Englewood, Chicago Outdoor Playground Revamp

July 8, 2016

Post by Kim Doren of the Land of Nod’s Design Services Team

At Nod, we continue to partner with a youth center in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. This outreach program is responsible for providing a safe place for hundreds of kids to learn, play and have a proper meal. A group of Land of Nod employees spent the last several months finishing our latest project for our Englewood family – a playground revamp!

Before the revamp, the playground was a run down parking lot, with cracked asphalt, broken basketball hoops and an old, slightly unsafe, plastic playground. Our team worked to organize the resurfacing of the asphalt, installed a playground for the younger kids and created a basketball court for the older kids.

We painted an obstacle course on the asphalt, a mural on the fence, and added a couple container gardens to house flowers and vegetables. Last, but not least, we installed a water fountain that both the kids and the staff love having during the hot summer months.

When we arrived for the dedication ceremony on June 30th, the court was flooded with kids, and it was inspiring to see them enjoying and using their new play space.

Michelle Kohanzo, The Land of Nod’s managing director, shared her feelings on the dedication day:

“I was struck by so many familiar faces, so many young adults who have grown up through the community and are now group leaders, so many friends made and children enveloped in care and love. We all love helping to make a difference. We are showing these kids that they can be anything, that life is beautiful, and there is a whole world outside of the poverty and violence that they are exposed to every day. They deserve this and we are privileged to be a part of their community.”

Englewood, Chicago Outdoor Playground Revamp

Post by Kim Doren of The Land of Nod’s Design Services Team. Our Design Services team offers free one-on-one design advice, mood boards and space planning. You have a room to decorate? They’d love to hear from you.

DIY Grow Your Own Crystal Science Project

July 7, 2016

Post by Rebecca Green of Not-So-SAHM

Between a re-obsession with Harry Potter and a general interest in all things magical and mystical, there has been lots and lots of talk of potions, magic wands, and mythical creatures around our home lately. So when the kids added a request for new science experiments to our Summer Bucket List, I knew growing our own crystals was definitely going to be one of them. It’s the perfect science experiment for kids of all ages because it’s fairly fail proof (as long as you follow a few key steps) and it yields fantastic results relatively quickly. You can grow crystals on pipe cleaners in any shape you like, but sticking with our mythological theme and Cami’s belief that unicorns eat crystals, we decided to grow unicorn horn crystals.

The science behind these is pretty simple. The main ingredient is Borax, which is a natural mineral occurring in crystalline form. You can find it in powdered form as a laundry booster and all around cleaner. When added to water the Borax crystals dissolve. Heated water molecules move farther apart than cold water, so adding Borax to hot water allows for more crystals to dissolve and create a saturated solution. Once the water starts to cool, the water molecules move closer together again, and the Borax crystals start to reform on one another.

Here’s what you’ll need to make our crystals:

Borax
Hot water
Pipe cleaners (we suggest using a few rainbow colors or the striped variety—we hear unicorns like those best)
Glass jar (you can use any recyclables you have, but you want one tall enough to fit the pipe cleaner. We used tall jars that held about 12 ounces)
Wooden skewer
Twine

Help each child wind a pipe cleaner around a pencil to make the unicorn horn shape. We twisted two together to make a bigger area for crystals to grow. Then tie twine to the top of the twist and tie it onto the wooden skewer. Repeat with another set of pipe cleaners so you have two twists per skewer.

You’ll be mixing a Borax solution in a ratio of 3 cups water to 9 tablespoons Borax. We made three jars of crystals, so we used 9 cups of water and 27 tablespoons of Borax (the kids loved to count that out!!).

Have an adult boil the water—this is key because the hotter the water, the better the crystals will grow.
Next have the kids help measure and add in the Borax. Mix well for a few minutes until the solution is fairly clear.
Have an adult help fill each jar almost to the top with the solution.
Rest the skewer across the top of the jar with the pipe cleaners submerged in the solution— make sure they aren’t touching each other or the sides of the glass.
Place the jars in a cool place out of direct sunlight and await the crystals to form.
Once your crystals look complete, remove them from the solution, cut the twine, and your done!

You can experiment with letting them grow for different amounts of time. We left our crystals to form overnight but you can experiment with letting them grow for different amounts of time. We had enormous crystals so we had a little unicorn party with some Land of Nod unicorn goodies!

Thanks to The Land of Nod for the plush unicorns, sparkle wands, and balloons!!

Product Spotlight: Artist Designed Settees

July 6, 2016

Post by Danielle Kurtz, Creative Director at The Land of Nod

It’s no secret that we here at Nod love partnering with artists from around the world to create product that inspires and delights our customers. (Checkout #artistsxnod for a peek.) I especially love when we take art and use it on a new silhouette or product category, so I was stoked when we decided to take the work of three incredible artists, print it on upholstery fabric and turn it into settees. I feel like these sofas are the perfect mix of sophisticated and playful, and would look great in a living room, playroom, nursery or bedroom.

Here are the three settees and how I’d style them for a shared living space. But, really, the options are endless!

First up, this fab squiggle print by Jenny Pennywood. I’m always a fan of black and white because of its versatility. You can really mix this settee into any décor. I love the playful, sketchy quality of the illustrations. I’ve paired it here with a bold rug and a poppy lamp, balanced by a simple piece of wall art. I think it would work equally well in a romantic design awash with blushy pinks and peaches.

Next up is this awesome rope print by Sarah Goodwin. I love a good nod to nautical in décor, and I especially love the oversize scale of the print on this settee. I’ve paired it with a sophisticated rug and piece of art, both of which bring some color to the party. The Ripple Effect Rug has bits of brightly colored recycled saris that form the concentric circles, so pretty! And, I like the idea of balancing it all with some mid tone wood in the form of our wood rock lamp. I think this would make a super chic, yet playful sitting room.

Last up is this over the top large scale abstract print by Ashley Goldberg. This is a true statement piece. I’ve kept the other elements quite to let this beauty shine. I like the idea of bringing in a lot of texture with a flokati rug, and some touches of gold in the décor pieces. I love this look for a nursery, living room, teen bedroom or even a master bedroom for that matter…soft and romantic, with just enough edge.

If you aren’t quite sure where to begin, but love these settees, definitely reach out to our design services team. They’d be happy to put together some inspiration to fit your home and aesthetic.

Danielle is the Creative Director at Nod and an over-protective mother of two. She’s also completely obsessed with Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and her Kindle, but not necessarily in that order. Danielle loves to craft, sew and crochet. Her current craft of choice is weaving tiny wall tapestries.

DIY Berry Ice Cubes for the 4th of July

July 4, 2016

Post by Corri of Glitter and Bubbles

As you burn up your BBQ and get out your sparklers for the 4th of July holiday, we also want to make sure you stay cool (while looking cool!). Our edible berry ice cubes are a yummy treat for all ages! Your littles will love the extra surprise fruit and your adult guests will adore the pretty colors added to their cocktails. This easy recipe will leave a long lasting impression on your guests (queue the fireworks!).

Directions:

Fill the ice cube tray half way full with water.
Add with berries and pour water over the top, freeze.
Enjoy!

Corri McFadden is the Owner/Founder of eDrop-Off luxury consignment and creator of Glitter and Bubbles, a modern-day moms guide for those looking for inspiration through fashion, décor and food. The site was launched in honor of her daughter and muse, Zelda and gives daily doses of stylish “must haves”, easy recipes and unique décor that are suited to inspire even the busiest of Moms!

Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

July 1, 2016

Post by MJ of Pars Caeli

Hi friends! Happy summer to you. I’m MJ from the site Pars Caeli, back with an easy and really tasty recipe that you can make with your kids. Fresh strawberry lemonade is the kind of drink that makes me think of long porch swings or poolside evenings. And the flavors are so good that even when we’re stuck inside during a summer thunderstorm, my taste buds take me to the best days of summer.

My three children are big lemonade fans, too. Whenever we’re out to eat, lemonade is their go-to; however, they’ll often choose flavors like strawberry, kiwi, and watermelon to add some more interest to the usual flavor. It turns out, making your own natural versions of these drinks is a simple alternative. And now that I have these perfect summer party mason jars (Fun in the Summer with You from Shutterfly), I’m eager to fill them a cute straw with delicious summer refreshment.

In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Bring that to a boil and remove from heat.
Quarter and hull 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Put the cut berries in a food processor or blender. Mix until you have a puree.
Add the strawberry juice to the sugar water and add in lemon juice. If you are using a fresh squeeze, you’ll need 5-6 lemons for this recipe. To make lemonade from lemon juice, add in 1½ cups of lemon juice. Pour into a pitcher and add 6 cups of water.

For the fancy feel, we added a lemon slice and cut strawberry for garnish. The red color is brilliant, and this strawberry lemonade would make a great addition to any red-white-and-blue party!! Serving this next to a blueberry lemonade (made the same way, just switching 2 cups of strawberries for blueberries) would be so fun for the fourth of July!

Summer is flying by!! I’m looking forward to many mason jars full of fresh strawberry lemonade. I hope your summer weeks are glorious. Cheers!!

Xoxo, MJ

MJ is a graphic and product designer, wife, and proud momma to three. She founded Pars Caeli (meaning a piece of heaven), a delightful blog and shop, to add more creative to the everyday. MJ worked with our team to bring her lunchbox jokes to life in our product Lunchtime LOL Notes, now available at The Land of Nod to bring on a case of the giggles!

Free Printable Coloring Page: 4th of July

June 30, 2016

Nod Fun Pages designed by Michelle Romo

Hosting a BBQ this weekend? Even with sprinklers, sparklers and fireworks, it’s smart to have a back up activity. We’ve created a 4th of July free printable coloring page just in case.

Download our free printable coloring page HERE and share a pic of your little one with the finished product on Instagram (use hashtag #landofnod) or our Facebook page. We may feature your child’s masterpiece!

4th of July free printable coloring page

Looking for other Independence Day activities?

Try these festive Tie Dye S’Mores from Studio DIY.
Play a game of 4th of July Bingo.
Decorate with a red, white & blue DIY garland.

Michelle Romo is our newest Nod illustrator, she’s a self-taught illustrator and designer fueled by cookies and naps. Her influences include Mid-Century, Japanese and Scandinavian design, along with pretty much anything cute. When she isn’t working she spends her time eating good food, hugging her friends, playing video games and crafting.

DIY Fourth of July Watercolor Pillows

June 29, 2016

Post by Corri of Glitter and Bubbles

Get ready to light some fireworks because we have a fun DIY for your littles to help celebrate the 4^th of July holiday (and you are left with some holiday décor too!). With Summer in full swing and our favorite holiday right around the corner, we broke out the water colors and started to paint on pillows– and these DIY Fourth of July watercolor pillows will make you burst with excitement!

What You’ll Need

Medium-sized paint brush
Mixing bowls
Water
White canvas pillow cover
Throw pillow form
Red craft or acrylic paint
Blue craft or acrylic paint

Instructions

Iron out any creases in the fabric and place your pillow cover flat. If you only want one side painted, be sure to insert a piece of cardboard into the case.
Put a dime-sized drop of blue paint into one bowl. Repeat this step with the red paint into a separate bowl. Place ½- ¾ cups of water into each bowl and mix thoroughly! This will instantly create the perfect watercolor to go onto your canvas. To change the tone, just add more paint to create a more saturated color or more water to make it more translucent!
Dip your paintbrush into the color of your choice and dab onto the pillowcase. Then dip your paintbrush into clean water and make continuous dabbing and circular motions around your initial color dab. This allows the color to bleed into the water which will create a beautiful watercolor effect!
Once you achieve the desired color, switch shades! Start in a different area of the pillow and repeat the same process. Don’t worry if the colors bleed together because it will simply create new beautiful shades and tones!
After you are happy with your new watercolor masterpiece, hang it up to dry overnight using pants hangers. In the morning, slip it on your favorite pillow and you now have your own homemade festive décor for the summer!

4th of July Granita Recipe

June 28, 2016

Post by Rebecca Green of Not-So-SAHM

Summer is jam packed with opportunities for celebration and our family loves nothing more than a fab July 4th party. But I try hard to have the kids have fun without loading them up on sugar — the excitement of our annual Family Olympics and the prospect of sparklers gets them riled up enough! So I was so excited when they both LOVED this Fourth of July Granita we tested in anticipation of the holiday. Super easy, plenty of sweet, and just lots of fun.

This whole concept worked so well with the kids that I’m already dreaming of other fruit options to try!
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:

Strawberry Granita
– 16 ounces frozen or fresh strawberries
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– juice of 1 lemon

Blueberry Granita
– 12 ounces frozen or fresh blueberries
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– juice of 1/2 lemon

Coconut Granita
– 1 can light coconut milk
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey

For each granita, add all ingredients to a blender and mix well. I liked using frozen berries because I think it took less time for the entire granita mixture to freeze.

Spread each mixture in separate shallow containers and freeze for 3 hours. Using a fork, scrape each into small shavings. Layer each granita into a glass to get a great red, white, and blue dessert. Keep frozen until ready to serve.

p.s. thanks to The Land of Nod for the super cute fruit garlands — the kids loved picking out our next recipe from the festive strands!

Rebecca is a mom to two young kiddos and, in her spare time (ha!), likes to pretend she’s a back-up dancer, craft cocktails, and run long distances. A relatively recent SAHM, she blogs family-friendly activities, DIYs and celebration fun at Not-So-SAHM and just wrote her first book, Banish Boredom: Activities to Do with Kids That You’ll Actually Enjoy. Her book is a source of inspiration for parents who are looking for fun and educational activities that they can do with their kids, but that are also fun and interesting for parents themselves.

Design Spotlight: Freehand Bedding Two Ways

June 27, 2016

Post by Stephanie, Home Stylist from The Land of Nod’s Design Services Team

If you’re looking for nursery bedding with an edgy, artistic vibe, then you are going to love designer Ashley Goldberg’s hand-painted Freehand crib bedding. Its versatile pattern and neutral color palette make it the perfect go-to for most any design style. With just a few additional accent pieces, you can easily change up the look of your space to work with either a baby boy or girl.

Adding a pop of blue and green here and there can turn an otherwise grey canvas into an eclectic retreat for baby. Personally, I am more than a little obsessed with the Up and Atom chandelier. It’s the perfect accent for a reading nook or entryway.

Whimsical baby seating like the Swan Plush and blue dash Entry Level Nod Chair are a great compliment to the painterly Freehand bedding and will continue to grow with your baby into their toddler stages. Layering garland over your crib or in a reading nook is a great way to add a delicate and playful element to your room design.

So, whether you’re styling a space for a new baby boy or girl, the Freehand bedding is the perfect neutral canvas for you to add your own unique twist!

Happy Styling!

Post by Stephanie Geurkink, Home Stylist from The Land of Nod’s Design Services Team. Our Design Services team offers free one-on-one design advice, mood boards and space planning. You have a room to decorate? They’d love to hear from you. Visit The Land of Nod’s Design Services page to get started today.

DIY Monogram Embroidered Wall Art

June 23, 2016

Post by Colleen of Lemon Thistle

This hand ‘stitched’ monogram is a simple DIY addition to a little one’s nursery or any room in your home. Not only can it be made in any color combination to match your decor, the best part is- you really need ZERO sewing experience to make it happen.

I chose to make mine in a grey and blue palette to match our newest babe’s whale themed nursery. I had a square vintage frame I have been dying to use and this monogram was the perfect excuse to fix it up.

To make your own, you’ll need:

Frame (mine had no glass or backing)
Foam board & Craft knife
Letter outline printed
Craft paper (I chose to use marbled, but any paper would work fine)
Spray adhesive
Ruler and pencil
Embroidery needle and thread (the embroidery needles have a larger eye)
Scissors
Painters tape (or washi tape)
Thimble (highly recommended! I like the rubber kind for these types of projects)

The first thing you’ll need to do is decide the frame you’re using and measure the size of the back opening. You want to cut your foam board to fit within the frame snugly, so you don’t need to worry about backing. Once you have your foam board cut to size, you’ll need to print off an outline of your letter. You can do this in any word publisher, in any font you like (a script would be fun to try!). If your letter isn’t reversible horizontally (like a W), you’ll need to print it in reverse (in your print settings).

Next, you’ll want to attach your background color to the foam board. Do this using spray adhesive or any other type glue you might have. I chose to use some marbled paper I made a while back, but any craft paper- patterned or plain would work lovely.

Use painters tape to attach the outline to the BACK of the foam board. I put it on the back so I could keep all my knots on the reverse. Use a ruler to draw lines in the direction you would like your stitches.

Now it’s time to start ‘sewing’! It’s not really sewing since we’re using tape to adhere it (not knots!). Start at one corner and punch your needle through to the other side. I liked to poke a hole through on the other end of that line so I knew where to thread it back through the foam board accurately. Since I chose to alternate light grey and dark grey embroidery thread, I did every second line until the W was complete, then switched colors.

I cut my thread short enough that it was easy to manage and just taped off the ends, starting with a new piece when I ran out. The back will never be seen so you can do this as much as you need!

I ended up adding knots where the corners were too small to help define the corners. If you had a more script-like design, I’m sure you can skip over this.

That’s it! It is the perfect piece to mix in to a gallery wall for some unexpected texture, or it looks great on it’s own.

Colleen is a wife, Mama to twins with one on the way, and the DIY and lifestyle blogger behind Lemon Thistle where she shares printable art and hands on tutorials for DIY home decor, parties and gifts. Colleen believes you can have a beautiful life, home, and party without spending a lot- we’re keeping it real on a budget so everyone can join in on the fun.

A Nostalgic Kids Room at Grandma’s House

June 22, 2016

Post by Joni of Lay Baby Lay

Hi there! It’s Joni from Lay Baby Lay, where I write about creating imaginative children’s spaces. I’m working on a new project I’m really excited about; a room in my parents’ house for their growing troop of grandchildren. I have three girls, my sister has a boy, and a baby girl on the way, and all of them enjoy spending lots of time at Grandpa and JeeJee’s house.

While my mom has done an excellent job of saving many of our toys from childhood, making their house a treasure trove for little people, some of the furniture and such isn’t as accommodating for longer stays from the grandchildren, so I’m working with my mom to create a room where they can comfortably sleep and stay (and play).

As I was considering the space, I couldn’t help but be inspired by my childhood room. My mom is anything but girly or frilly (in the best way possible!) and since Henry will also be using the room, I wanted something neutral, but fun. And that’s exactly how my childhood bedroom felt to me. It had dark green carpet, yellow walls, orange curtains, a Charlie Brown bedspread, and a rainbow on the wall. It was pretty much a primary hued paradise, in my opinion. I recall being very upset when my parents replaced the carpet (how dare they?) as I found it to be the perfect shade for a grassy meadow when I played pretend or with my dolls, and I remember the fun of changing out records on my Fisher Price record player to suit my mood.

It’s a little hard to tell, but you can see the orange curtains and yellow-y walls in this photo of my sister, our mother, and me.

With that palette as a jumping off point, I put together some inspiration that is a little more modern, with some adventure (my mom loved horseback riding and 4H camp as a kid!) and nostalgia thrown in. I’m planning to include some photography of my parents as children (my favorite!) and if you need a resource for a similar project, check out my post here about printing vintage photographs, or you could also use Framebridge for a much simpler route!

I’m so excited to see this space come together! These pieces will all grow well with the girls and Henry as they get bigger; and there will be lots of sweet memories made here. Looking forward to sharing the finished room soon!

Lay Baby Lay started in 2011 shortly after the arrival of my first baby as a place to provide fresh and unique nursery inspiration with a little dose of motherhood experience. This site is my creative outlet and the place where I am able to express all the ideas running around in my head. It is my hope that you will also be inspired to create spaces for your little ones that are full of imagination, color, and delight and maybe find a little encouragement in this crazy but wonderful journey of having babies and watching them grow.

Charley Harper for Nod Celebration

June 21, 2016

Post by Michelle Kohanzo, Managing Director of The Land of Nod

We wrapped up our Charley Harper for Nod tour, with an amazing party at The Park in Manhattan. The venue was the perfect setting to celebrate Charley, it felt as if we were in a forest rather than the city.

It was such a treat to celebrate this beautiful collaboration and talented man with all of our friends and family. And the best news of all, we are working on a new Charley Harper for Nod collection to launch April 2017. Stay tuned for peaks of that soon.

Learn more about our Charley Harper for Nod Collection:

While artist Charley Harper redefined the way we see the natural world, our exclusive collection will redefine the way you see his art. Using intricate embroidery, delicate applique and the finest materials available, we’ve created a way to experience his timeless body of work like never before. So step out of the ordinary, and explore the endless wonder of Charley Harper for Nod. More to come in April of 2017.

Aside from being the Managing Director of The Land of Nod, mother to four kids (yes, FOUR!) and a gourmet cook, Michelle is a retail junky. She’s painted her dining room countless times and changes rugs like most people change their bedsheets. When she’s not living and breathing retail, she’s weaving amazing works of art with her sister for Bourbon+Gin Weaving.

Not All Bins & Baskets are Created Equal

June 17, 2016

Post by Danielle Kurtz, Creative Director at The Land of Nod

From crayons and building blocks to diapers and action figures, at Nod we have a wide range of bins and baskets for all your storage needs. But, when it comes to choosing just the right bin for the job, there are definitely a few things to look out for. Here are a few tips to choosing just the right storage vessel to keep your kid’s mess in check.

Arts & Crafts Storage

Between my daughter and I, we have a huge inventory of random crafting supplies. From paints, pencils and crayons to glue, construction paper and glitter. It can definitely be a challenge to corral all of it. When it comes to art supplies, it’s important to look for a material that can easily be wiped clean in case of spills. Plastic is the perfect choice. I also like to look for baskets that aren’t too large, so each item can have its own container (one for pom poms, one for markers one for feathers, etc). I’ve also found that transparent bins are best for finding just what you need in a hurry.

Shared Space Storage

When it comes to toys in the living room, there’s really no way to avoid it. And, I like the idea of keeping my kids stuff close at hand in all the spaces in my home. That way we can all hang out together. That said, sometimes you need to get things cleaned up in a hurry. So, I opt for larger bins that can hold a lot of toys easily. You can just drag them around the room and fill them up at a moment’s notice. Plus, the kids can get in on clean up. Also, I tend to opt for more sophisticated materials and color-palettes for the living space, think wicker in natural tones.

Baby Essentials Storage

When changing baby’s diapers, the most important thing is that all the supplies are close at hand. There’s nothing worse than removing a dirty diaper, only to realize you’ve left the wipes in the other room. So, baskets that keep everything organized and nearby are super important. You’ll need things like diapers, lotions, swaddle blankets and spare onesies all within arms reach. I recommend choosing something structured like rattan. And opt for shallow baskets, so you aren’t digging around with one hand while keeping your baby safely on the changer table with the other. You need to be able to find things without even looking.

Baby Toy Storage

When my kids were little, I liked having a floor basket or two in the nursery. I could keep their favorite toys of the moment on the floor for tummy time. I’d opt for softer materials, since baby will likely be interacting with the basket, pulling up on it, bumping into it, etc. Also, look for something that’s neutral enough that it can transition into other rooms once your baby gets bigger. Whether it’s their eventual big kid room, or your family room, make sure you choose a design that can work beyond infant-dom.

Overall, the biggest thing I consider when I buy any type of storage for my kids is what can this item do next. Because, just as soon as a storage need arises, it soon disappears and is replaced with another….think diapers then stuffed animals then action figures then sports equipment. So, I always choose bins and baskets that have a life beyond my current need because I never know what need might come up next.

DIY Chalkboard using Vintage Silver

June 16, 2016

Post by Colleen of Lemon Thistle

I really love vintage pieces. There’s so much character to them, but some of the prettiest pieces don’t have use in my home. It’s rare we pull out fine china and silver for dining with three small kids underfoot. I have a few of these silver plated trays- you can find them for a steal at thrift stores on occasion. I love to use them for parties, but wanted to find a way to incorporate that tarnished silver into decor. Let me say- this turned out better than I expected! I was a bit skeptical that the new chalkboard with the aged silver would look a bit cheesy, but it is SO good. And because of the detail on the tray, the paint adhered perfectly.

To make your own, you’ll need:

Silver plated tray or similar
Chalkboard paint
Paint brush
Chalk
Mounting tape or adhesive hanging hardware

When you’re seeking out trays, you can often find ones that are engraved with ‘50th wedding anniversary’ or something like that for SUPER cheap. These are perfect since you will be covering it up. Also pay attention to the frame- the design on the tray may be super pretty, but if it’s lacking detail in the frame, you won’t be thrilled with how it turns out. I’m loving how mine has a scalloped frame.

This DIY is so simple, I’m not sure I need to detail it, but I do have some tips for you.

Prep is simple, just give it a good wash with warm soapy water. I didn’t rough it up at all, but if you were going to be changing the words a lot, you could take that extra step. If you were really, really going to be using it a lot you could go one step even further and apply a metal specific primer before the chalkboard paint. Since I’m just using mine as a piece of wall art I didn’t and it’s working great for our purpose.
Slap some paint on there, taking care to work with the curves of the frame. You’ll want to do several coats instead of one super thick coat, allowing it to dry fully in between.
When your paint is completely dry, you can prime your chalkboard by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk all over it, then using a cloth to really work the chalk into the pores before wiping clean with a damp cloth.

I hung mine with adhesive mounting tape but in the past, for projects that don’t allow standard hanging hardware, I’ve used construction adhesive to adhere a sawtooth hanger.

What do you think? Do you like the character of the tarnished silver? I am already dreaming of where we can make another one of these.

DIY Hand Drawn Iced Father’s Day Cookies

June 15, 2016

Post by Corri of Glitter and Bubbles

With Father’s Day right around the corner (yay Dads!), we are always looking for ways to show our Dad’s some love while satisfying their sweet tooth. These yummy Lemon cookies are not only easy to make, but you can add a personal element with letter cookies cutters and iced frosting that your little one can draw on!

Spell it out, draw it out, shout it out – WE LOVE YOU DAD!

INGREDIENTS

For the Cookies:

1 Box Lemon Cake Mix
2 Eggs
1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
1/3 Cup Confectioners’ Sugar
‘D’ Cookie Cutter
‘A’ Cookie Cutter
Food Markers

For the Frosting:

1 Cup Confectioners’ Sugar
2 Teaspoons Milk
¼ Teaspoon Clear Vanilla Extract
2 Teaspoons Corn Syrup

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together the cake mix, eggs and vanilla extract. Once combined, add in the vegetable oil, sugar and lemon juice.
Place the cookie dough on a greased baking sheet in 1.5 inch balls and bake.
Once the cookies have been in the oven for 3-4 minutes, use the back of a spoon to gently push the tops of the cookies down. Allow them to bake for another 7-8 minutes.
Remove from heat and immediately use the cookie cutters to cut out the ‘d’ and ‘a’ letters.
Combine the milk, clear vanilla extract, corn syrup and confectioners’ sugar in a bowl.
Once the cookies have cooled, use a brush to top the cookies with this frosting (you may have to do 2-3 layers). Wait 20-30 to let the frosting harden.
Allow your little to gently color on the frosting (if they poke a hole in the cookies just coat with another layer of frosting) and serve to dad!

Camp Themed Birthday Party

June 14, 2016

Post by Giulia, photographer and blogger at Giulia Doyle

My daughter is turning nine this summer and has invited her friends to her “Camp in the Back Yard Birthday Party.” We will be pitching tents in the yard, eating s’mores, having a scavenger hunt and projecting a movie on the side of the house.

Now, we know that sleep will be hard to come by with a gaggle of nine year old girls, but we want to make the space fun, comfortable, and cozy, while evoking a true camp ground feel.

I was very pleased that the Land of Nod has a bunch of home decor and play items that fit our camp theme perfectly. I put together a small mood board to showcase how this party will come together with the help of non-typical party decor.

Our focal point will be the Jetaire Camper, which can hold a twin size mattress and will be perfect for movie watching and just hanging out. We’ll add to the whimsy with the S’more the Merrier Campfire Set (no accidents here) and will dial up the comfort level with a bunch of different pillows and blankets. The food table will be upgraded with a piece of campfire wall art and the archery garland.

I can’t wait for the event to happen – fingers crossed the weather cooperates.

Happy camping!

Giulia Doyle concentrates on food photography and travel photography – using the full color spectrum. She tries to live life to its fullest and will take every opportunity to travel or entertain. With her lovely family, she has big dreams of cottages by the ocean, boutique bed and breakfasts, brick and mortar stores or possibly moving back to Europe – if only she could make up her mind!

Design Spotlight: DIY Gallery Wall

June 13, 2016

Post by Stephanie, Home Stylist from The Land of Nod’s Design Services Team

When it comes to putting together a gallery wall, no matter how big or how small, the struggle is definitely real. From sourcing just the right assortment of wall art and décor to organizing each piece according to size and shape, gallery walls can certain pose a big challenge. Not to mention the inevitable point wherein, once you’ve finally gotten your masterpiece assembled, the itch to tweak and try something new causes you to start the process all over again.

Creating a gallery wall using unframed prints is a great way to add flexibility to your wall art assortment. Our And You Brought a Wall Clip set makes swapping out art prints ridiculously easy. No need to break out your level or navigate a picture wire, simply position the wall clip and print where you want them in the assortment, tap in a small picture nail, and voila! You’re all set!

Washi tape frames are another great way to style a frameless gallery wall. You can hang your print using double sided tape and then apply a border of washi tape for a pop of color. As an added bonus, washi tape is much cheaper and easier to change out than a custom picture frame, so it’s perfect for every budget!

There are a lot of how-to guides for gallery walls to help you figure out where to begin positioning your frames on the wall. I personally like to rely on a practical eyeball estimate over any firm measurements, but generally, I recommend starting 12-18” above any furniture items. If you’re using a larger assortment to fill a blank wall, then I recommend starting 30-36” above the floor. For a smaller assortment (3-4 items), you can go a little higher off the floor, 56-58” or eye-level.

Happy Styling!

Maximizing Storage in a Small Bedroom

June 10, 2016

Post by Danielle Kurtz, Creative Director at The Land of Nod

The smallest members of the family often end up in the smallest bedrooms. The problem is they generally have the most stuff. So, fitting everything your kids need in a small space can be quite a challenge. That said, if you choose your furniture carefully, you can maximize both the visual space and storage space in the room.

Our Topside Bed and Saved by the Bin Locker Baskets pack the perfect punch when it comes to dealing with a small kids bedroom. I love our Topside bed for a whole host of reasons. First of all, it features a mix of roomy drawers and open cubbies. So, it essentially takes the place of a nightstand, dresser and storage bench. There’s plenty of room for clothes, toys and books. All within reach of your kiddo. And, the designer in mean loves the clean lines of the bed. It doesn’t feel bulky like some storage beds. In fact, it’s quite streamlined, which helps it from overpowering the room.

I also love that it doesn’t have a headboard. That keeps the bed from feeling heavy, and can lend an airy and open feeling to the entire space. This bed also works well in a shared room. You don’t have to give up valuable floor space to two nightstands and two dressers, but everyone still gets a space for their stuff. Lastly, I love all the details on the bed. From the rope handles to the beautiful finishes (available in Midnight Blue, Olive and White Glaze), the Topside Storage Bed is super versatile.

And, when you match the bed back to our Locker Baskets, you have plenty of places to stow toys, books, clothes and sports gear. The Locker Baskets come in a broad range of colors, so there’s sure to be a combo to match back to any décor.

Here are a few pairings I love, but the options are truly endless.

Baby’s First Beach Day with the Midi Gathre Mat

June 9, 2016

Post by Ro of Ro Birkey

There’s comes a point where you need to break out of the routine, pack up the kids and head to the beach…especially when the forecast is 80 degrees and sunny. Ever since the weather has been warming up in Chicago we’ve been anxious to trade in our sweaters for swimsuits, boots for bare feet and snow for sand. Out of all the places we could adventure to, the beach has got to be our favorite.

It was Ames first time there, so we wanted to make it extra special. With our Land of Nod Happy Camper Teepee, books, Great Adventure Kit and leather Midi GATHRE Mat in tow; we found the perfect spot right by the water and set up camp. It was the sweetest scene seeing Ames waving at all the people passing by and even some seagulls too. With a grin permanently on his face, I knew he was just taking it all in. Cohen didn’t waste any time, he immediately started looking through his binoculars at passing boats all the while asking if pretty please we could get one too. If only! The boys also spent a lot of their time looking through animal books, drawing in their notebook and digging in the sand while sitting on our lovely mint mat.

Our GATHRE mat has become a standard item we pack for outings because they’re not only lightweight and functional but they’re incredibly easy to wipe down. If one thing has been made clear since having two boys, it’s how easily messes are made and the value of an easy cleanup. Many picnics and play dates have already been had on our mats and have proven they can stand up to the test. Plus, they’re just beautifully and wonderfully made.

Eventually the boys left our little set up on the sand and found their way to the lake. Within minutes Ames’ hands and feet were caked with wet sand and Cohen was collecting and throwing rocks into the lake. Anyone could see, they were hopelessly in love with the beach. I adore looking through these photos and remembering how perfect our afternoon together was. That is, if you don’t include the countless times we fished rocks out of Ames’ mouth, Cohen crying whenever the water touched his shirt and my back getting burnt to a crisp. But hey, that’s all part of the experience, right? These are the days.

Ro, also known as Robyn (the nickname was given years ago and stuck) is the voice of Ro Birkey. She is the mama to two, Cohen and Ames. When she’s not designing, sipping an iced coffee or exploring with her boys, she tries to make time for photography, design projects and Food Network Channel binges.

DIY Father’s Day Beanbag Toss Game Kids Craft

June 8, 2016

Post by Kim of Beehive ART

At Beehive ART we always like to make dad a funny gift for Father’s day… because really, who’s funnier than DAD! This Father’s Day we decided to make a beanbag toss game for dad to play with.

Materials needed

Cardboard
Oil pastels
Watercolor paints
Bean bags (or cotton fabric to sew your own and dried beans to fill)
Fabric paint / fabric markers

Crafting your cardboard beanbag toss board

To start we cut the cardboard into 14 x 18 pieces. You can cut them into any size, larger, smaller or a completely different shape if you prefer.
Next we used a circle template to cut the hole in the cardboard. I suggested that they use the circle as the head or mouth of whatever they chose to draw so we placed it closer to the top half of the cardboard piece so the kids had an area to draw bodies below.
The kids then drew themselves, their dads, frogs, monsters, and cool colorful designs on their cardboard pieces. We used oil pastels for this part, lots of contrasting color before adding the watercolor paint to create a watercolor resist, one of our favorite techniques.

While the watercolor resists were drying we moved on to the beanbags. I had sewn the beanbags beforehand myself which was pretty simple but you can buy a dozen beanbags here if you’re not into sewing your own.

Sewing and decorating your beanbags

Each child made two bean bags, one for themselves and one for their dad. If you bought your beanbags, skip steps 2-4 and go straight to decorating!
Cut the cotton fabric into 4 x 4 squares.
Sew the sides up and leave a small opening to add the beans.
Once the beans are added, sew it closed.
Decorate your beanbags using fabric paint or fabric markers to add that personal touch.

Now, just lean your completed board against the wall or a chair and your gift is ready for Dad! And to complete the gift, don’t forget a sweet handmade card.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

Kim Poler is queen bee of beehive ART. She lives for inspiring visual expression, explosions of colors, forms and exciting combinations of mixed-media art. She creates, designs and sells art projects, teaches children art and blogs at Beehive Art.