Before Justin and I moved into our house, we were in desperate need of a shelf in our bathroom and craft room. Since I had the time, I was on a mission to figure out how to make a swing shelf I saw at Anthropologie. I knew that I would not make an exact replica, but one that was more simple and fitted to my liking. Then, I had this idea that I wanted to make two shelves with some playful accents. I originally saw the design from this Scandanavian blog post. I couldn't quite make out the directions, but the pictures surely helped. I even added baby pictures of Justin and I in her room, ha!

*MATERIALS

red oak planks (divide the large plank in half; our planks ended up being roughly 1" x 7" x 48")
wooden beads
string
nail hooks (make sure to get two)
drill
level

DIRECTIONS

1. Drill 1/2" sized holes in all four corners of both wood pieces.

2. Measure 1 inch away from both edges of all four corners and mark a pencil/pen mark to help you with the drilling location.

3. Drill your hole in an area that will allow for wood particles to fall on the floor, like the edge of a counter.

4. Sand down any rough edges around the holes.

5. Cut your desired length of string (2). We cut 2 pieces of string, both 10 feet each.

6. String 5 wooden beads through 1 strand of string. If you are having trouble getting the string through the bead, you can always tape the edge of the string to allow for a smooth slide. Decide how many beads you want to distribute for each side. Put each edge of the string through both holes on one edge of the shelf. Repeat this process for the other edge of the plank.

7. On the plank with the two strings, figure out the distance you want to hang the shelf on the hooks, flip the plank upside down, tie knots (about 2 knots so that it does not go through the hole) to secure the top plank. and put as many beads as you want for the second plank. We chose 3.

8. Install the hooks on the wall. Make sure you use anchors! Use a ruler with a level to make sure your shelf is not crooked and draw points for where you want your hooks to go in the wall.

9. Hang the shelf. Adjust the knots accordingly.

ITEMS ON SHELF

1. Unicorn doll (I also love this one too!)

2. Triangle book by Mac Barnett

3. P.F. Candle Co. Juniper Candle

4. Llama (similar here)

5. Embroidered hoop with name

6. Frame (part of set)

7. Clay rainbow

OPTIONS

*You can decide how long you want your string to be and the type of beads and how many you want. Also, you have the power to decide what hooks you want to use as well.

When I first thought about how I would conduct the journal portion of my site, I wanted to have a DIY section because I love making things. I am; however, lazy about documenting what I make or have made. Everything I have been writing about is all about baby stuff; nevertheless, I swear I had and have a life outside being a mother. tee hee!!

On another note, when I was registering for items, I came across these wooden bead clips for the pacifier and thought, "I can totally make this!" and I did. I want to share with you how to put it together.

MATERIALS

DIRECTIONS

Decide how long you want your pacifier clip to be (maybe 5 inches), now double the length (10 inches of string). If you want wrap string around the suspender for an added touch, then add 2-3 more inches.
With your string folded in half, tie a knot and make a loop, so you can your pacifier. Leave about 3 inches between the loop and knot.
Keep tying knots on top of this knot until you have a big knot, so beads do not slide through.
Slide your beads through to the knot.
Once they are all on, tie the ends of the string in a knot around the suspender clip.
If you want, you can tie remainder string around the suspender clip for an added touch

OPTIONS

*If you don't want to make a wooden bead clip, you can always use a bandana by tying one corner into the handle of the pacifier.

*You can find Juniper's dress here.