Latt Hack: An Ikea Table Makeover

 

 
 My first Ikea Hack. Ikea Hack, I actually learned this phrase while doing this project. I means to take something cheap from Ikea and improve or modify it. I did BOTH! I included a photo of the original, it's just wood and white. So, stealing ideas off of Pinterest, I painted mine (or is it Levi's?) grey, sewed up some cushions, and made Kevin cut me a plexiglass top. I liked the plexiglass idea because it would (hopefully) make cleaning up food easy, and I could stick cute printables like ABC's or a color wheel underneath as little teaching tools. I also painted half of the tabletop with chalkboard paint, and on the other half I installed a roll of white paper underneath that can be pulled across the top for endless coloring (I also adding a small strip of wood to thread the paper under and help to hold it). Levi seems to like it, he's only fallen off the chair twice! The only thing I have left to do is figure out how to keep Levi from coloring on the very tempting and easily accessible white wall!

The Tent

I just can't help it, I love to make things for Levi! Even giant things that I have no idea what to do with. I originally saw the plans for one of these tents on Pinterest (link HERE). The process was fairly simple, and only required a bit of time. I say a bit of time, but I did the whole thing in a day, between naps and Kevin helping to watch Levi. 

I personally found constructing the tent to be empowering. I am woman, here me ROAR... and yelp, and screech. Hey! Chop saws and staple guns are intimidating. I even went to Home Depot in the morning without Kevin and bought lumber (don't you think that lumber sound more impressive than wood?).

So...sew,sew,sew,chop,chop,chop,staple,staple,staple..done! Just like that.

After I had it all put together I did just a little decorating. I put the GINORMOUS stuffed bear inside, I'm so glad it has a home now that is not my living room couch. I wrapped some embroidery floss at the top to make an interesting stripped effect, and I painted a sign so that Levi would know that it is his tent.. well, one of these days he'll realize that it has his name on it, anyway.

A Quiet Book: Camping!

I've been jonesing to blog for a little while now, and while I have a million things I could write about I'm going to tell you about something that has been on my mind... QUIET BOOKS! Oh my gosh, I think I have a quiet-booking addiction. It's been a few months since I finished up the last one I did. A sweet little camping themed one for little D, my niece. Let me share, I hope her mom doesn't mind :)!

Left Page: A Tent that buttons closed with a no-break mirror under the flap
Right Page: Four Woodland Animal finger puppets that velcro under burlap flaps

Left Page: A fire that "crackles" when you touch it (crackley plastic is stuffed inside of it)
Right Page: Fireflies (made of shrinkable plastic) and beads that you can shake inside of the jar (clear plastic)

Left Page: Felt leaves in a net for collecting or counting
Right Page: A fuzzy Bear and pairs of flowers connected by embroidery floss to pull back and forth

Left Page: A compass with a spinning needle
Right Page: A felt camera with a hole to look through that goes in the pocket

I feel I should mention that I made the pages of this book out of a recycled pair of my Jeans to add an awesome rustic quality. I love how it worked out with the pocket and frayed edges!!! I still have a few more Quiet books to share, but not today as Levi will be up from his nap ANY SECOND! Stay tuned to see if I get a Halloween Book made like I really want to do, Levi permitting :)