Young House Love

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Updating A Thrift Store Doll’s Cradle

Psst- We’re still at work on the living room (you got a preview of that mess project here) so we’ll be back with those details on Monday (barring any unforeseen catastrophes). 

Woot, it’s Friday y’all. I’ll pause while you celebrate with a desk/cubicle/subway/couch dance. Speaking of rejoicing, for every time that we share heavier DIY related projects (laying a stone patio, building a deck, renovating our kitchen, or even adding board & batten) there are always a ton of little updates that we tackle – sometimes for less than $5 in under 5 minutes. Which explains why our Projects page is full of those things too (you know we love a smorgasbord). So after sharing a bigger upgrade this week (adding crown molding to Clara’s nursery) and while we’re finishing a few more for next week (our aforementioned living room dealio + more crown molding) we thought a small and inexpensive jelly bean of a project was a nice way to end the week.

What you’ve never heard of a jelly bean project? Ok, me either, but I think it should be used to describe little updates that are easy to pop into your mouth schedule & budget. So you all remember this old wooden cradle that we scored for $11 at a local thrift shop for the fun little Macklemore Challenge that we did a little while ago, right?

Stuff We Bought

Well, we mentioned that we wanted to paint it – and although a few folks cried out to keep the old wood, in person it was a lot less appealing (it had burn marks, scuffs, and smelled like it had been in storage for 30 years). I just craved something a little crisper and happier for the bean – which you caught a glimse of here in this closet post when I revealed I had painted it white.

Closet Done 4

But white isn’t as fun as it can be (but it sure is a great base color to layer things over). So I had a plan to turn the fun-dial up (what, that’s not a thing?) with some bright red pom-pom trim, scored for just 79 cents at JoAnn in the remnant/discount pile.

Cradle2

As for how I attached the pom-pom trim, I thought about gluing it or nailing it and then I realized I had some old nailheads leftover from an old rocking chair that I recovered, so I just tapped one of them in the backside of each swag to hold them in place. Oh but first I used crazy glue to “seal” the ends of the pom pom fringe on each side so it wouldn’t fray, let that dry, and then nail-headed it into place.

Cradle1

Then I tossed a lumbar pillow that I already had around the house in there to act as a little doll mattress (you might recognize it as the old chair pillow in Clara’s first nursery), which was a lot faster than sewing a cushion. Use whatcha got, right?

Cradle3

Then I tucked dolly under this sweet pink blanket and bam: a fresh and happy cradle with all of Clara’s favorite colors (she’s nutso for red and pink these days). No sewing, no cursing, no crying. And instead of paying $59 for something like this Pottery Barn doll cradle, I spent under $15 to take an old secondhand one up a few notches.

Cradle4

So mission accomplished. And by mission I mean “my kid likes it.” Clara loves rocking her babies (and tucking them in, and kissing them, and filling the crib with plastic animals, and trying to put Burger in there…).

Oh and as for the rear view, here’s how those nailheads turned out:

Cradle6

It’s definitely a nice clean look – and after a few days of playing with her suped up cradle, all that Clara does is occasionally drape the pom-pom trim over the back of the footboard and headboard, but it’s easy enough to drape it back over the front (I worried she might try to rip it off or yank on it and make it all loose, but so far she has just accepted the trim as part of the cradle and isn’t trying to tug it off or anything). Hooray for small victories and small updates. Especially if they involve pom-pom trim.

Has anyone else been making over any kid things from the thrift store? How about a real crib? Any crib skirt DIY-fests going on? You know I love a no-sew crib skirt…

Psst- We picked a winner for this week’s giveaway – click here to see if it’s you.

Comments

  1. Johanna says

    I love this adorable little update!!! Everything isn’t always a giant renovation, knocking down walls and adding new flooring etc…. You don’t have a work crew, it’s just you two doing all of this by yourselves and I love that! :) I found an old children’s rocking chair at our local thrift for $2! It’s been sitting in my basement for a few months now waiting on a new face… My daughter is 8 months old so I’m in no hurry, but I just couldn’t say no to such a good deal!! Keep it real guys :) have a great weekend!!!

    Reply

  2. Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says

    Sometimes it’s shocking to see how rude people are when they comment. You guys do an amazing job of responding back in kindness though. I’m sure occasionally it can dampen even the best of spirits. It’s your blog. Say what you want to say and kudos for dialing things down a notch every once in a while… especially when your mom is in town. Enjoy your weekend!

    Reply

    • Mariangela says

      I totally agree with Krystle, I’m utterly astounded at the way people are all full of attitude behind a keyboard. If it’s not your thing, and you really feel the need to say something, I’m sure it’s possible without acting like Sherry and John owe you something to your taste every day. The variety and whimsy are all part of the charm and what I love about YHL. Happy Friday! I’m off to pom-pom-ify something.. :)

  3. Chrissie says

    I have to say I absolutely love the variety of projects you do…big and small. I have two kids & it’s always fun to see what little upgrades I could make to their toys! I hope the “haters” out there don’t get you down. My husband is a musician & it amazes me all the “opinions” he gets. Some people think their opinion is fact. Why do some people feel the need to share every negative thought with people who are just trying to share their craft. It’s hurtful, rude & arrogant. I hope you don’t give much time, thought or credit to their ugliness. It has eaten enough of mine! I know you get positive feedback tenfold, but I’ll add one more. I am a huge fan! You guys are talented & awesome. Please don’t change a thing!

    Reply

  4. MegP says

    You guys are amazing and it’s incredible how much stuff you get done. You always have tons going on and are sweet enough to share so many things with your readers.

    Your kindness and patience with some of these comments really shows what good people you are! I cringed reading some of the “unfriendly” comments today because you guys don’t deserve to hear stuff like that. Keep on being your awesome selves!

    Reply

  5. Lauren says

    Now you can truly say “John Wayne ain’t got nothin’ on my fringe game hellooooooo!” Haha, it kept running through my head and I thought it was appropriate with this post. Have a great weekend! :)

    Reply

  6. rachael says

    This is adorable! I had a little cradle when I was younger and now you’ve got me wondering if my mom still has it somewhere. My 2.5 year old is really into dolls since we had our son 2 months ago so now I’m thinking it would be so much fun if she had a cradle to put them to “sleep” in. Her “baby” sadly has to nap in her bed while Elliot sleeps in a crib. If her doll had her own little bed then everyone wins!
    For the record, the negative comments make me really sad. I can’t imagine you guys going into your weekend having to read garbage like some of the stuff I read today. Why does it matter to other people what you do with YOUR stuff? Its not like they have to live with the painted cradle. I know you guys don’t really drink but you might have to start if you ever paint Clara’s big girl dresser and share it with us….Bee-tee-dubs, I love everything you do, I really do!! Thanks so much for coming here every day to share your home and lives with us, you inspire me every single day!

    Reply

  7. Mo says

    Aha! Now I know what to do with those lace scarves that I realize are too fiddly to knit another four feet of, but too pretty to rip out. They can become doll crib blankets!

    Out of curiosity – how long is the one in this bed?

    Reply

  8. Kathleen says

    Just wanted to add another vote for you doing your thing. I’m sure Clara will cherish the cradle even more since you personalized it for her. So funny, we brought that same doll back from Hawaii, is that where you guys got it too?

    Reply

  9. Rebecca says

    I have to admit, I’m so surprised by all the negative comments on today’s posts! I usually scroll through the comments to check out other questions/answers and talk about sippin’ on some hater-ade today. As I’ve read in Roo’s blog, haterz to the left folks.

    Happy Friday, Petersiks! You are both amazing, and whether your project is big or small, you always seem to stay true to yourselves and the needs/wants of your little bean.

    Reply

  10. Lea says

    I love the big and small projects -keep ’em both coming.

    And as my 12 year old daughter loves to remind us when someone is being negative, “haters gonna hate – don’t let it get you down!”.

    Reply

  11. nad says

    Whaaa? When did you guys spray paint it? I saw your spoils from the thrift shop challenge and today I saw it with the pom pom fringe… Can you pleaseeeeee do a post on how you spray painted the cradle and chair? They are of different materials so I would be interested in the details

    Reply

    • nad says

      Thanks for your reply!

      I’ve read your post before.. Your blog was the reason I ran out and bought an ORB spray paint.. But when I sprayed it on wood (not laminate or veneer but solid wood), it ended up being super drippy! I couldn’t get past two sprays! Any ideas on why this could have happened?

      Also did you prime both the cradle and the chair? Do you prime while using the ORB spray paint?

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh no! I think you were applying it too thick and holding the can too close. You really want it to to look like a mist. Like hair spray. Always keep it moving and never get too close so a drip can’t form. Hope it helps! Oh and as for the chair and the cradle, yes I primed them both because both of the spray paints had primer built in (just read the label to make sure whatever you choose does too since it helps a lot with adhesion!). And the ORB spray paint has primer built in too, so that’s helpful as well :)

      xo
      s

  12. Sher says

    I really just wanted to comment that you guys are a class act and that is why I continue to be an avid reader. The way you handle the negativity is truly commendable and something others should mirror. I guess as a blogger, you have to be/become “thick-skinned,” but you guys continue to do it with class.

    I think that you guys have a great diversity of projects for ALL types of DIYers, and I appreciate that….and yes, there are some posts that I skim through and others I pore over. But, I think that is what makes your blog special. Decorating definitely is a personal thing and I enjoy seeing your perspectives whether they match mine or not. Keep on keeping on, Petersiks! Love the blog!

    Reply

  13. Ana Maria says

    Very cute – looks caravanesque… I could see the cradle being supported by an elephant in Indonesia with a fancy carpet on it’s back. Also, nice job on turning a scary movie title into something adorable.

    Reply

  14. Cyn says

    Hi There,
    I’m a new reader & have really been enjoying your posts and getting lots of great ideas.

    I’m getting ready to do some of my own renovating and was wondering if you are open to answering pretty basic design questions?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We used to tackle Design Dilemmas for readers, but with Clara around we no longer have enough hours in the day! We love for folks to upload a pic to our Facebook page though – that way people can chime in with advice and it’s a fun way for everyone to get in on the action!

      xo
      s

  15. Barbara Holmes says

    Love the cradle. “Viva la pom pom!”

    But, I’m posting because I just saw this on One King’s Lane and thought of you (I know that’s weird, but I know you are used to it by now. The burden of being a celebrity :) Anyway, check out this adorable beehive-themed dinnerware, in a cool way!

    https://www.onekingslane.com/product/19783/956339

    Reply

  16. Melanie says

    It looks great! Love the added pom-poms. Perfect touch!

    In other news, is that My Chihuahua Bites I spot on your nails? Sincerely, the girl who gave you nail polish at the Charlotte book signing :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, I love that! Its actually Zoya (Maura is the color name) but I can’t wait to try My Chihuahua Bites (although Burger would like to clarify that he only “nibbles” – haha!).

      xo
      s

  18. Carla says

    I’m still in love with the rough wood finish, but the red is cute. I just had a vision of going wild with a red floral stencil (small, happy flowers) on the cradle. I have a feeling we’re going to see this fun cradle evolve over time. :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Ooh that sounds fun too! I worried too much pattern on the crib meant the blanket had to be all subdued, but it would be fun to layer pattern into the crib and the blanket someday…

      xo
      s

  20. Tami says

    How dare you not completely renovate a whole room or house every day! Bahahahahahahaha…seriously what is wrong with people!!??? You guys are great and this wealth of knowledge you are giving out is FREEEEE!!! People never cease to amaze me with their comments! People go write your own blog instead of telling someone else how to write theirs!! LOVE me some YHL!! Keep up the good work!!

    Reply

  21. Jessica says

    First comment ever! Is it weird that I am more shy over the internet than I would be in person? but I just wanted to say that I love you guys and the smaller, easier projects. Those are the ones I can actually do! Please don’t change a thing, unless it’s more Clara & burger :)

    Reply

  22. Katalina says

    off subject but made me laugh… went to the post office today and guess what was playing on the radio?

    the thrift store rap but I am sure you made popular with your blog and I could even visualize Sherry in the rose pink long coat!

    Ok I need a life.

    Reply

    • Nina says

      I just heard the song in the radio – and I live in Switzerland! They even played it in our salsa dance lesson. Young house love – your power is global now! ;-)

  23. janetl says

    I can’t you believe you painted that wicker chair! What were you guys thinking? I’ll never read again….

    :)

    Reply

  24. Kaely says

    In many cases I prefer the look of painted wood. I see people get all upset about “spoiling the beauty of the wood grain,” but what’s a girl to do when she likes painted furniture? I don’t want to fill my house with pressed fiberboard and plastic. Sometimes you just have to paint the wood.

    About the superglue on the ends of the trim to keep it from fraying. I usually use a wood burning tool or a lighter to finish the ends of trim, I find it holds up better than glue.

    Reply

  26. Diana says

    I just gave your book to a young couple that got married. I wish I had your blog and book when we got married and bought our first house (no blogs back then)…

    Love your site, projects, and family! Thanks for all that you do!

    Reply

  27. Mina says

    Love it! Anything with pom pom trim makes my giddy. Wonder if I could pom pom something right now? Hmnnnn (looking around scanning the living room)… : )

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Ooh, how about running it around the bottom inside seam of a lamp shade- wouldn’t that be cute? Or along the base or side of curtains. Mmmm.

      xo
      s

  28. Kelly says

    Your blog is wonderful! Keep doing what you’re doing, haters are going to hate no matter what you write. Bless you two for being so kind and gracious.

    Much love!! :)

    Reply

  29. Chris says

    This is exactly why I love the resurgence of DIY and revamping etc. great job. Cute but easy – win win.

    Reply

  30. Pam Gereau says

    Just wondering where you got the flowered fabric in the second photo (*pre pom pom trim). I’ll be on the lookout for one I can re-do for my granddaughter… Love the makeover!

    Reply

  31. Andrea Sims says

    I am late to the comment party here (I read the post this morning) but was back for some fun past posts and GEE LOUISE-it is just your home decor/fun life stories blog not your belief manifesto. It really surprises me that people actually comment on yes I like or no I don’t like or even worse-why did you share this!? We are lucky to be entertained, enlightened, and educated by your awesome DIY adventures. I am pretty sure you have never said this is THE only way to things and it is perfect for everyone. It is like the saying “you say to-ma-toes and I say to-maa-toes.” Some posts I love, some I wouldn’t do but that is fine because this is not my DIY adventures-it is yours. Keep up the good work and I can’t wait for Monday’s post!

    Reply

  33. Mandy says

    Love the doll crib- super cute! I have a real crib question for you. My husband and I are expecting a baby boy next month. We are just starting the nursery. (Nothing like waiting till the last minute huh?) We bought the same crib that you two have, the Baby Mod Parklane. We haven’t put it together yet so I haven’t played around with it yet. I’m planning on making a crib skirt and attaching it with Velcro like you did. My question is, does the crib skirt get in the way of the drawer as you lower the mattress? I know you eventually removed the skirt once you had lowered the mattress all the way but what did you do during the in between stages? Thanks! Love love love the blog :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes, once you lower the mattress the skirt would hang too low (the area that it hangs on comes down) – we just used ours at the high and low setting, so there wasn’t any in between stage. Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

  34. Meleah says

    Our first daughter wouldn’t have attempted to pull the pom trim off either. Our second daughter would have pulled the pom trim off in 2 seconds. Watch out for that second one. They are always opposite of the first child. XD

    Reply

  35. Juliet says

    Goodness Sherry, you are graciousness personified. You are my she-ro! I hope that if I ever have a following on my blog that is even a fraction of yours, that I can remain as calm under pressure. Just wow!

    Reply

  36. Lisa E says

    Hi guys. I just want to thank you for all that you do and how generous you are. It still amazes me how people feel the need to criticize when last time I checked, this was YOUR blog and you didn’t ask, ha! I’m not going to agree/like everything you do just as if I had a blog you wouldn’t agree/like everything I did and that is ok! God mades all uniquely different. My goodness how boring would it be if we were all the same?!! So I just wanted to write this to give you a boost to keep doing what you do and to thank you for being so gracious in light of other’s negativity. I also wanted to comment on that I think it’s great that you don’t take what sponsors offer and instead offer it to us. Totally generous. I’m not sure I wouldn’t grab what I could, it would be too tempting. That just shows once again, what positive role models you are and not to take the haters seriously. Again, many thanx.

    Reply

  38. Amy says

    Ya put board and batten and moulding and celing boards up in the last two weeks(would take me months/years?? to get all that done) ….can we let the lady nail some Pom Pom fringe, have a cup of tea and take a nap! For cryin in the mud!
    Plus I’m sure this was no small task in Clara’s eyes…I bet this means the world to her.

    Keep doing you and feelin the love!

    Reply

  39. Kati says

    Another darling project! Just wondering where you find all of the fabric you use! I’m pregnant with my second child and we will be doing tons of DIY stuff this time. You both make it far less intimidating! I managed to pull off the 15min shade so I feel like I can conquer anything! I love your blog very much and pray you will come to Spokane WA one day!

    PS if you have any advice on how to pull together a bedroom for my 4yr old son and an upcoming baby that would be awesome. I’m nervous about how to share the space in a not so large room! Thanks!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks so much Kati! We find it wither from JoAnn or Hancock with coupons or local fabric outlets. Hope it helps! And as for how to pull together a bedroom for your 4 year old son and the upcoming baby, I’d just try to keep things contained (baskets for toys and bins or drawers for clothes and blankets can make cleaning up a lot easier since everything has a place to “live” at the end of the day). Good luck!

      xo
      s

  40. Valerie J. says

    I’m not sure how ya’ll put up with some people on the internet, but I assume you are pretty good at ignoring them by now. I was going to comment that although I personally wouldn’t use nail heads around small children I was very inspired to go look for a doll cradle at a thrift shop for my 3 yr. old daughter. AND paint it! :) The paint is way better…for one thing, you covered up any old, yucky stuff that could have been on it and it’s a safe, clean surface for play time now. Also, just as a side note…I miss 2 posts per weekday. It makes me kind of sad that T,Th, Fri only get one. So people can complain all they want about this post, but I want more of them. :)

    Reply

  42. KiwiKat says

    Love the small projects as much as the big ones (sometimes more) and that you make things so accessible. I’ve just finished reading all 828 pages of postings after finding your sight just before Christmas….whew!

    I’m currently working on how I can paint a phrase on the side of my bookshelf without it being a complete mess…will send pics when it eventually gets done!

    Reply

  44. Kal says

    Hey lovelies,
    I just wanted to say how amazing you guys are- and how well you handle the ridiculous comments. Sherdog, you are one classy lady. And thank you for being an example for the rest of us. I hope other bloggers will take a note from your book and always be take the high road with negative people. I also hope people realize this is your blog… Do what you love, not what other people tell you to do.

    I love everything you guys do… except for things involving electricity. I’m not great with that. Haha. ;) Keep doin’ the great stuff and know that there is a boat load of people that love the blog. A little too much :)

    Oh, right, pompoms rock. That is all. :)

    Reply

  47. Cleo says

    Hi there! I’m a new reader but boy your blog is addictive! I have worked my way through many months of entries and I absolutely adore your living room. Would you say you spend more time in this room rather than the kitchen? Or is it pretty even? Love this website!

    P.S Just ordered your book! Looking forward to the delivery:)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Cleo! I’d say that we spend much more time in the living room, but the kitchen gets a lot of action for an hour or two each night (we typically eat breakfast and lunch in the dining room and only spend a few minutes in the kitchen preparing it, and log a lot more time in the living room throughout the day and in the evening :)

      And thanks for ordering our book! Hope you love it.

      xo
      s

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