Give the gift of custom artwork while supporting UNICEF's relief efforts

My precocious 3-year-old, "Bobo," has been asking a lot of questions lately about the happenings in Haiti.  It all started when we were watching the news the other day, and she saw a brief segment featuring the devastation that is the reality for the people of Haiti.

Later, my husband and I got to talking about ways to support the recovery efforts, and the seemingly small contribution we could make.  Like many people, we've donated to charity to support the ongoing efforts.  And, in my personal case, I'll rather ashamedly admit that once the donations were made, I carried on with the busy day-to-day life of career, kid-raising and living in my nice comfy home... thoughts of Haiti pushed aside until the news and my preschooler brought them glaringly back to my attention again.  While the budget we set aside for charitable donations is, unfortunately, with limit, what I do have to offer is time (after the munchkins retire for the evening), and a somewhat debatable amount of artistic talent and ideas.

Which brings my ramblings to somewhat of a point:  While clicking around on the internet today, I stumbled upon a link on the UNICEF (United Nations Childrens' Fund) website where they are matching dollar-for-dollar any donations made between now and midnight on March 31, 2010.  If you've been considering buying custom artwork for your nursery or child's room, or are looking for a unique baby gift for an expectant parent, now is the perfect time to act.  I know this is really short notice, folks, but here's the meager deal I'd like to offer up.

Between now and March 31, 2010, I will donate 75% of the purchase price of any orders placed through Bobo's Room to UNICEF (the remaining 25% is what I've calculated will help cover my supplies, PayPal fees, handling materials, etc).  With UNICEF's dollar-for-dollar matching, this means that the equivalent of 150% of anything you purchase will be donated to a worthy cause to help support children in Haiti and other places worldwide.  Custom 8x10" pieces start at just $35, so this is an affordable way to purchase unique artwork for yourself or as a gift, while helping others in need.

Not sure what to get, or are looking to buy for someone else?  Gift certificates can be purchased in any denomination, and are valid one year from the date of purchase.  Simply contact me via the website to get things started.

Idea inspired by Bobo, who (bless her heart) simply can't comprehend that any child would have to go without My Little Ponies, food, clothing, or a warm bed to snuggle in.

Go play in your room... er, I mean your closet!

I only wish I was half as creative (and handy) as this mom, who transformed a corner closet area space into this fantastic playhouse. It not only looks like fun, but is a great way to transform an awkward or empty space into a usable play area.

I especially love roof that doubles as a storage compartment. What a great way to make doubly good use of space!

You can see her step-by-step transformation take place on her blog at Sawdust and paper scraps: Playhouse closet

What's in a name?

I have done lots of paintings that involved animals, but my latest commission illustrates (excuse the pun) a really great way to tie in an animal theme that is truly customized to not only your nursery decor, but your child's name.

Judah's parents contacted me about creating artwork that would be symbolic of the meanings of the first and middle names they had selected for their baby.  For the first painting, they chose a lion and a lamb to represent "Judah".  For the baby's middle name, they wanted an image that would symbolize words such as "counselor", "sage", or "wise."  After a few iterations, we came up with the colorful owl character pictured above.

Judah's parents also customized his paintings one step further, by adding a small reference to the bible verses that were inspirational to them when choosing the name for their baby.

If you're looking to do something similar for your own little one's room, there are tons of websites now that provide the etymology and history behind your baby's name.  One I really like is Nickelodeon's Parents Connect, but there are lots to choose from.  Good luck, and have fun being creative with your ideas!

Ooh la la! French-inspired ideas for the nursery

I love Paris in the springtime... or any other time of the year, for that matter.  While French-inspired clothing and decorating are popular now, there's also something timeless and terribly romantic about French decor.  If you're interested in going francophone with your nursery, here are some theme ideas to get the creative juices flowing:

Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince)

This classic French children's book is a great way to tie a literary element into your child's room. 

• Aim for the stars.  Star or moon print bedding, bumpers or curtains ties in nicely with the theme and can easily be found in a wide range of colors to fit any nursery's scheme. 
• Accessories make the difference!  There are a plethora of sites that offer Le Petit Prince toys, room accessories, and bedding.  Sites like eBay can also be a source for finding those hidden gems.
• Add accents in unexpected places.  These drawer pulls would add the perfect finishing touch to any changing table.
• In this cute inspiration room, the walls were painted with a mural of selected scenes and pictures
• A mural not in your budget?  Consider handpainted artwork featuring the Little Prince.
• If you like this idea, you might also consider incorporating other French childhood friends into your decor, like Babar the elephant.  Madeline is a great choice for little girls.

Shabby Chic, French Style

The room pictured here is so timeless and classic, but is kept fresh and modern by the use of more contemporary colors.  Click here to see more about this featured room.

Some additional ideas for getting that "French flea market" look:

• A lot of cribs and toddler beds come in a distressed or tea-stained finish nowadays.  It can add an antique elegance to your baby's room.
• Experiment with fabric of different patterns and textures.  Mix and match coordinated florals, stripes, plaids and toile patterns to create a unique look.
• A wispy canopy or crown, as shown here, can make a dramatic statement.  You can easily make your own with inexpensive tulle or netting.  Or, for a more tailored look, make a pleated canopy using coordinated fabric of your choice.
• Crystal accents add an instant old world charm.  In the inspiration room above, a crystal chandelier was used.  If you're lucky, you can find a bargain chandelier at estate sales or on websites like Craig's List.  You can achieve a similar effect with crystal accents.  Old crystal buttons, drawer pulls or beaded crystal trim around a lampshade or window treatment can create the perfect finishing touch.
• Give old everyday objects (or, as the French might say, "objet trouvé") a new lease on life in an unexpected place - your nursery.  Keep an eye out for treasures such as globes, finials, flowers, birdcages and the like at garage sales and second hand stores.  Antique frames for black and white or sepia toned prints would be a great way to add vintage character to your room, and have the added bonus of being hung high enough to stay out of the reach of little hands.

Oodles of Poodles

• This inspiration room is beautifully decorated, and should give you some great ideas for getting started. 
• Experiment with bold colors and patterns.  The contrasting light pink and black in the inspiration room are what give it its "wow" effect.  Aqua blue or a light yellow would also create a striking combination.  Bold patterns like stripes or polka dots complete the look.  
• Vinyl wall art, such as the ones shown here, can be an easy and inexpensive way to add Parisian charm to your room.

Details, details, details

Not wanting to go french in the whole room?  Small touches can add that special je ne sais quoi to your nursery.  

• Use wooden letters, boards, or vinyl decals to spell out French words, such as "Bonjour" or "Bonne nuit"
• Fleur-de-lis can add a regal touch to your nursery.  Try it in a border, or painted over a door or window.
• French-inspired canvas paintings from Bobo's Room can be customized in your choice of subject, colors and words to match almost any decor.