Young House Love

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Four DIY Holiday Decorating Craft Projects

Two weeks ago, we shared our Children’s Hospital makeover project with you guys, and this week we got to start actually installing the room. Holy holly jolly, Batman!

Grid of 4 DIY Holiday projects for Children's Hospital | Faux Fireplace | Paper Bulb Garland | Cardboard Letters | Gradient Menorah

We’d share wider room shots except we’re still waiting on around 40% of the stuff to get delivered loaded in. In the meantime, we thought we’d share the details on four easy and affordable DIY holiday projects we completed for the space!

  1. A faux fireplace with real branches
  2. An interactive paper bulb garland
  3. A Gilded cardboard letters
  4. A gradient painted Menorah

1. A Faux Fireplace With Real Branches

The first one’s our little faux fireplace that could be used to turn any spot into a kitschy, temporary hearth for the holidays. This room at the Children’s Hospital had the perfect spot in this niche below the TV.

Wood mantle with TV in Childrens Hospital waiting room

A real fireplace is obviously not an option in a fireplace so we opted to make them a fun faux one instead. The first step was getting a thin plywood board cut to size at Home Depot that we took home and stained gray with a small pot of stain (also from Home Depot).

Staining a piece of plywood gray with a brush to make a faux fireplace mantle

Our original plan was to just paint some wood and a fire on it, but I got the harebrained idea to incorporate real wood instead. I scavenged in the woods behind our house a bit and then ripped the fallen branches in half on my table saw. That way there was a flat side to rest against the plywood.

Small tree branch cut in half on table saw for faux fireplace DIY project

After playing around with a few halved-logs, I found an arrangement that sort of mimicked the look of stacked logs. So after letting them dry out and then sealing them with a few coats of spray poly on all sides (to make them less crumbly) I glued them in place and, once the glue was dry, I screwed them in from the back – just to be safe.

Cut tree branches stacked on gray stained plywood sheet for DIY holiday faux fireplace

Sherry then used some spare orange paint (Terra Cotta Red by Valspar, which we got with free sample coupons from Lowe’s) to paint on some flames.

Sherry painting fake flames on DIY faux holiday fireplace

She originally planned to do some red and yellow too, but we both kinda liked how simple and graphic it looked with one color, so she left it as-is.

Finished faux flames painted atop cut tree branches on faux holiday DIY fireplace

Then I just used 3M Command velcro strips to hold it in place in that recessed alcove under the TV (this way it’s 100% removable after the holidays).

John placing fake fireplace DIY onto mantle in childrens hospital waiting room

Here’s a detail of the finished faux fireplace, complete with a few “mantle” decorations as well. The chevron stockings were a handmade-with-love donation from a local Etsy shop called Love by Design. Thanks Christen! We’ve already heard that they’re making the kids and families smile, and they’re not even full of presents…

Finished faux fireplace with holiday decorations and stockings on mantle for Childrens Hospital of Richmond waiting room

2. An Interactive Christmas Light Garland

Next to the fireplace is a freshly painted wall with two more projects that we just got to hang. Let’s start with the easy one: our “Christmas lights” paper garland.

Holiday paper craft wall hanging projects at Childrens Hospital of Richmond

Early on we knew we wanted to do an “interactive” garland where the kids could help us by putting their personal stamp on things, so the obvious solution was paper clipped onto a string like a clothesline (so things could be colored and easily hung up to be displayed). But to give it a little holiday spin, Sherry cut the paper to mimic the shape of those old-school big bulb string lights.

Then she glued a silver paper “socket” to each one of the clothespins to round out the idea. Now when they’re all clipped into place on the silver twine, they look like little Christmas lights, and can be personalized by kids (and parents) of all ages.

Glueing gray paper light socket cut outs onto clothespin for Christmas craft garland

Clara very kindly volunteered to color on a few of the bulbs before we left home, just in case the kids needed a subtle nudge that they’re allowed to go to town on these. But the nudge wasn’t needed. While we were there installing a few things, a 10-year-old girl named Jessie came in with her nurse and colored a bunch of them for us. You can see her self-portrait on the green one below. She’s just about the coolest kid ever. Thanks for getting the garland project started, Jessie!

Close up of paper Christmas light bulb garland with kid artwork on paper bulbs for Childrens Hospital of Richmond

3. Vintage cardboard “PEACE” letters

Above the garland is a little lettered “PEACE” sign made from cardboard letters from the craft store. It’s a word we’ve been keeping in mind while choosing items for the room since, of all the feelings this holiday season can bring, peace seemed like a good one for a space that you want to be calming and welcoming for all of the families who will be spending their time in this room. The first step was grabbing these cardboard letters from JoAnn fabric.

Cardboard craft letters from JoAnn Fabric spelling PEACE

We’d seen some folks on the interweb cut them open before, so we decided to give it a go. I sliced along the top edge of each one (not a quick process, I’ll warn you) and then smoothed things out a bit with a sanding block afterward. The cardboard didn’t cut super cleanly, so the sanding helped to get rid of some of the raggedness.

Cutitng cardboard letter with craft knife and sanding edge smooth

Here’s the scene after my cutting and sanding spree.

Cardboard craft letters with surface cut off

Once cut, Sherry took them outside and gave them a coat of gold spray paint (still leftover from our book photoshoots, wouldn’t you know). She focused her spraying mostly on the edges, because we had other plans for the inside: a colorful gradient from turquoise to dark navy. Since we had a few shades of blue craft paint around it was pretty easy to achieve the range of colors.

Painting inside of cardboard craft letter with blue gradient paint

It wasn’t until after we were done that we realized they kind of resembled old metal letters. Somewhere between the metallic spray paint and the still sightly rough edge, it gave them a bit of a rusted, vintage look. It was awesome to see people reaching out to touch them, thinking they were made of something heavy and then realizing they’re just painted cardboard.

Finished cardboard craft letters painted in gradient for holiday decorations in Childrens Hospital of Richmond

4. A Gradient Menorah

And speaking of blue gradients, Sherry decided to carry that theme over to the Menorah that we brought into the room, which was inspired by the gradient candles that were in her original moodboard’s menorah candles. Thank goodness we got it into the room with a few days of Hanukkah still left (it went in on Tuesday)!

Blue gradient spray painted Menorah DIY project

For this little upgrade, we found a regular white menorah at Party City, and Sherry bought two cans of spray paint for that graduated effect. The first one was a dark blue color that she applied around the base on all sides (Lagoon by Rust-oleum) and then some aqua got sprayed through the middle portion on all sides (Blue Ocean Breeze by Krylon). She simply left the original white color along the top, and it probably took ten minutes total.

Two cans of blue spray paint for DIY Menorah painting holiday project for gradient effect

So there are four little holiday updates that we’ve completed for anyone who has been wondering what we’ve been up to in there. Now we’ve moved onto the rest of the projects on our to-do list that are still not crossed off (see below) one of which will feature the messages, cards, and other well-wishes that a bunch of you have sent our way (thank you, THANK YOU!).

We’ll be finishing up next week (exciting bigger things will be coming in, like our cozy armchair, the window treatments, some bigger wall items, etc) and then they’re actually editing a short video of the makeover along with some Sherry’s-already-crying-just-thinking-about-it reactions from the sweet families who are spending their time in the room. We can’t wait to share that stuff with you guys as soon as we can!

White Christmas tree at Childrens Hospital of Richmond with DIY decor

Here’s what our To Do list is looking like as of this morning:

  • New paint job on walls. Done!
  • Build a large custom chalkboard for holiday cheer messages and kid doodles (and hang it). Done!
  • Assemble tree and decorate it. Done!
  • Buy (and paint) menorah. Done!
  • Make clip-up garland for kid-drawings. Done!
  • Make removable fireplace panel for under the TV and decorate the “mantel.” Done!
  • Cut, paint, and hang our big PEACE sign. Done!
  • Receive custom art for the kitchen area from a kind reader (all the way in Australia!). Done, just have to hang it!
  • Add in a white (but not ceramic) animal friend somewhere. Done!
  • Add snowflakes to all the windows. Done!
  • Make wintry (washable faux velvet?) tablecloths & add small snowy tree centerpieces.
  • Hang wreaths in kitchen area.
  • Pick up window treatments (once they’re done) and hang them.
  • Paint and hang di-cut trees around room ledge (can’t wait to share more details on this! We recruited the coolest local company to help us make them).
  • Decorate pillars near entry and arch between them.
  • Bring in cozy armchair for corner.
  • Paint and hang two cork boards full of messages from you guys.
  • Create wood slice art (3 pieces) for the wall between those two cork boards. Done, just need to hang them!

Decorations and makeover aside, I have to quickly say what a humbling experience this has been. Maybe between now and the next post I’ll find the right words to express exactly what I mean – but witnessing what the staff at the CHoR does is pretty incredible. To get even small glimpses of the heart-wrenching stuff they encounter every day has been pretty eye-opening… and it really puts the idea of stressing over decorations and holiday entertaining into perspective. So in case we forget to say it later, a big thank you to anyone who does a tough job like that and makes such an amazing difference for so many families who are dealing with some very heavy stuff. We’re grateful there are folks like you in the world.

Update: You can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here – many of which are under $15! 

Comments

  3. Robin says

    Adorable! Can’t wait to see the final reveal. I picked up that same valspar color from lowes as well with that coupon… used it to paint a paper mache homemade rhino head.

    Reply

  4. Sarah Elmahdy says

    You guys are doing such an awesome job! All that you have done thus far has brought a smile to my face. I really like the ‘Peace’ sign, the combination of the gold and color really makes it special and the gradient effect on the menorah is very impressive! I can’t wait to see the finished room :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I really think that’s the best paint. We have no Rust-oleum affiliation or anything, but whenever I try something else it’s not quite as easy/smooth to apply.

      xo
      s

    • Jess says

      Stephanie – You spray-painted lampshades?? I had no idea this was possible. Were they just regular fabric shades? I’d love to try this!

  6. S. Riggs says

    Nice job so far. Can’t wait to see the end results. More importantly, a great cause. Since St. Jude is our family cause this is nice to see.

    Reply

    • Jihane says

      so true!!!

      I love everything you did but the fireplace is my favorite, it’s really awesome! I wanted to send a postcard from Italy but I thought it was too late. Then I read your comment below and decided to send it anyway, even if the postcard doesn’t make it before Christmas. After all, what really matters is to send some love. This simple idea makes me happy :)

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw, thanks Megan! I can’t even explain how humbling and awesome this experience has been. Hands down the most exciting project we’ve had all year (well, maybe tied with cooking a little bun).

      xo
      s

    • Constance says

      I was holding back tears at the end, too! It’s just both so heart-warming and sadly touching at the same time.

  12. Diane says

    You guys are awesome! I’m loving the faux fireplace and the spraypainted menora! Can’t wait to see the completed room!

    Reply

  13. marie says

    Hello,
    I really like what you’re doing and almost started crying myself (and I am nowhere near pregnant). My son had to undergo surgery 2 years ago and it was a really difficult experience, although it was nothing severe and he is totally allright now. Hospitals are so cold!
    Do you think it is too late to send a postcard from France?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      You’re so sweet Marie! Send away! If it comes too late for the reveal, we’ll just circle back and hang another round of inbox stuff on the cork boards a week later. Will still make it before Christmas! And I’m so sorry to hear about your son, but hope he’s doing awesome now!

      xo
      s

  14. Rachael says

    Darn it! Now I’m crying. My mascara is ruined. The cat is looking at me like I’m crazy (even more proof that he has no Christmas spirit… the attacks on the tree had me suspicious, but this cinches it).

    You’ve done a wonderful job so far. I can’t wait to see the end results!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Darn it, now I’m crying! Haha! Thanks Rachael. You’re so sweet. We have been having so much fun with this project and feel so blessed to be invited to contribute.

      xo
      s

    • Jess says

      OH my god, I just laughed the ugliest laugh out loud at your cat comment.

      Also – I am going to just comment here instead of making you moderate another comment in a second – I just want to say that I think this is such a wonderful thing you are doing. Totally amazing, and bringing so much joy to others. Studies actually show that when you do things for others, your own happiness increases so much! And you guys have truly have expressed this, and it’s clear how much gratitude you have for this and the people that are there day in and day out!

      You guys are truly inspiring – I feel like this is motivating me to do something for my community in some way.

      xoxo

  16. Katie H. says

    Everything looks so great. I just love everything about this project. Reading these updates is so humbling and makes me appreciate everything I have so much more.

    Sidenote – did you find out yesterday? Prayers that bun all is perfect with Bun.

    Reply

  17. Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story says

    Cutting those letters out was genius. I was sure they were metal in the first pic. Pinning it. Liked the light bulb garland idea too. Great to incorporate the kids into the decorating too. As usual a job well done from whatever snippets we got to see. :)

    Reply

  18. Kierstin says

    This is the true purpose of Christmas. Not the commercialism or massive gift giving, but the giving of your time, energy and creativity to those in need. Now I think I have a tear in my eye. Good for you, guys.

    Reply

  19. Sarah says

    What you’re doing is absolutely wonderful and such a great example for your little one. I’m absolutely in LOVE with the peace letters/sign! Can I ask how you hung them up?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Sarah! 3M velcro has been our best friend for this project! That way everything seasonal is removable and then you can just pull those little tabs to release the velcro piece against the wall without leaving any marks.

      xo
      s

    • Nikki says

      I can’t believe what all you’ve accomplished! Wow! Did anyone else help you guys?
      Also, I hope that the Peace sign is not seasonal. ;)

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Nikki! It would be really cool if they keep it up year round! As for everything we’ve done in the space, it has been just John and I save for some room-painting helpers. We have been having so much fun with it. We’re in holiday elf mode :)

      xo
      s

  22. Brittany D says

    I can’t tell you how much I love this post. Honestly, its one of my favorites to date. You two are so sweet, talented and generous.

    Reply

  23. Emily says

    Looks amazing already can’t wait to see the rest of the makeover! Such a lovely thing to do, I bet it’ll make such a difference to the families there
    Emily
    Pobble & Ping
    X

    Reply

  24. Diane Taylor says

    You guys….this blows me away. I have big tears in my eyes and snot running out of my nose – not a good look at work lol! I can feel the love you put into each of these projects. We did a project this year in my son’s memory with St Jude and they sent us pics of the kids with the goodies we sent (they got them last week, my son’s fav charity was St Judes, he would be so proud). Total meltdown.

    Question: how big can the note be? Does ti have to be postcard size?

    Thanks for sharing this – you guys are amazeballs.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh Diane, you’re so sweet. I love hearing about what you’ve done in your son’s memory, and you’re right, he would be so proud. As for the note, any size will do! We have received small cards and notes and big giant fold-out snowflakes! They’re all going to look so festive when they’re hung up all together!

      xo
      s

  26. Rachel says

    I love what youve done with the room! Especially the hanukkiah (hate to be technical, but the menorah was in the Temple with 7 candles… Hanukkiahs commemorate Hanukkah and have 9).

    Happy holidays!

    Reply

    • c says

      So true, Rachel! And if we’re being technical, Hanukah is technically finished as of sundown this evening. (So including the Hanukkiah like putting up Christmas décor after Dec 25.) But its a nice gesture anyway.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Those little 3M velcro strips have been our best friends for this project! That way everything seasonal is removable and then they can just pull those little tabs to release the velcro piece against the wall without leaving any marks.

      xo
      s

  28. LaurenCarny says

    My 16 (now 17) year old sister was diagnosed with leukemia in April of 2012 and last year we spent the week of Thanksgiving at Texas Children’s with her fighting an infection. I can’t tell you how much it warms my heart that you guys are using your gifts and talents to bless those who are going through a hard time. Thank you so much. I know that it truly brightens a day to see that someone has spread a some cheer and joy in a place that could be otherwise dark and gloomy. How I wish I could see the faces of the families whose lives you’ve made brighter!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks so much Lauren! I hope your sister is doing well! And thanks for the kind words. The hospital is actually going to be making a video to share some of the families reactions (I have my tissues ready!) so we can’t wait to share that with you guys.

      xo
      s

  29. Laurie says

    Love love LOVE it you guys! This is going to be the best room ever. The letters are awesome. I might have to do the same thing for my big wall.

    Excellent work Petersiks!

    Reply

  30. Sunny says

    My son Aidan was a patient there at Childrens hospital about 2 years ago. My husband and I spent many hours there waiting and resting, pacing and crying. The improvements you guys have made will make a huge difference to the families who have to spend time on the wing. It’s an emotional roller coaster being there and anything that takes your mind off of the stress of the moment is a welcome distraction. Thankfully, our son has recovered and we have many fond memories of the nurses and doctors who cared for him. I’m sure the families spending time over the holidays will enjoy the decorations, along with all the staff. Thank you for taking the time and Congrats on completing an awesome project!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes, it’s so much fun to be involved! And so rewarding to hear back that people are already so excited about such small things like the new paint and the art we got to hang. Can’t wait for the room to be all full and finished for those awesome families.

      xo
      s

  32. maria says

    amazing!! cannot wait to see this all complete. definitely already gave me the misty eyes so i can’t imaging how you guys will do when you see the reactions from everyone. keep it together guys :) :)

    Reply

  35. Lisa E says

    Everything is looking wonderful. Love everything about this project and I’m not just talking about the decorations. Kudos.

    Reply

  36. Trissi V. says

    You guys truly ROCK!!! I can’t wait to see the tree and the room as a whole. Right now I am pretty sure my that the faux fireplace and the Christmas light paper garland and the Menorah … are a few of my favorite things.

    Reply

  38. Jenny says

    Your last paragraph is so well said! I work in pediatric critical care and it is both difficult and extremely rewarding. Anything that can bring even a moment of joy to families spending their holidays in the hospital is so important, so what you guys are doing is amazing! Thank you.

    Reply

  39. Allison says

    My husband and I are expecting a baby girl in February, but there are some health issues and we plan on spending at least a few months at the Children’s Hospital in Seattle. We toured the hospital the other day to get an idea of what to expect, and I admit it is very humbling! To see all those poor kids that live there and families that have to deal with sick children is heart breaking. The staff was wonderful and I have so much admiration and respect for what they do. I think it is great that you guys are doing this project, it will certainly brighten the holidays for all those kids and families. I hope this is a reminder to everyone what a blessing it is to be healthy and have healthy children!

    Reply

  40. Rachael C says

    Looks fabulous! I’m a child life specialist at Dell Children’s in Austin, and man I wish we had y’all to come decorate here! The room looks delightful, and I’m sure so many families will love spending time in it!

    Just one important note–I saw that you listed a patient name, and without the properly signed form, it’s a major HIPAA (patient privacy protection laws)violation that’s taken quite seriously. I LOVE that kids are getting into the spirit of what you’re doing, but I just had to stop reading right where I was and let you know, because I don’t want you to get in trouble.

    Thanks for your kinds hearts and the way you’ve taken this on, especially when you’re so busy. It’s just fabulous and fantastic.

    much love from austin,
    Rachael

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Rachael! We’d love to come to Austin and decorate with you! And thanks for the name tip! We believe she is going to be in the makeover video and has already signed a release (the staff said the picture of her sketch, which also has her first name on it, was a-ok to photograph/use). So I hope everyone will be seeing more of her at the reveal!

      xo
      s

    • Rachael C says

      Phew! I was pretty sure you would have worked that out, but just wanted to mention it to make sure. Y’all are great :)

  41. Mary Beth says

    Wow! Can’t wait for the reveal, the kids and parents are going to enjoy this space this holiday and for many to come.
    Side note: I had a fireplace in my postpartum delivery room (so they are possible in hospitals) :-) The room was so homey and huge. My husband and I said that it was very romantic, even though the last thing I wanted to do was “be romantic” :-P

    Reply

  43. Kirsten says

    Your project looks amazing! I’m a nurse a Duke, and we decorate all the doors on our floor for the holidays to make the hospital feel more festive. I’ve been so brainwashed about HIPAA that I wondered if the girl (or really her parents) who colored the lights gave permission to be mentioned on the blog. I know you guys are so thorough that I hate asking. It really is so generous of you to give your time to decorate the waiting room. I can’t wait to see the finished product!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Kirsten! We believe she is going to be in the makeover video and has already signed a release (the staff said the picture of her sketch, which also has her first name on it, was a-ok to photograph/use). So I hope everyone will be seeing more of her at the reveal! She’s the best.

      xo
      s

  44. Christina B. says

    Sherry, will you pass the tissues, please? I’m so happy for the positive impact this makeover is having for everyone involved.

    Reply

  45. Melissa R says

    I love the tree you guys chose!! Fake trees usually look kinda wonky, but I’m loving the white – it kind of looks like feathers!! (in a good way)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Melissa! I was worried about not being traditional and going with green, but they have a bunch of those all over the hospital so it was really nice to do something different for the Children’s area. One happy accident about it is that with the new mocha walls the white looks so great against them! Oh man, I’m glad it worked out.

      xo
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That would have been awesome but I think it wouldn’t have been to code since it gets hot. Will have to ask though, since that really would be cozy year-round!

      xo
      s

  48. Heather Brewer says

    From a parent who spends plenty of time in a children’s hospital with her son, thank you for being so thoughtful :)

    Reply

  49. Plein Jane says

    I’ve been waiting to feel the Christmas spirit. This did it. Thank you — and can’t wait to see the reveal!

    Reply

  50. Stardancer says

    Love all of the details. I can’t wait to see the whole room revealed, especially after some more personalized decorations get added.

    (Also waiting with bated breath to find out about the bun! :D)

    Reply

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