Well, one of these days! I just enjoyed the Aaron Brothers frame sale for my new, renovated hallway. So now I have a gallery of fab frames, with pictures of strangers hanging. Since the digital revolution, it’s going to take me a bit longer to upload and go through pics to order online and fill these frames. However, I have really good intentions to make this little DIY project a reality and plan to submit my finished product to Little Window Shoppe (within the next year)!

How cool is it that family photos are incorporated! For the how to and more information, visit our sweet friends at the oh, so sweet Little Window Shoppe for the DIY details!

Tags: Art, DIY, Photos, Wall Art

Julie Blanchard, owner of Lemon Tree Paperie, created a sophisticated and classic nursery for her son Weston that we are pleased to share with our readers. When planning the nursery, Julie was instantly inspired by Serena and Lily’s fabrics and decided on the color scheme of navy, indigo and lime right away. One of Julie’s goals was to keep the colors and fabrics simple and uniform so that she would be able to easily accessorize.  One of our favorite elements in the nursery is the custom paint design featuring little Weston’s initials framed by a crest style border. Very Preppy and cute! Julie says, “The custom paint design saved on buying artwork.” What a brilliant way to give the walls purpose without having to find expensive artwork.

Julie customized the crib bedding by mixing the “Charlie” bumper with the “Blake” sheeting collection, both from Serena and Lily. With some extra fabric, she was able to customize a sweet pillow with Weston’s name for the her Dutailer glider. In addition, Julie used the extra bedding fabric and ribbon to create an adorable wall hanging for over the changing table. Other Details include a Pali crib, and Pottery Barn Kids baskets and liners. The lamp is from Target and the bookshelf is a custom made piece. Julie did an excellent job of mixing and matching pieces to achieve this tailored space she dreamed of for Weston.

Besides being a nursery design maverick, Julie has a passion for fine paper and stationary. After spending many years in the business she decided to open her own online boutique, Lemontreepaperie.com which offers baby announcements, calling cards, personalized stationary, family labels and much more. Through her online boutique, Julie advises clients on a national basis, and is personally involved in each and every order.

We are excited to announce that Julie has offered Project Nursery readers $15 off all orders of $100 or more! Use code NURSERY when placing orders. Offer valid through 9/30/08. With Halloween coming up what a great opportunity to snatch up some amazingly cute cards for the family. Thanks Julie!

Tags: Art, Baby Nurseries, Cribs, Discounts, Green, Inspiration, Monogram, Paint, Preppy

As you already know, Melisa and I are big fans of bringing art to the lives of our little ones. By the way, congratulations to subscriber Pencils for winning the darling painting “Morning Swim” which was so generously donated by Little Art Collector. This past weekend, I made a trip to the De Young Museum with both kids in tow to check out the fabulous Chihuly exhibit. The wide eyes and open mouth on my daughters face when we entered the gallery displaying all of his vibrant glass pieces was priceless. 

Looking for your own piece of personal and original art to add to a nursery or toddler room? Figment portraits are a contemporary approach to the pop art tradition. Kristine Baerlin is the creator of these unique works of art. Working in New York City as a successful painter for nearly a decade, Baerlin has developed two distinct portrait styles.

 Kristine says, ”My “Circle” style is an abstract, bold and contemporary approach to the pop art tradition. My “Dot” style is a playful twist on the more traditional portrait, perfect for any setting.”

She works directly with her clients to develop a specific size and color combination. Each portrait is hand-painted in her studio and signed on the back of the canvas. Baerlin’s portraits guarantee a timeless and original work of art. Her work has been featured on HGTV and various local galleries.

Contact Kristine at portraits@figmentstudio.com and mention you are a Project Nursery reader for a special discount on her designs. One of her pieces would be a beautiful addition to any room in the house.

Tags: Art, Wall Art

Isn’t Summer supposed to be a time to relax? With travel and a move on my plate its been pretty hectic around here. Thanks Melisa for keeping Project Nursery running so smoothly while I went MIA! So, just back from a family vacation in the Outer Banks (that’s North Carolina, but don’t worry I had no clue where it was either until my first visit 4 years ago). While there I discovered a charming local home boutique called The Urban Cottage. I personally love buying things for the home while traveling and this cute shop had tons to scoop up. Besides the great orange and blue striped beach tote I scored, I found a very cool print for my 1-year old son’s new room. I’ve been searching for something that will complement the rustic Americana feel and this USA map print was the perfect find. Sadly, it was too much to ship out West so when I got back home I got busy googling and bingo, found it!

Aaron Foster is a talented artist from Northern California who’s the creator of these amazing license plate pieces. They all have a good-natured, funky and even patriotic feel to them. In creating his art, Aaron uses old license plates and re-used wood pieces.  I especially like the large license plate maps, created with vintage license plates and hand-sanded and treated wood pieces. Originals with actual plates are a big splurge but you can pick up a print reproduction like the cool “Hollywood Sign at Night” framed at Art.com for about $135 bucks! Or personalize one of Aaron’s designs at Oopsy Daisy, Art For Kids. The 60’s VW van “Road Trip” piece is great for the little blossoming Bob Dylan fan. Funny, I should travel across the country to discover art created in my own backyard. That’s why I love the good old US of A…

Tags: Americana, Art