Teepee

For Easter, we splurged on a teepee for Thomas! It's arrived from the Netherlands, and because it's plain, I'm thinking of affixing it with a splattering of confetti, like this table cloth. I'm debating whether I should use a circle, triangle or square motif... hmmm. Images via Oh Happy Day.

Valentines

Have I mentioned that I know a circle of very fabulous moms? I'm talking women that run half marathons, mentor young girls through the Guiding movement and submit PhD dissertations while on maternity leave. Meanwhile, I'm just getting to a place where I can consistently do the dishes in a day while caring for my son.

This week, a few of us swapped valentines from our kids as mementos for memory boxes and scrapbooks. To my horror, I was the only mom with store-bought cards. All the others had beautifully handmade cards that clearly took a lot of time to construct. It was hard not to feel deflated (being competitive is one of my negative traits).

Upon reflection, I might never be a mom who seems to be able to find the time to make homemade valentines (I don't think I've made a homemade card since elementary school), but I have found a middle ground -- free DIY printable valentines! Here is a great roundup of free DIY printable valentines for personal use. Instructions for the Valentine above can be found at Alpha Mom.

Popsicle Sticks

For bigger kiddos, these DIY popsicle stick magnets look super fun to construct. This mom loves how graphic they look. Practical and abstract art that's kid friendly? I'm sold. DIY via Pure and Noble. Found via Modern Parents Messy Kids.

Picnic

Two blocks from our house is the Victorian-style urban park, Bannerman Park complete with a playground, public swimming pool, baseball diamond and lots of places to set out a blanket under a tree for a picnic. It is actually the oldest park in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a child, my grandmother (who lived literally across the street from our current house for more than 30 years) would take me and my cousins to that very park while caring for us while our parents were at work. I've bookmarked the same walk I took as a child with her as a regular routine for our son and me once he makes an appearance. This chevron picnic basket seems the perfect DIY to stash in the carriage to use to enjoy a mid-afternoon snack in Bannerman Park. Photo and DIY instructions via Twig and Thistle.

Fabric

One of the unexpected 'symptoms' of my pregnancy has been a new-found love of handmade fabric items. I delved heavily into paper DIY during our wedding preparations last year, and have continued my desire to craft and construct over the past nine months with fabric. In addition to a few handmade items that I've made for our boy, I've also received and have purchased a number of beautiful items handmade by others. I admit to spending hours searching Etsy for beautiful baby items made from Alexander Henry, Joel Dewberry and Amy Butler fabrics. Photos: Alexander Henry Mod Bird Griffith Park bandana bib via poba, Joel Dewberry Sparrow in Plum wet bag via Snuggy Baby, and Amy Butler Trumpet Flowers tote via Heart 2 Handbags.

Bench

I would love to try this at home! Found via Ohdeedoh, project by Christina Diaz.

Fabric

With two swaddling blankets under my belt this weekend, I've been searching for fun fabrics to keep me inspired and motivated to continue sewing. Lucky Kaeru Fabric is a great online supplement to what's available locally in St. John's. Above are some of my favourites from Lucky Kaeru.

Rosettes

In thinking about THE quilt, I'm finding myself drawn to all sorts of little blankets. I'm particularly smitten by this yo-yo quilt with sweet rosettes and contrasting stitching. My mom made a large one for her bed over a period of years, and I'm loving the updated and modern stitching and colour arrangement of this version from the Purl Bee.

Quilt

Having finished the big art project, I'm now on to preparing to construct an equilateral triangle (the dominant shape in our son's nursery) crib quilt. As this is my first attempt, I'm nervous, but curious to see how it turns out. Images of inspiring quilts via CarsonToo and The Little Red Hen.

Pillows

I love these Blue Clouds animal pillows and am inspired to fashion something similar but larger in size to use as floor pillows in the nursery and den. Image via Blue Clouds. Found via Unruly Things.

Crafting

Becoming a mama has reignited the crafting bug on me, and the Purl Bee is my favourite source for project ideas. I'm looking forward to trying my hand at swaddling blankets (above), bibs and fabric balls.

Garland

I am beyond obsessed with this garland from the Purl Bee. I must make one.

P.S. The white walls in this photo make me miss our white walls on Forest (the one thing I miss about our previous home). I swear sleeping in an all white bedroom is the most restorative thing one can do for oneself.

Quilts

CarsonToo's quilts are so cozy-looking and modern. Love!

Dolls

This nesting dolls tutorial makes my heart melt. For all those with young children reading, wouldn't this make the perfect snow day project? Via Etsy's profile of Made by Joe.

DIY

I'm loving this DIY project. I'm thinking of making a set for my office. Image via Design*Sponge.

Speaking of DIY, I'm planning to make DIY-home-accessory-making my winter hobby. On my list to complete? Felt coasters (perfect for house parties or hostess gifts), custom dominos (a fun new game to add to our Friday-night stay-at-home routine), wallpaper coat rack (to place by the back door), kitchen utensil key rack (great for reusing spoons bent in hard ice cream), and a sprouting shelf (just because).

Paint

Paint can do miraculous things, particularly white paint. In our daily MLS trawling (yes, more Love It or List It behaviour around here in an attempt to find the perfect nest), the dark wood country cabinets that prevail in our town have become a serious turn off for us. This kitchen makeover however, has taught me to look at the potential of the space instead of the cherry wood... oh, the lessons Young House Love teaches me. Images via Young House Love.

Wine Rack

What a great DIY hostess present!

Purple

Our wedding was a purple soiree. In fact, the Dean who officiated our ceremony stated there hadn't been as much purple in the Cathedral since the last Bishop was ordained. For all those lovely couples who also have plum, lilac or violet visions for their special day, the latest issue of Nonpariel offers heaps of inspiration and DIY projects.

Supper

I love dinner parties and am excited to get moving on a party we're planning later this month with a Sunday Suppers-inspired menu plan and decor inspired by Ashley Meaders. Image via Sunday Suppers.

Pillows

In terms of seating, our living room offers only a denim couch and a matching leather arm chair and foot stool. Across the pieces we can seat 5 comfortably and 6 or 7 if people are feeling close. At our last mini party, people ended up perching on the area rug - a fact that left me slightly embarrassed after the fact (why I didn't think to pull over a few chairs form the dining room is unknown to me). These Hawaiian floor pillows from the Purl Bee are the perfect solution. I love the colours. Image via the Purl Bee.