The parents-to-be have a number of heirlooms that were given to them by their grandparents, and they would like to use them in accessorizing the nursery. In addition, they have some items that although not old, nevertheless have great sentimental value due to the stories behind them. In fact, Pila points out, the baby is going to be just about the only new thing in the nursery! The armoire/changing table provides ideal display space on its shelves for items old and new (figure A): The silver tea set from the dining room, pressed into service as containers for cotton balls and swabs, an old clock, a new piggy bank, porcelain figurines. On top of the armoire, an heirloom miniature ship and a new Teddy bear guard the room -- the ship may appear at first glance to be a masculine item, but Pila points out that the addition of the stuffed bear softens the look and makes it appropriate for either sex (figure B). Pila demonstrates a couple of ideas for personalizing lampshades: The first shade started out very plain, but the addition of acrylic-painted stripes, gold braid and glued-on pompon trim give it a touch of whimsy. The second has been given an elegant courtesy of a glue gun and a ready-made embroidered monogram applique, available at a craft or sewing store (figure C). Other points of interest in the heirloom nursery: - In the space between two windows, Pila has created a display area featuring antique-looking leather trunks (figure D). The trunks provide not only display space but storage as well, and they aren't deep enough to extend too far into the room and obstruct the traffic flow.
- On one wall is a clever example of thinking outside the design box: a miniature Chippendale chair, mounted on the wall, forms the perfect "shelf" to display another stuffed bear (figure E).
- In the wicker rocking chair is a vignette featuring an old Aubusson-design needlepoint pillow and a Teddy bear.
- The bedding is kept in soft colors so as not to compete with the toile on the walls and windows (figure F).
- On the walls, a wooden coat rack holds a tiny christening gown and corbels hold family-heirloom plates (figure G).
- The richly colored and patterned rug on the floor is in a style that suits the overall look of the room (figure H).
Pila shares an idea for a simple baby pillow: Wrap a neckroll pillow in a linen towel, secure with rubber bands at the ends, and add ribbon bows to cover the bands.
RESOURCES :
Treasures for Baby: Exquisite Nursery Decorations and Handmade Ribbon Keepsakes
Author: Ellie Joos
Sunset Ideas for Great Baby Rooms
Model: 0376010460
Author: Christine Olson Gedye
$12.95
Paperback
112 pages (January 2000)
Sunset Pub Company
Sunset Publishing Company (Division of Time Warner)
Website: www.sunset.com
Baby's Room: Create-a-Special
Model: 1574862049
Author: Barbara Finwall, Nancy Javier
Paperback
80 pages (July 2000)
Leisure Arts (Hot Off The Press, Inc.)
Website: www.craftpizazz.com
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