Category: DIY Decor & Crafts

Projects you can make to decorate your house.

Bird-serk

Published on by Our Humble Abode2 Comments

I have had a mild bird obsession lately.  It’s fair to say I’ve gone bird-serk.  We have a bird print or two, bird candle holders, figurines, banks, and salt and pepper shakers. 

V loves this little guy from Target:

I’m considering painting this one, but for $1.00, it’s not so bad.

I like how this set of salt and pepper shakers from Target perch on our plate rack, watching over our dining room.

So, technically this isn’t a bird, but it is a bird-cage candle holder.

I saw this felted wool pincushion on Etsy.  I hesitated to buy it, but figured, I save money on other things, so why not splurge on something handmade?  He’s cute and he comes in handy while sewing. 

Ev has a little owl bank hanging out with his pig and turtle friends.

I still haven’t satisfied my bird obsession, either.  I have my eye on two Amy Ruppel prints.  Remember the other from this post?  How adorable/clever is this little pillow?

I may have to do a little DIY version…

How To: Store Toys

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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

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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!

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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.

Gimme a Giveaway: Our Humble A{Bowe}d

Published on by Our Humble Abode11 Comments

*This giveaway is no longer accepting entries, Thank You!*

If you are like I am, you’re constantly searching for great, affordable artwork.  I became quite frustrated with my quest and decided to create my own custom artwork and prints.   I wanted to give one lucky reader one customized 8 inch by 10 inch print from the following options. 

Carved Initials:

Bird Family:

I Love You This Much:

Love Math:

Love Tree:

Want a chance to win?  Here’s how it works:

To Enter:  Comment on this post to tell which print you prefer and the colors you’d like.

Bonus:  Blog, Twitter or Facebook with the giveaway link.  Then, leave another comment including your blog post, Tweet or Facebook link.

Contest Closes:  Monday, July 12, 2010 at 9:00 pm, central time.

Number of Winners:  One!

Ships:  Anywhere in the US of A.

Other Info:  The winner can customize their print with colors, text such as names, family names, dates, and initials, and quantity of birds in the Bird Family print.  Only one entry per e-mail address.  The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Tuesday, July 13th.  Good luck!!