Hello and happy Monday!
I worked on a little Camp Wandawega-inspired project for Sweet P’s room last week, so I thought I’d blog about that project today. Remember the cuckoo clocks in Charlie’s nursery?
Well, I’ve wanted to find one ever since I saw them, and I was finally able to scoop one up on Etsy a few weeks ago. It was broken, so I got it for half the price of what working ones usually go for. (Score! because I didn’t really want it to make noise anyway. This is a form over function kind of fascination.) 🙂
I painted it with some of my Rosemary Gallery paint, and I just love the way it turned out!
I spruced up the black and white parts with some black craft paint and a white paint pen, and I hot glued the door open so that we can see Mr. Birdy all the time!
As for the rest of the art collection- it’s coming together, slowly but surely.
Whenever I plan one of these groupings, I start by measuring the wall space I have to play with. In this case, I knew I didn’t want anything to go higher then the top of the window or door frames, or much lower than the top of the footboard of the bed. I also wanted to leave an equal amount of open wall space on each side of the grouping.
Once I had that measurement, I laid the pieces I already had on the floor and positioned (and re-positioned) them within measurements I had taken of the wall space. I started with the dog art (Shop Ten 25) and the “Oh darling, let’s be adventurers” art (House of Belonging). Then I laid down the vintage frame that’s hanging to the left of the dog art (I found it for $3 at a flea market). Once I had those pieces arranged, I started thinking about the amount of space that was left around them. In my mind, I saw two little square frames to the left of the vintage frame, two of something above the dog art, and maybe one of something below the vintage frame. I hung up what I had and used painters tape to mark off where I was thinking about hanging everything else.
The friendly folks at Layla Grayce sent Sweet P the bird and “always” art…
…and I hung the cuckoo clock after those pieces went up because it felt like it should go high and near the center. Having the bulkiest thing in the center felt right visual weight-wise, and having it out of reach felt right toddler-wise. 😉
After that, I started to feel like I needed some soft/round things to break up all the hard lines, so I think I’m going to use the heart hoop art Megan (Sparrow Mercantile) sent to the right of the cuckoo clock, and think I might hang another (slightly bigger) hoop where the tape square is below the vintage frame.
After that, I’m thinking I’ll look for a couple of hooks so I can hang that wire basket (that’s sitting on the floor in the photo above) on the wall below the dog art. Brian the Carpenter was kind enough to sand down all the edges of it, so they’re nice and smooth and safe.
And speaking of safety, since we’re adopting a toddler, I tried to use mostly wooden items that could be nailed directly to the wall in this grouping. Only the frame with the seashell art (The Handmade Home) has glass in it, but we can always remove that if it seems like a good idea once he’s home. Which reminds me- one day, when I’m allowed to post his picture here, I’d love to put a photo of the three of us in that frame. It’s a small space (9’x10′), but there’s lot of places for his artwork and photos on the other side of the room, too!
And speaking of our sonny boy, we’re still waiting to hear about when we can go to Haiti and bond with him for 2 weeks. Our paperwork was submitted on November 25th, 2013, and it’s been 6 months of no movement for us since then.
Hoping this will be our week! 🙂
PS- For up-to-the-minute adoption updates, join me on Instagram!
Where did you get that rug?! Absolutely love it!
They’re Flor carpet squares, Juliet! 🙂
Here’s a link to my post about it: https://theletteredcottage.net/kids-room-carpet-squares-by-flor/
I’m so smitten with this little guy’s room! Every single detail is so thought out and beautiful! You guys did an awesome job on the clock – it looks great. 🙂
Oh Layla, this is just right. As we wait for God to move in His timing, we are called to continue to be creative. I just read that. And that is what you’re doing, with so much grace.
The cuckoo clock is a good reminder that He makes everything beautiful in His time.
I love the clock! How sweet and adorable. What a lucky little one 🙂 Hang in there!
Layla, Sweet P’s room is sooooo ADORABLE!!!!!!! he is going to love it as much as he loves the both of you . . . . I can’t wait to see the picture of the 3 of you hanging . . . . sending love and light to you both! xo
ps. oh . . . are you getting anymore t-shirts? would love to order another! 🙂
Layla, that room just couldn’t be any more perfect. You are thinking like a mama too. Little boys can climb walls you know? Safety first!
Layla, I love love love this room. It is so beautiful and going to be such a sweet space for Sweet P. I’ve been reading your blog for years but haven’t commented, but I adore everything you do. Hoping this is your week too!
This room you have created for your little one is beautiful! It has so much character and warmth already! I don’t normally make comments but I was really feeling the love show through in your pictures. I will be saying a little prayer that you will hear some good news soon!
So sweet! You need to set the clock for the exact minute he first walks in the door.
I really like the idea of the tape where you’re going to hang something. Sometimes moving around on the floor just does not work, I need to see something on the wall!
I was thinking along those lines, too! I was thinking the clock could be set on the time they first laid eyes on him in person! Or scooped him up in their arms!
Great idea! I had it set to his birthday before I started painting it (11:23 in the before photo), but I forgot to re-set it after I hung it up. Off to do that now! 😀
We have a little one with 11-23 birthday, too! Sometimes it lands on Thanksgiving. We are always thankful for him, just like you will be with your little one! Prayers for all three of you!
I just love how the clock turned out–the color is fantastic! Fingers crossed you get good news soon…
Thank you, Sandy! 😀 XO
What a precious room! Every little detail you add to your new home just makes it come alive! I also know where there’s a stash of broken cuckoo clocks… may have to pay them a visit. Didn’t know it was ‘a thing’ until I saw yours. 🙂
Hi Donna!
I still can’t believe we haven’t ever met in person. Gotta make that happen sometime! XO
Hoping {and praying…} that THIS will be your week too! Sweet P’s room is adorable!
wow glad to have you back. yours was one of the blogs that I was no longer receiving updates from despite being subscribed.
amazing how much more detail can be observed just with the change of paint color.
Layla, I happen to have the top part of a cuckoo clock. The piece with the bird if you would like to have it, I would gladly send it to you. I really love the clocks painted!!!
Susan West
I actually have the top part too, Susan. I’m planning to use it on another piece of art on his room to tie the two pieces together! 🙂
Oh Layla I hope this journey is over soon for you and Kevin . This lil guy is very lucky to have you two in his future. Blessings
I’m heavy hearted as I read your post tonight…and as I start to write a friends CD who passed away recently plays –Day by Day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet trials here –trusting in my Fathers wise bestowment–I’ve no cause for worry or for fear–the tender hymn goes on to to say Help,me then in every tribulation to trust in your promises …
But it turned my sorrow for you, my prayers I’ve prayed, to turn to hope. God cares so much for you. For your son. For your situation. And The Lord is hearing each prayer for you…and for the child you believe is to be yours–yet delays follow. Remember. People bow in prayer about this on your behalf. God uses hymns and others voices to remind us that God is here, day by day and has not forgotten. He is helping you. And strengthening you. And using your gift of creative decorating to keep you busy and prayerful for your little boy as you paint. Plus you teach us too. Praying The Lord keep your heart and your courage strong. The JOY of The Lord is our strength!!
In Christ’s fellowship~
I second Laura’s message. You are doing all the perfectly right things. Your poise and patience is such a gift.
Sweet P is, indeed, a very lucky boy to have you and Kev for parents. It works both ways, you know.
Love xoxoxox
What a beautiful room for him to come home to…it feels like “love”!
You know we’re all dying to see him, right? …and praying that it will be SOON for the three of you!
(My 2 year old grandson currently has a room with nothing left in it but a bed, a dresser and wall decals. He’s a climber. Even the dresser drawers are ‘locked’ shut so he can’t use them for steps…safety first, but I can’t wait til his room can be ‘cute’ again!!)
Jan
Man, I totally want to move into that room! Maybe I need you to design a space for me….You are totally inspirational and I hope your sweet boy is living in there real soon.