like “pomegranate” and “blackberry.” YUM!

For the girls:

Here is what I bought for Miss Thing (Lulu Bedding from Serena and Lily):

As you know, we are focusing on crisp whites, grass/lime greens and shades of purple. By the way, I am dying for the mobile shown in this picture. Has anyone found it out there somewhere? I am on a mission. If you have any info, let me know!

Other girly bedding I like includes:

Singing Birds! I love this daring black, white and lime combo. Very chic, indeed. Rosenberry Rooms

And would ya just look at those bows! Oliver B is a company that makes bedding that helps reduce the risk of SIDS. Check out the site. So smart!! The bumper is fully ventilated. Cute boy bedding, too.

I have many more suggestions. If you need help, email me and let me know what you have so far. FUN!

Adrianne

As a reminder, the walls of the nusery are Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter:

We were going to move all of Davis’ furniture into the nursery but his is all espresso/dark wood. Revere Pewter really pops with white…so, we opted for this white, Jenny Lind crib:

The bedding we’ve chosen is the sweet but sassy “Lulu” bedding from Serena and Lily:

And, don’t forget the sassy twin bed that is going in the nursery, too.  My Gimlet Eyed friend, Jessie, is painting the headboards Benjamin Moore Pear Green:

I have been thinking long and hard about what duvet cover/perfect colors for the twin bed may be. And, as you know, I love color pops. I simply cannot have an all pastel nursery!! Needless to say, I was thrilled when I found EXACTLY what I had conjured in my head. THAT, my friends, almost NEVER happens. Not kidding! Ok. You need to have some vision…pear green headboards with this bedding:

(Scratch the polka-dot sheets…just focus on the duvet and pillow shams from Pottery Barn Teen. And, yes, of course the duvet will be monogrammed and it will all be mixed up with other accent colors and pops!)

I was then inspired to buy these (PB Teen) for the windows (and this room has windows ALL across one wall). They will hang on the wall behind the glider, twin bed and side table.

The perfect hiding place for toddlers, don’t you say??

Here is the adorable side table (in white) and lamp to go with the ensemble (are you getting that I got all of this at PB Teen?):

Love it!!

Now, ladies and gentlemen, I can visit antique shops and quirky boutiques to fill in the decor. And, I still need to choose the glider.  Should be fun! I’ll keep you posted!!

Happy Tuesday,

Adrianne

]]> http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/baby-bonanza-update/feed/ 1 http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/stray-dog-discovery/ http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/stray-dog-discovery/#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:00:55 +0000 adrianne http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/?p=3607 Good news: I have narrowed my lighting fixture search to only a few pendants! I think one of these light fixtures and the apple green beds will be what the rest of the room revolves around! Over the weekend I found this sassy piece:

Isn’t it adorable?? When I did a little more research on this pendant, I found that it is from Stray Dog Designs. Uh oh…what a DISCOVERY! I mean, look at the other options:

The Niki Pendant…loving the orange bird accent!

How about those stripes! So bold!!!

Speaking of stripes…and, by the way, you may choose the stripe color and the papier mache cord color. P.S. The Mini Roses sleeve and finial are papier mache from recycled materials, handmade by artisans in Haiti, and hand painted with low VOC paint. LOVING IT!

I can also see having this floor lamp by the glider/crib:

So….which pendant gets your vote??

Adrianne

P.S. Stray Dog Designs has a truly impressive story! Check out their site immediately! And, they live in Tennessee…my birth state. What’s not to like?

]]> http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/stray-dog-discovery/feed/ 0 http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/road-test-paper-flower-wreath/ http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/road-test-paper-flower-wreath/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:27:23 +0000 adrianne http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/?p=3579 Hi Everyone! I hope you had a great weekend!

Today, I am proud to introduce a new series called “Road Test!” Periodically, I’ll discuss certain projects (big and small) that I take on to let you know how it goes  and rate it on difficulty and “worth-it-ness.” I hope this will not only be fun but really helpful! I mean, why get into something that doesn’t turn out to be just what you wanted? Right! Therefore, here is my first “road test”… just for you.

Friday, I received my paper flower wreath kit from Paper Source. Did I ever let you in on this cutie?

Yes, of course, it’s going on Little Miss’ door!

Well, it came in a neat little package in three parts: the wreath ring and ribbon, the paper flowers, and the brads and flower “circles.” The instructions were decently easy to decipher. Although, I have some tips for you that aren’t explained on the package instructions.

This shows several ways to “stack” the different size flower parts on top of one another in order to create the gorgeous paper blooms.

Before going that far and creating the blooms straight out of the gates, however, I decided to take an inventory of the petals and figure out how many blooms I needed to make to fit around this wreath ring (about 16-18). By the way, they give you too many…I guess it’s in case you mess up…(I was totally offended. Like I would mess up. Ha!)

So, in super Type-A fashion, I laid out all the paper pieces in categories by size:

Then, I stacked all the petals (about three per flower) in the order I wanted to create my blooms:

After I felt organized (and this really did make me feel organized!), I creased the flowers as instructed and fastened them with the given colorful brad. Voila!

A note on creasing and flower depth: The directions tell you to either crease the petals in the middle for depth or roll them with a pencil. I recommend creasing them…the pencil started to wear my patience thin! I do agree with their idea of cutting the larger blooms down the side to create even more depth, however. Here I am creasing the flower petals:

The rest was super easy. I simply placed the blooms I made around the wreath in the order I wanted them and fastened them to the wreath. One thing about the ribbon they don’t suggest: place the ribbon around the wreath before fixing the blooms to the ring. It will prevent awkward, near bloom damage that would inevitably occur if you placed the ribbon post-bloom fixing. Make sense?

Overall, this project was super fun and very rewarding. Take a look at my finished product:

Here are the “Project Stats”:

Time Out of My Day: A little over an hour.

Difficulty: Moderate

Finger/Hand Cramps or Injuries? None

Worth-It-Ness: 100%

Would I Make This Again?: Absolutely!

Let me know if you have made this and have any additional comments!

Later, Gators,

Adrianne

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