Sugar Tot

10 Creative Reading Nooks for Kids

Creating a cozy reading nook for kids away from all the distractions is the perfect way to encourage a love of reading. Having their own dedicated space for reading will inspire their imagination. The best part is all you need is some pillows, fabric and imagination to create and ideal space. Here are some adorable reading nooks for inspiration.

Stinkerpants

DIY Vintage Ruler Growth Chart

Keeping a growth chart of your kids is one of those things I've always wanted to do but never got around to. Growing up my parents measured my growth by penciling in our height against the kitchen doorway. Since we are renters, we don't have the luxury to keep that sentimental history in our home, so I wanted a sturdy growth chart we can take with us wherever we move. Last week, I finally decided to order this growth chart ruler from Amazon. I just love the simple, rustic look of the ruler.

..until I found out the damn thing was $85.00 plus shipping. No thanks! I think I'll make one myself.  Most of the materials needed can easily be found at a home improvement store. Plus, the hubby jumps at any opportunity for a Home Depot run (a guy thing I guess?). It's actually a lot easier than it sounds. Here's what you'll need...

Materials

1x8x6 Wood Board

Wood Stain in Dark Walnut 

D Hooks

Measuring Tape

Sponge Brush

Sand Paper 

Vinyl Numbers & Letters

Black Paint Pen (not pictured)

Assistant (pictured below)

1) Smooth the edges of the wood board using the sand paper.

2) Gently apply one coat of wood stain onto the wood board using the

sponge brush. Try to apply evenly. Let dry for 4 hours and then apply

a second coat. 

3) Once completely dry, use the measureing tape and mark each inch

with a pencil. 

4) Go over the pencil markings with a black paint pen.

5) Apply vinyl numbers for each foot.

I didn't end up using the d-hooks because I liked how the growth chart ruler leaned nicely against the wall. For a more personal touch, you can use the rest of the vinyl stickers to add your childs name to the ruler.

Here is the cost breakdown:

Wood Board $7

Wood Stain in Dark Walnut $3

Measuring Tape-already had one at home

Sponge Brush $1

Sand Paper $2

Vinyl Numbers & Letters $4

Black Paint Pen-already had at home

TOTAL COST $17

DIY>AMAZON

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Mod Podge Wall Art Tutorial

When it comes to design, I have a constant need to switch things up all the time. The current design of Baby D's room is very simple-white walls with bright blue aquarium and animal prints from the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Since art prints can be pricey I busted out the mod podge and created some fresh new wall art to change up Baby D's room. This project was inspired from a Pinterest print that I fell head over heels IN LOVE with.  Here's my Pinspiration:

I've actually been meaning to do this for awhile now and am so happy I finally got around to it! I plan on doing a series of inspirational quotes on canvas for Baby D's room as a reminder of how much he means to us. Here's a tutorial of my "You Are My Sunshine" mod podge wall art:

Materials:

• Canvas
• Black Vinyl Letter Stickers
• Mod Podge (Original Matte)
• Sponge Brush
• Pattern/Printed Paper of your Choice
• Yellow Cardstock
• Grey Cardstock
• Scissors
• Black Sharpie

1. Place your patterned paper on top of the canvas and cut accordingly to the canvas size. 

2. Stick vinyl stickers onto the patterned paper. "You Are My Sunshine" :)

3. Trace or freehand a cloud using the grey cardstock. Trace or freehand a sun out of the yellow cardstock (don't make fun of me. I pick up my drawing skills from my two year old)

4.  Cut out your cloud and sun. Glue to the top of the patterned paper with a think layer of mod podge.

Add a happy face on your sun and cloud if you please :)

 5. Apply a think layer of mod podge to the canvas AND to the back of the patterned paper. Stick together and remove any air bubbles by running a credit card on the surface to make completely flat.

6. Apply a thick layer of mod podge to the front of the paper to seal everything in. Let the canvas dry for 15-20 minutes then apply a second coat of mod podge. Be sure to mod podge the sides of the canvas as well. Don't worry if it looks a little streaky and white, it will dry clear.

 7. Once completely dry, hang to perfection! 

Loved how it turned out, minus the minor air bubbles. I recommend smoothing out with a credit card several times before sealing the top. Mod podge wall art is such a simple and creative way to update your space!

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Cuddly Handmade Animal Pillows

How adorable are these handmade animal pillows?!

You know how most kids have their favorite blankie? The one they cuddle with and take everywhere. The one you dare put in the washer ONLY when he's not looking because, because heaven forbid you tamper with his blankie. My son's blankie is his pillow. He won't go anywhere without it! These pillows are so cute I'm sure they would get some major love from Baby D.

I found these bad boys on Etsy. These cotton and linen blend pillows are beutifully handmade by the talented Gingiber

I love the soft mute colors. These pillows would make the perfect accent for a gender neutral kids room or an animal themed nursery.

They also have a ton of sweet prints and decor that I'm going to add to my collection!

  

Photos courtesy of Gingiber