The DIY project we've dived into is... beds!
Weekend One:
We have been creatively engaged as a family for this one. Today we tackled Kiki's project, finishing touches to follow during the week. Next weekend will BlogBoy's turn, so I'll need to sit down with my son and iron out several details.
I'd thrown an idea out to my husband -a simple one really- I wanted to build a bed for Kiki, something that would tie in nicely with the plans I have for her room. Our princess wants a garden, and I garden I will give her. Of course, my mind starts racing with layout ideas, how I'll paint, getting some sketch ideas down... then there was the bed. She didn't really have one. Nice, plush yet gigantic mattress atop a boxspring, and this old headboard from what used to be her crib/bed (which used to be BlogBoy's when he was born). The beauty of changing-stages, white furniture, eh? Anyhow, I keep thinking, "if she wants a garden, then the bed should be close to the floor. I could wrap the bottom in green, make it part of the scene, long, flowing green grass... hey, we can do that! That would be my biggest painting yet... OMG, can I pull this off?"
Hubby played with the design for a couple of weeks-and it quickly evolved into something else. He gave it his extra touch, and I can appreciate how this new design grows with her, which is a plus. I'll have to rethink my initial plan though, but I'm hoping it won't be too hard. Kiki will still have her garden. :o)
Yesterday, we went to Lowes, shopped for everything we needed -lumber and tools- (stains and paints will be next weekend), and took all the goodies home. My hubby couldn't wait to get into it, so he fired up his new tool, made a few cuts here and there, shot a few nails in, and set up for what would follow.
This morning he was up and about, pretty early for a Sunday I should add, and quickly made progress. It was up to the rest of us to lift and hold and carry and place. Then we carried everything upstairs for assembly. I even handled the nail gun! So much fun!
Now, some pictures to share, which should pretty much complete the story.
Kiki hard at work, safety glasses and all, under Dad's supervision.
-detail, unfinished wood-
Mattress fits perfectly!
Illuminate! Very cool alternative to a night light. :o)
... and here is the princess, very pleased, and exhausted from all her hard work.
Has a look of a bird bath, which is very nice to have in a garden.
i love the underlighting!! what a gorgeous bed!
That is SO cool! the bed itself is awesome, but the lighting just makes it perfect...
Zee, I don't know anything about the other participants. We were from all over the world, as far as I know. All I got afterward was a letter explaining what the man's problem was. As soon as I read that letter, I knew immediately how the dream should be interpreted, and I was really surprised at how close my dream had come to diagnosing the problem.
I love your blog, but I must say that I have a lot of trouble reading it, since there is so little contrast between the brown background and the print. I'm just sayin......
How beautiful! What a great job your hubby did. Do you loan him out??!?! :)
That is very very awesome. :)
That's awesome!! You are all so talented :) I want one too!
Quite a project! And it has turned out pretty good. Congratulations!
It's so cool that you can work as a family to create something long-lasting.
Oooo, it's not too late for *me* to get a garden for my bedroom, is it? It looks wonderful--especially the night light. Kiki must be soo pleased. And I'm more than sure that you can handle the painting.
Absolutely stunning work! While the detail of the woodwork is esquiste...the underlighting just makes it ten times better. Hubby and you deserve a big pat on the back for being such "cool" parents to create such a wonderful bed!
Wow! Aren't you guys handy! The idea of illuminating the underside of the bed is pure genius!
How beautiful! I can't wait to see the finished product! Lovely...
And don't give up on NaNo... take it through the month. You may surprise yourself yet!
That is too cool!
Kiki:
I love your bed, and the light is very cool. When I go over I want to sleep in your bed (hahahahahaha). Hugs and kisses,
Titi Debbie.
Aminah says she likes it!!!
I could never build a bed myself. I have two left hands.
i'm next, i'm next!! looks like you all did a very good job!! :)
WOW! Love the bed and the lighting makes it even more awesome. Great job!
What a great bed!! I love the lighting, very cool!!
She sure looks happy!
that is beautiful and what a great way of getting the kids involved! It gives them a sense of accomplishment. At least that's what happens to me every time I do something in my own house.
WOW, Zee this project is wonderful. Such a talented family! :)
Why is the bed located in such an unusual area? So close to the desk.. .what am I not getting? I love the wood work though... cute kid.
Kiki:
I love your bed, you think you can make me one. I am so happy to see you guys work together and create such beautiful magic. It is a bed fit for a princess.
Love you lots
Titi Ilia