Cassie is a seasoned blogger, Etsy shop owner, graphic designer and crafter who officially added the title of Mom last week as she and her family welcomed Perry Avery into the world! Cassie’s nesting time was well spent creating a soothing, bird inspired nursery. “For the baby’s room, we decided to keep it understated, clean and modern with a folksy twist. I wanted a room I could personally seek refuge in and not just a character-themed nursery he would outgrow in a couple years…I’d say the room currently reflects my own style and not necessarily that of a baby boy.

The color inspiration came from a quilt Cassie made a few years back and the crib/crib bedding comes from Walmart. Fearing that the notNeutral wall decals wouldn’t properly adhere due to the room’s textured walls, Cassie created her own version with a quart of paint, stencils made out of card stock, and a roll of masking tape. The green paint on the wall is Valspar 6003-3B Martinique Dawn in eggshell and the green used for the mural is Valspar MS245 Spiny Sea Urchin in semi-gloss. For more DIY details, visit Cassie’s sweet blog “Twittering Bird“. Oh, and we must boast that Project Nursery inspired the darling, complimentary handmade bird mobile!

Cassie believes that anyone can easily customize anything with a couple quarts of paint and a few yards of fabric! We wanted a dresser instead of a changing table, so the little guy could use it for years to come. We were on an ikea budget and weren’t quite satisfied with anything we saw until we spied this dresser. It’s solid wood but the colors were anything but exciting, so we figured a few quarts of paint would be the perfect solution. The exact colors of the dresser are: Valspar 5004-9C Beach Sparkle (blue) and Valspar 6010-4 Amazon Silt - both in semi-gloss.“

Just one simple curtain panel provided enough fabric to make two valances. And the best part - The fabric was found on sale at Target for only three dollars! The dresser and shelf are both from Ikea. Some of Cassie’s favorite finds include the Amy Ruppel print (their first purchase once pregnant), the inflatable “Rody“, and the Bla-Bla knit toys.

Best wishes to both Cassie and baby! Thank you for taking the time to share with us. We hope you enjoy many peaceful nights in your beautiful nursery!

Tags: Boy, Gender Neutral, Inspiration, Paint, Wall Art

If this nursery hasn’t inspired you just yet, keep reading. It’s hard not to be impressed by the creativity, love and attention to detail Rebecca has put into creating her son Brandt’s designer digs for less than $1000!

When it comes to designing a blank canvas, Project Nursery often recommends a single jumping off point. Rebecca’s inspiration for baby’s first room was Land of Nod’s contemporary quilted crib bedding, Full Circle. Prints from Yuko Lau found at Allposters.com nicely compliment the bedding and provides a touch of whimsy.  Rebecca explains that her biggest challenge was finding a white crib that wasn’t too feminine or traditional. The discovery of Babi Italia’s Scandi Dropside Crib in chocolate and white from Babies R Us was the ideal find. We just love how Rebecca chose to carry the same look throughout the room with the other pieces.

At 7 months pregnant, Rebecca created the focal wall behind the crib with hip squares of color. “The blocks were created by using 1.75″ painters tape for the grid and are approx 24″x24″. The color palette came directly from the bedding and art. I used Behr paint from Home Depot (3 shades of blue - Euclayptus Leaf, Adriatic Mist, and a medium
shade between the two that was a custom color; 2 shades of green- Dried Palm and Corn Husk and 1 brown- Breakfast Blend”.

Now here’s where Rebecca’s the inner Martha Stewart really kicks in…

“The scalloped paint design above the changing table was created by tracing half of a paper plate and then painting the outline by hand. The dresser came from an old armoire base I had. I added a fresh coat of white paint and brushed nickel hardware. To turn it into a changing table, I purchased the chocolate wood changing top from Pottery Barn Kids. The window panels are made from aqua colored twin sheets; I added the 24″ strip of white fabric and then embellished them with coordinating ribbon. I would have to say that my favorite item would have to be my window panels….only because I made them. I was working as a designer and was surrounded by fabrics that were awesome and about $100/yard or more so to be able to make my own that coordinated so well for about $12.00 per panel, I was really excited!”

Finally, the chair, shelves, picture frames, and paper lanterns are from Ikea and the Star Shaggy Raggy Rugs came from Target!

Bravo Rebecca, you should be really very proud of the cool, contemporary and creative nursery you created. Thanks for giving us the scoop!

Tags: Baby Nurseries, Bedding, Boy, Drapes, Furniture, Inspiration, Paint, Window Treatments

We were delighted to introduce you to Nicole Worth and family a few months back. You made it known that you were just as delighted to view their son’s incredible modern nursery. And like us, you thought, “Hmmm? Do I dare copy this look? Is it really difficult?” So without further adieu, Nicole shares with us her mural making secrets and you don’t have to be a graphic designer after all…

Melisa at Project Nursery asked me to write a how-to on creating our alphabet mural for a nursery, and I am happy to oblige!  Being that my husband and I went to art school during the days when hand-lettering was a class, we decided to create a mural that not only reflected our son’s crib bedding but also let us take a step back-in-time and put our hand-lettering skills to the test.  Although we built our mural using alphabet letters, any design can be created to get the same effect.

Here’s how we did it:

We started the process by figuring out which colors worked best for our design.  Knowing we wanted to use a color that went with the Dwell Studio Bedding we chose, we decided on blue.  Using BEHR paint from Home Depot, we chose three shades of blue:  the base color- which covered all the walls- is Cumberland Fog and the other two colors-Little Dipper and Silver Strand-are a lighter hue and a darker hue of this same blue shade.

After painting our wall with the base color we started creating the design for our mural.  Being graphic designers, we decided to use Adobe Illustrator to layout our design. Knowing we were going to use two different color values, we designed the mural to have an overlapping effect for interest and depth.

Once completed, we then printed out the design and used this printout as the stencil for the wall.  Using a projector in the room, we projected the printout on the wall and proceeded to outline the design very lightly with a colored pencil.  Luckily enough my husband has an amazingly steady hand so he was able to handle all the large straight lines without a straight-edge.

Once the design was transferred to the wall, the real fun begins.  Using varying size paintbrushes, the design was then outlined in paint. Since we used two different shades, the light color was put down first so that the dark could overlap it.  After the light shade was all outlined, we used a small paint roller to fill in the color.  Waiting till the light color was dry, we then proceeded to outline and fill in the remaining letters with our darker color.

All in all it’s a simple procedure used in creating the mural.  A steady hand with a paint brush was the hardest trick, but the design can truly be translated into anything you want!

Nicole is kind enough to answer any questions and can be contact directly at nicole{at}formcode{dot}com. Stay tuned for more information on the official launch of FormBaby toward the end of this year.  FormBaby will offer one-of-a-kind wall art and designs especially for baby which answers our second most popular question, “Where can I get that monkey wall art?”

Thank you to Nicole and her beautiful family. We look forward to seeing more of your great designs!

Tags: Alphabet, Blue, DIY, Murals, Paint

Project Nursery started because of a home decorating dialogue between two friends and we now want YOU in on the discussion with our new SHARE FORUM! We are sooo excited about our new forum hence, the BIG and we mean $1000 BIG GIVEAWAY thanks to our incredible sponsors. Check out the serious swag below that ONE lucky Project Nursery reader will win!

Surround yourself with beautiful things! Layla Grace is a stunning boutique that has a little of everything for everyone…women, children, gifts and home. It’s not often you can find one place that offers looks ranging from modern to cottage. When combined, it creates a one of a kind eclectic look we love so much.

 So fabulous and so necessary for sleeping time! We appreciate SoMi baby’s good looks and functional features.

 Not only do we love Lillybean Designs for their sweet stationary but for their flexibility. Custom orders are a breeze! Email Shawna direct for all your printed paper needs.

Feed baby with ease…anywhere! We would never leave the house if it wasn’t for Bebe au Lait. You’ll look good and feel good too.

   Who couldn’t use a professional interior designer? We know you’ll like Lesley so much - Watch out! You may end up redecorating your entire home!

Sally’s Clippies makes Melisa want to have a girl sooo bad so she can do her hair with their fun, fabulous clips and headbands.

 Why didn’t I think of this??? An ingenious idea and Project Nursery must have for all the little drippy drooly babies out there.

Two Madison Paker Toddler Tees ($60 value)

 We like us and think you could always use a second (and third) opinion or a little design inspiration for your kid’s room by yours truly, Little Apple Design, the Project Nursery Editors.

There are three (3) ways to enter & win. We encourage you to enter by each and every method!

1. COMMENT ON OUR NEW SHARE FORUM! Sign up and either ask a question or provide an answer within the month of September. Basically, start chatting with other PN readers! You will automatically be entered in our giveaway. Each posting (up to five) will count toward one entry.

2. SIGN UP FOR OUR DAILY EMAIL OR RSS FEED and tell us that you did OR tell us that you are already a subscriber on this post (Thank you for your support subscribers!).

3. VISIT OUR SPONSORS and share with us your favorite product(s) from our wonderful sponsors on this post.

Each entry (in the order above) will be assigned a number. The number will be choosen by random.org. The winner will be notified via email and have three days to respond. One reminder email will be sent on the third day and if another 48 hours go by with no response, the next number on the list will be notified. US and Canada residents only.

CONTEST ENDS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1,  2008, 11:59PM PST. CLICK “SHARE” BELOW TO GET STARTED!

Good Luck and We look forward to chatting with you!

Melisa & Pam

Tags: Bedding, Blankets, Clothes, Design Boards, Feeding, Gear, Hair Clips, Paint, Sleepsack

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

Leave it Emmy Award winning broadcast meteorologist and environmental reporter, Mish Michaels of WBZ Boston (CBS) to create a breathtaking “Four Seasons” nursery for daughter Nalina. Mish knew right away that her nursery needed to include weather and nature not just because that’s her bread and butter, but because Nalina means Lotus Flower in Sanskrit (an ancient Indian language). With the help from a friend, painted murals were designed for each wall, each one representing a different season. Find a local muralist in your neck of the woods to create a fantasy nursery through Find A Muralist.

When Mish is not chasing storms, she enjoys spending time with her family and water coloring as a hobby. She hung several of her own paintings on the wall to add a little of her own passion into her daughter’s room. Most of the furniture was selected from Pottery Barn Kids.

Mish’s favorite element in the room is their “friends and family” tree which includes photos of those closest to them. It must be so nice for Nalina to see so many loving faces around her.

Mish says, “I love my daughter’s nursery! It is like a magical little island in our home.”

This nursery is truly a one-of-a-kind! Well done Mish and thank you for sharing with Project Nursery! It must be pure delight for little Nalina to fall fast asleep each night on her own private island..

Tags: Baby Nurseries, Inspiration, Murals, Paint, Wall Art, Whimsical

This week our “Project of the Week” featured room may be small on space but is big on sophistication and creativity. Cool Hoboken couple Jennifer and Calvin were able to turn a tiny 9×12 room into a little gem of a nursery for their baby boy Aven. They were inspired to design the nursery around the crib bedding they choose, Spa by Glenna Jean. Jennifer says she “loved the combination of colors, patterns, and textures” and that it was “a little more modern and sophisticated than your typical crib bedding.”  We couldn’t agree with you more Jennifer!

Tags: Inspiration, Paint

Thank you all for your overwhelming support since our launch! I have received a ton of questions about my mysterious nursery that helped inspire our blog. So here it is, “Modern Baby Blue”…

Hope I didn’t disappoint. It’s not exactly modern but rather an updated look for a powder blue, baby boy theme. The paint is my favorite blue, “Lake Placid” and the white is fool proof, “Decorators White”, from Benjamin Moore. You also can’t beat free shipping from Land of Nod for my son’s crib and dresser. The fluffy lamb skin rug was ordered direct from New Zeland’s Eco Wool, ideal for “tummy time”. (Note: the room isn’t even done just yet. Stay tuned as we are putting hardware floors, pendant lighting, base boards, a shade, etc.)

While it is our mission to inspire you, you have already inspired us to feature a “Project of the Week”. We understand that decorating is very personal. You can’t help but feel proud as a result of all the time and energy you put into your child’s room. Share these rooms, amazing finds and your DYI tips with us. Email us at comments@projectnursery.com and we will feature your space. It’s okay if the room isn’t just perfect yet. Ask us for advice and we’ll post our suggestions or ask our subscribers to respond with comments. We look forward to it!

Tags: Baby Nurseries, Blue, Contemporary, Inspiration, Paint