Since we want the nursery to be done by the end of next week, that was the final push to finish the hanging nursery letters with the baby’s name.
These letters have been the bane of my existence.
You see, I’m not a crafty person.
But, when I found out that ordering the hanging letters for the baby’s name was going to be $176 + shipping, suddenly I became crafty. I was determined to do it myself, since that is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on wood and ribbon.
So I went out and bought my own wood and ribbon.. and paint…
and got to work.
I painted the wood letters in alternating colors (or you can do all in one color)
and after they dried, we painted little designs
based on the patterns in her nursery.
I sealed the letters using a satin paint finish (Martha Stewart) –it’s similar to a clean topcoat for nails- let them dry, and then crazy-glued the ribbon onto the back of the letters and knotted the top.
As far as the bows go, that’s where the tricky part came in.
I watched *this video* about 4 times, and used her technique for making the bottom transparent bow, secured with wire to the hanging ribbon.
I just made a regular ol’ bow out of gold ribbon
and secured that to the bottom bow (by threading the wire through the back of the gold bow and twisting around the back of the brown bow.
Making the first brown bow was a breeze, and now I’m having a bit of a rough time and my fingers continue to get tangled up. I’ve made one more… 5 left to go…
The only thing that makes me excited to finish them is the thought of them hanging on the wall, and the sweet little baby sleeping in her crib.
Grand total:
$53.63!
Even if you account for the time I’ve spent (including dilly-dallying and procrastination) curse words and do-overs, not too shabby.
Are you crafty? What’s the last thing you DIY-ed?
Edited to say: I deleted the comments that had the baby’s name in them, because I am a goober and can’t believe I accidentally spilled the beans! Wow. hahaha
Hi, I'm Gina. Welcome to The Fitnessista! I love blogging about my adventures as a new mom, military wife and fitness instructor, as well as sharing new workouts and recipes. Check out the About page for more info - thanks for stopping by!
They turned out great! Im the type of person who WANTS to be crafty, but when it comes to it i either suck at it or lose all motivation to do it haha. But in theory i want to be a crafter.
We made our own letters too! …though your’s are cuter
I couldn’t imagine spending $200 on letters from etsy!
Dang, I missed it too! I’m so excited for you and Tom as you get ready to celebrate little nuggette’s arrival. I remember this time with all three of mine, and now they are 16, 14, and almost 8 (in 2 wks). Crazy how fast time flies!! Savor every moment, Mama-ista, I know you are <3 Love to you!
The letters look awesome! I’m not crafty at all, but those look doable, I just might not be able to get artistic pattern on there looking as great as yours. Very cool!
As a big Sex & the City fan, I have to agree that baby names should be secrets! I’ll never forget the “Shayla” episode when poor Charlotte’s baby name was stolen
Great job on the letters!
Gina we all make mistakes! It would be much classier to just own it and announce the name now then to keep pretending like the majority of us don’t know it
It’s part of life!
Classier? I’m not quite sure I’d call it that.
I just prefer to keep it under wraps until she’s here, I know she’s ok, and don’t want it scattered all over the blog.
OMG you know what would be even classier?!
Respecting Gina & Tom’s decision. Now that’s class. Ow ow.
Aww darn I missed it. Ah well, I’m sure it will be told to us in no time
I’m very crafty, just not very finish-y. I start projects then never finish. Ohhh I am so procrastinating right now. I started making my husband a wool scarf and totally got 25% done with it and stopped. I need to finish that like… now. Maybe I’ll do that while I’m working on doing all the baby’s laundry. We are really close in due dates, you and I. I’m due Dec 29th (ish)
I love the letters and Im secretly really sad I missed the accidental reveal. My little girl is due in 11 days and we are keeping the name a secret as well! I was curious where you got your letters. I have been on the lookout for an A forever and havnt found what I want but I like the shape of yours. Thanks!
I will gladly make your bows! When I was a teenager, I worked at a craft store and the first thing I learned was how to make ribbon bows. It’s been over 20 years (oh my I’m getting old!), but I still remember how to make them!
what city are you in? i’ll send you my wire and ribbon- that would be amazing!
I think you’re in luck that most of us missed it. (BOOO!! by the way)
Which is good for all of us who are impatient! Can’t wait to find out!
I’m sure the next few weeks will fly by and she’ll be here before you (and all of us) know it!
Also, you should post another funny or surprising things about being prego. I love reading those stories, or if you’ve had any other uncomfortable moments- with people touching your belly, etc. You look amazing! Can’t wait to see the 32 week photos!
i’ll do one this week
I love the bedding! Where is that from?
o shucks!! I’ve been honeymooning for the last 2 weeks and couldn’t wait to catch up on the bloggy, I read this one super duper spazzy fast because I thought it may include the name!
Congrats again girlie, can’t imagine how excited you and Tom are – because I’m super cyber-space excited for you too!!!!! xo