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Eggs-tra Charming Easter Party

An Eggs-tra charming Easter party for little girls and boys that unfolded in the prettiest shades of pastel pink, blush and yellow.  The little ones dine at a fancy table spread with eggs and a cute bunny that proudly sat in the center of the table covered with pretty flowers.  They listen to Easter stories and play bunny hop games while munching on yummy cupcakes and drinking flavored water.

Brinley’s 1st Birthday Party

The theme of the birthday party was based around a dollie I purchased off Project Nursery’s shop. I fell in love with the doll the second I saw it and knew right away I wanted to theme my daughter’s 1st birthday party after it. I used all the colors for the party from the different fabrics in the doll, from the mint colored fabric with pink flowers to the white fabric with gold polka-dots. I was able to find the same fabrics used on the dollie to make Brinley an outfit and to make other decor for the party. The pink paper flowers were inspired by the pink flowers in the mint fabric. The gold polka-dots from the doll’s tights were used throughout the party. And since I made a little tutu for the dollie, I added ballerina touches to the party as well. Each little girl that attended the birthday was given a tutu as a party favor and all the little boys indulged in a candy buffet of pink, mint and gold treats. And because I LOVE desserts, there had to be a dessert station (for the adults of course!). I definitely had fun planning my sweet little daughter’s birthday party all thanks to that adorable dollie!

Dusty Mint Nursery

Welcome to My special Room in the house for my baby Boy who was delivered to this world on February 4th, 2017.
I had a lot of fun designing this room, I wanted to create something special for my baby boy, but I also wanted it to blend with the rest of my house style and be functional for both baby & Mommy. I really like mixing styles and creating a contemporary transitional space that will last for a long time. I am also keen on creating spaces that have neutral palettes where I can add a touch of “NEW” color/texture to at anytime.
The main inspiration of this room, which was the main starting design point was the little sheep foot stool. I knew from the moment I found it that it’s the perfect theme “Whimsical Zoo Nursery” I imagined the stool to be used as a foot stool, ottoman/seating and something to stand on when needing to reach high shelves in the baby’s closet.
I was very particular picking the major pieces in the room, as those were the main neutrals that will serve a purpose, make a statement and can be of multi use:
I went with this high back vintage wood look crib with cream bars and frames, its not only neutral for the baby bedroom, but it is also the perfect fit into my home style. I was determined on selecting a crib that can grow with my baby, and this one was a 3 in 1 choice that will live with us for a long time.
One of my favorite pieces in this nursery is the Daybed trundle, not only for the classic tufted look and detail of it, but also for the function that it will serve. I have customized the bottom trundle pullout to be used as storage for all baby items/toys, and I am sure I will be using the top bed for sleep, story time or just to lay down with my baby.
Another thing that was on my list for my dream nursery was a rocking chair. I have picked a neutral one that matches the trundle with a classic tufted back, which was just the right size to fit into the petite dimensions of the nursery. Hopefully, this will be a great place to Nurse, read books and relax with my baby.
I love putting a touch of hand made customized items into my designs ‘Air balloon ceiling Lamp’. This Lamp creates a central focal point in the room and is very playful, yet whimsical. It creates a unique combination of the Zoo theme, and the Air Balloon adventure.
In the room I’ve gone for 1 accent wall with wallpaper, which is an attracting addition to the room’s story. Its interesting details and design are definitely of interest for visiting guests and the little eyes of the baby.
I’ve always loved the new trend of framed animals in nurseries, however, I was looking for something a little bit more special, So I had my artist ‘Sawsan Shorbajee’ paint special ones for the room’s design, with animals that actually look away gazing into the flying air balloons on the wallpaper.
I’ve gone for a soft dusty Mint and antique Brass for my accents and accessories. Those are the colorful additions that bring a playful baby feel into the space.
Since February 5th, 2017, this room has been me and my baby’s gateway, where we share special moments and struggles adjusting to each other’s lives and bringing countless happy times.
 
Photography by – Seen photography
 

Flamingo Inspired Nursery

When we found out we were expecting a girl I knew immediately I wanted to use flamingos and pineapples to decorate her nursery. I’ve always loved flamingos and traditionally pineapples are used to represent hospitality. And I wanted Adair to feel “welcomed” into our home right away. I’ve always loved gold, so it seemed like the perfect compliment to our flamingo pink color palette. Since we decided to paint the walls pink, I decided not to go overboard on the flamingo decor. We’ve accented the room with flamingo toys and gold foil prints. I think this will help us easily change up the look and feel of her room as she grows and her interests change.

Roman’s Navy Baseball Nursery

When I found out we were having a boy, I knew what the nursery would be right away – The Boston Red Sox. My husband’s favorite team and I loved the idea of a very classic red, white and blue theme that could grow with our son.
One of my favorite parts of the project was using items we had already and things I could craft by hand. We included my grandpa’s baseball glove, some artwork, a signed bat and a jersey my husband owned already and a well loved teddy that was my dad’s. Since we had the opportunity to visit Fenway the year before, I had taken pictures around the stadium that I framed as well as a onesie I bought in anticipation of starting our family. I crocheted the blankets, the ottoman cover, a frame for the sonogram picture, the (diaper) box cover that is in the bookcase. I also sewed pillow covers and crocheted some as well. The feature wood wall was made out of peel and stick vinyl wood planks. The oversized nails came into play when the planks started taking dives off the wall! But I think it added to the overall charm of the room. I topped it off with a handmade mobile featuring paper circle cutouts on fishing wire connected to an old sewing loop that I crocheted yarn over the wood of the frame.
Hope you get some inspiration from the room as I have gleaned over many long months!

Charlie’s Animal Nursery with Plank Wall

We did the plank wall ourselves. I think it turned out really well. I’m really proud of it. The dresser I refinished (not chalk paint) and it was a nightmare. I also refinished the bookshelf (also not chalk paint). I tried to really use decor that I had- some of the picture frames I repainted etc. The miniature deer on the wall we used as part of our wedding decor, so I loved being able to up-cycle that piece.

Laila’s Floral Carousel Birthday Party

My daughter loves anything with horses (neighs as she calls them). When thinking of themes for her second birthday, I thought a carousel theme would be perfect for a little girl’s second birthday. I decided to add a floral element to the party and chose theme colors of pinks, purples, and gold.
There were many DIY projects for this project. My husband, mother in law, and I made the carousel centerpiece. We decorated a wreath with flowers and greens to serve as the top of the carousel and to add another floral element. I made the floral letters from paper mache letters, foam, and silk flowers. All of the banners were made by me using me cricut. I designed a wall of paper flowers with a handpainted gold glitter frame and a number 2 in the center. I bought paper fans from the target and decorated those with paper flowers. Cookie jars wrapped in raffle tickets served as vases on my mantle. My sister in law designed all of the signs for the party and all of the favor and food tags.
For food, we served fun finger foods. We had a slider bar, mini hot dogs, tater tots and mac and cheese. For dessert, we served cupcakes, carousel themed cookies, pink chocolate popcorn, and trail mix. As a favor, we gave kids bubbles, cotton candy on sugar cones, and custom wrapped candy bars.
 
 

Grow a Living Easter Basket

Grow a Living Easter Basket
Springtime brings so many moments to savor in nature: blue skies, chirping birds, gentle (haha) Seattle rain and bursting blossoms in every neighbor’s garden bed. For extra springtime enjoyment, I’m sharing how to grow a living Easter basket that you can use for Easter fun and through the season.
This easy to create living Easter basket makes a perfect kids craft and is a lot of fun to watch grow over a short week of sunlight near a picture window. Your little bunnies will love planting their wheat grass seeds, watering their basket and waiting just a few days to watch the seeds germinate.
If you’d like to use these for kiddos’ Easter baskets, simply do this project on the DL and hide your work. Find a quiet window in your home and set the baskets there to germinate and grow.
You are welcome to trim your grass if it grows beyond your needs and have fun with the process!
Here’s what you need to grow your own living Easter basket

Planting container – try any fun waterproof container including a plastic bucket, galvanized bucket, a glass vase – there are endless possibilities here! Use a container with a wide opening so you can place your Easter goodies in there and the grass has enough surface area to grab sunlight and grow, grow, grow!
Wheat grass seeds
All purpose potting medium – this is a fancy term for a special soil mixture that helps the wheat grass grow quickly.
Water

Here’s how you make your own living Easter basket
For our living Easter baskets that we sell at Satsuma Kids Shop in Seattle, we use a 10″ diameter plastic basket filled 3/4 full with potting medium.
If you would like to add a small potted plant into your large sized basket, push a LARGE mason jar into the potting medium to create a ‘cavity’ that you can use for your small potted plant (4″ pot). Once your seeds start to germinate, you can pull the mason jar from the soil and replace with your small potted plant.
You’ll sprinkle your wheat grass seeds on top of your potting medium.
Then add 6 cups of water.
Set your basket next to a window for indirect lighting and wait.
Approximately 4 days later your grass will start to germinate and a week after that you’ll have a full basket of grass.
Your baskets don’t need to be watered as the potting medium retains water very well. If you decide to add a little potted plant, please do water this.
How to use your Living Easter Basket this season

Easter brunch centerpiece
Easter baskets for the kids
May Day baskets for your favorite neighbors
Teacher appreciation baskets
Create a trio of living Easter baskets for Easter brunch buffet
Make large Living Easter baskets for your church or place of worship to celebrate spring
Baby shower decor

Find more fun at Satsuma Designs! 
Share your fun with tag #satsumasmiles and follow me on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook. See you there! 

Sutton’s Vintage Garden Nursery

I’ve had the idea for this nursery in my head ever since I was pregnant with my first baby, my son over 4 years ago. This will be our third and final baby, and it’s a girl so I was finally able to create the nursery I had been imagining for years.
We put a lot of work into this one. The wallpaper from Anthropologie was my inspiration. My husband and I made the “LOVE” shelf ourselves using a DIY tutorial I found. The furniture (dressers, drawers, and chairs) is mine from when I was younger, originally from the 1940s. My mom and I repaired, refinished and re-stained it to make it new again. This was no small feat!!
I had the paper flowers custom made to match the wallpaper, and I went through over 1,000 fonts to pick the perfect ones for her name sign.
I also made the fluffy pink foot stool myself because I couldn’t find one for sale that had pink faux fur anywhere!
The paper flowers that are attached to the “Love” sign, on the two pictures, and in a couple other spots in the room are from our wedding. I had them made as favors for our wedding and had a few leftovers saved. It’s special to my husband and I that were were able to bring a piece of our special day into her room too!
The bedding and pillows are from RH Baby & Child and perfectly delicate for the theme.
This was so much fun to create, and we’re happy with how it turned out. I’m still not sure which of my kids’ rooms I like the best. I’d say I love them all equally, just like our kiddos themselves!!

Mountain Wilderness Nursery

The Mountain Wilderness Nursery was inspired by two things; 1) a trip we took last summer to Vermont for a friend’s wedding and 2) Daddy’s last name that translates to “fox” in Polish. With those two things in mind, I created a nursery where baby Charlotte and I can spend our days.
The crib a Ragazzi model and the hutch, dresser, and nightstand are Dutailer. The swivel glider recliner is the Best Chairs Kersey chair in stone. Cloud shelves are from Target and The Land of Nod. Bedding, curtains, pouf, lamp, and alphabet cards are all from The Land of Nod. The large area rug was purchased at Home Goods (I don’t recall the manufacture, but it is soft and wooly).
I used Sherwin Williams paints. All walls were painted in Romance. The mural is Oleander, Youthful Coral, and Faint Coral.
The mobile is petit pehr “Just Hatched Wee Chick.” 
I hope you enjoy!

Ava’s Cinderella 3rd Birthday

I let miss Ava pick what kind of party she wanted to have this year. It wasn’t hard to guess she would pick “Cinderella-y”. Perfect choice! Such a classic princess. I first found the little stuffed mice on eBay which inspired me to work in the pink dress making scene from the movie. I was thrilled to find the pink dress from an online children’s boutique (unfortunately now closed but can find similar on Etsy). After that it was just crafting and setting up for the event. She loved her dress and glass slippers along with spending the day with her family and friends. It was truly magical.

Polka Dot Princess Nursery

A large gold polka dot wall is the backdrop to this little princess’s nursery. It was essential that we designed a really comfy reading and nursing corner too as this is where hours would be spent during the days and nights. The wall was painted in a dusty pink and we used gold decals to give it the ‘wow’. Crushed linen curtains in a pastel grey created the soft border to the windows. In the end it turned out to be a beautiful, classic and soothing nursery.