2010 – Page 27

Let There Be Light

Published on July 19, 2010September 12, 2012 by Our Humble Abode1 Comment

Ben has a lot of great ideas, especially when it comes to accent lighting. When we added this trim to our master bedroom, Ben got the idea to add hardwired rope lights inside. After taking the time to drill through each header, Ben had the wiring ready. Ben bought 3 to 6 foot long rope light strips from Home Depot. The lengths of the rope lighting depended on the width of the door or window they would go over. Ben plugged the lights in and wired in a dimmer switch. We love how handy the lights are, especially now that we’re waking up in the middle of the night to change diapers.

I had been planning my office for quite some time, but over looked the lighting. Ben suggested we install halogen puck lights to create task lighting. We have two sets, one on each side of the upper cabinets. The lights have two hidden switches located under my marble desktop.

I love how much task lighting I have now. It makes my work so much easier!

How To: Store Toys

Published on July 15, 2010May 25, 2011 by Our Humble AbodeLeave a comment

We have two boys under the age of three with grandparents, aunts and uncles that spoil them rotten. That means we have a ton of toys. Fortunately for us, we have created custom built in cabinets to hide most of their toys, books and diapers.

I’m still searching for the right size, cheap but durable storage bins to house V’s toys in this cabinet, but for now, it’s okay.

This red metal bin holds up to V’s abuse and it contains most of his stuffed animals. After all, three-foot tall Mickey and Minnie cannot fit in a small bin.

We don’t keep all the toys in one area, as they are hauled all around the house anyway. We have some toys stored in the Man Cave entertainment center. Once the doors are finished, the mess will be hidden away, similar to our living room built-in.

V has some larger Tonka trucks, which are stored under Ev’s crib, hidden by the crib skirt.

Basically, we don’t have a lot of baby/toy clutter because I refuse to keep large baby items like swings, bouncer seats, and exersaucers in the house. I also go through the toys somewhat regularly and throw out or donate broken or unused toys. It also helps to send noisy, annoying toys to grandma.

One major tip I can offer is to use closets and space under the bed. Keep items in bins labeled by size to organize items such as children’s out grown or too big clothes.

How To: Make a Bird Mobile

Published on July 14, 2010May 25, 2011 by Our Humble Abode4 Comments

When I was pregnant, I found this tutorial on how to make a paper bird mobile. I decided to make a little mobile to hang above our son’s crib.

I made some changes along the way, so here is the step-by-step on how to create this mobile:

1. Print the template on plain cardstock or printer paper. I prefer to lightly trace the template on my colored cardstock, giving me the option to erase my lines after the pieces are cut. Cut out one set of the template.

2. Lightly trace the pieces on the cardstock colors of choice. For this mobile, I made three sets of each bird using two different colors of green, chocolate-brown and white cardstock. Be sure to mark the wing slit and hanging hole. Cut out your cardstock pieces and erase your lines.

3. Place your template over a cut out bird body. Use a cutting board and push-pin to poke a hole to thread your string through. Use an exacto knife to make a slit for the wing to go through. Do not make a box, as shown on the template.

4. Slide the wing through the body and fold up slightly.

5. Add a very thin line of Elmer’s glue to each side of the tail on the main body. Slide the cut tail onto the body. Gently squeeze the tail and set it aside to let it dry. After the tail has dried, thread a string through the hole. Tie a few knots on one side and cut the extra off, leaving one to two feet on the other side. The length of the string should vary and will depend on the final hanging height.

6. Buy or cut a tree branch to hang the birds from. I prefer a branch with two or three small branches creating a V or W from one main branch.

7. Tie one piece of fishing line on each end of your branch. If you have a V branch, you will have three pieces. Make the pieces longer than you’ll need, allowing plenty of excess to tie a knot. Tie all pieces together at the desired height from the ceiling.

8. Tie each bird onto the branch, varying the height . Make sure each bird is secured on the branch. Once all birds are tied on, you’re ready to hang your completed mobile. Screw a hook into the ceiling, hang the mobile, stand back and admire!

Our Humble A{Bowe}d Giveaway Winner!

Published on July 13, 2010May 25, 2011 by Our Humble Abode1 Comment

The winner of one free 8 inch by 10 inch customized print designed by Our Humble A{Bowe}d is lucky number 11, Denise! For those of you that didn’t win, don’t fret. Our Humble A{Bowe}d and sister store Customized Stationary are offering a 10% discount now through August 1st. To redeem, just mention OHABowed10 when placing an order.

Recent Finds: Big Lots!

Published on July 12, 2010September 9, 2010 by Our Humble Abode3 Comments

A few weeks ago, a friend and I went to Big Lots! for the first time. It’s actually pretty similar to the TJ Maxx and Ross stores we have in town. The prices are great, but the selection can be hit or miss. That’s okay, though. We weren’t looking for anything in particular, but I did find these:

I love the mother of pearl candle holder as it is, especially for $4.00. I thought it would make a great vase, too. The flower tea light however is begging for a coat or two of spray paint. Maybe a robin’s egg blue? Not completely sure about that yet, but for $3.00, I was sold. It’s actually like this one I found not too long ago from Michael’s.

I have yet to visit a Home Goods, and I REALLY want to go. Do you have any favorite shops?