Luke's Nursery Reveal Part 1

One of my favorite things to do is make my house feel warm and happy. So, I thought I would share one of the many DIY projects I made for my son Luke's nursery (he's nine months old now and crawling around like crazy!)

When it comes to having a baby, (at least a first baby), there are plenty of things you can spend money on. As soon as I started browsing around I realized that nursery decor could be seriously pricey. I really wanted Luke to have a happy space. I wanted lots of bright colors and visual stimulation. I wanted his room to be personalized and I basically had no budget for it!

My parents donated the rocking chair and crib, and my MIL sewed Luke's bedding and recovered the rocker to match the nursery better. Obviously this helped a ton to get things started. We already had the white shelf (Walmart special, $20), so the only thing in the nursery we had to pay for was the dresser. It is from the HEMNES series at IKEA and I absolutely love it. Even though it was a splurge it was worth every penny $299.) In addition to these staples I made 5 decorations that help tie the room together. I am going to share the first of those with you today!

1. "You Make Me Happy" Fabric Board:

 

This is without a doubt my favorite piece in the room. It is so personal to me. Bryce and Luke are definitely "my sunshine," and I have always loved this song. Heaven knows I can be moody, and pregnancy did nothing to lessen those hormones I can assure you. When I would become overly grumpy or irritated I would start working on this craft and it helped me to be soothed. It was really basic to make, but admittedly a little time consuming.

Here's how to make your own if you like it (sorry I don't have a ton of pictures, I wasn't planning on ever doing a tutorial):

-First things first, pull out your fabric scraps bin.

-Find a piece of fabric that you love, a little bigger than you want your board to end up.

-Decide what you want your board to say.

-Get on the computer, find a font you like, and type out what you're saying in the actual size you want the writing to appear on your board, only typing letters that appear multiple times once.

-Print out and cut out your letters.

-Take a piece of fabric that is big enough to fit your first letter and iron on some Heat'n Bond Ultra Hold or any other fabric adhesive, then pin your letter on and cut around it. Repeat for all letters. (*I liked to lay my letters out as I went so that you can see the saying coming together and you can make sure you don't end up with a cluster of the same fabric unless you want it that way.)

-After all the fabric layers are cut, lay your letters exactly as you want them on your fabric backdrop (pinning if necessary) and iron on one at a time.

-After your letters are all ironed on top stitch around each letter. You may be tempted to skip this step, but I promise you it will add definition and make your board ten times cuter.

-Finally, stretch your fabric around your board of choice and hot glue the edges in place on the back.

Wahlah!

Stay tuned for Part's 2 and 3 of Luke's Nursery Reveal...

If you'd like to see some of the other cute projects we've made using fabric scraps, check these out:

Tie and Suspenders Onsie
Fabric Scrap Wreath
Monogram Fabric Letters
Scrap Map
15 Minute Wreath
Fabric Scrap Banner

*This post may be linked up at one of these fabulous linky parties, check them out!

** This post has been featured by our awesome friends at: 

Sugar Bee Crafts

A Creative Cookie

Thirty Handmade Days

A Girl & A Glue Gun 

I Heart Nap Time