Baby's First Year of Photos

I really wanted to do something cute with Grant's year of onsie photos. Everything I found online was super cheesy and then I found this picture.


It is a Pottery Barn item from a few years ago. Looks like it sold for $199.I thought- I CAN MAKE THAT (for about $20)



I hunted the late fall neighborhood garage sales and found a perfect frame. It was brown so I spray painted it cream.

Then the hubby cut me a board that was the right size to sit inside the frame. I covered with batting and a taupe linen fabric.

I got out the trusty ol' staple gun. First, I stapled in the center on each side to make sure all was straight and then I stapled like crazy.

Here is how it turned out. I actually just used elecrical tape on the backside to make sure all stays in place. No need to spend a lot of time on the part no one sees!

To finish, I printed off (12) wallet size photos at Costco, one for each month of Grant's first year. I tied three rows of twine around the fabric panel and finally hung the pics with some mini clothespins I had from my card making days.

I love the result!

tablecloth curtain

crafting ingredients:

• 1 small window
• 1 old tablecloth (lines are helpful, but not necessary)
• 1 tension bar to fit the window width
• no-sew glue
• iron/iron board/starch
• twine
• chip clips

we have a funny little window next to the front door and the dingy grandma curtain has bothered me since we moved into our house 4+ years ago. i looked at buying a roman shade or a shade that matched the front room, but it was just too expensive! well this saturday, i decided i could make my own for free.

and the fabric, well how about a neutral tablecloth I've had since college? it has stripes so i knew it would be easy to cut straight.

here is how it began.

first, i measured the window width, added 1/4 inch for seam allowance then cut it from the tablecloth.

i drug out the sewing machine, but then thought "there is no way i will finish this during nap time"- so out came the new-sew glue!

with my friend, starch, i ironed in about 6 folds on the bottom of the panel to give it a little interest and fullness. then i clipped it in place and hung it on the window with the tension rod.

i lover twine! and even though this project would look great with brown grosgrain ribbon, there i was on a roll and decided this would work for now.

the finished project- i love it!

and the view from the front porch....