Tag: baby storage ideas

Nursery Storage Ideas: Make Your Own Crib Pocket Organizer

Crib Organizer From Kaboodle.com   Pretty In Pink From Dibor.co.uk

Aren’t these pocket organizers just the cutest thing? And handy too to get organized in your nursery! Just wrap the straps around the crib rail, tie to secure and everything you need to change your baby’s diaper or to get him dressed and ready for the day is within reach and ready to go.

Cute crib organizers are not easy to find especially if you want one to match your décor or theme or to fit your specific needs. So why not make one yourself?

Shopping list

To make one like those shown above you will need:

1.5 yards of gingham fabric – $6
Three 18 inch lengths of grosgrain ribbon = $2
12 hook and loop dot sets – $1
A roll of polyfil quilt batting – $4

Total cost = $13

Optional decorations: mini plush figures, wooden shapes, ribbons – whatever takes your fancy and fits your budget.

 

 

How to make a crib pocket organizer

Cut the fabric into 3 pieces

Divide the piece of fabric into 3 equal parts measuring half a yard each. Set one aside. The other two pieces will become the main body of the crib organizer. Measure and trim the pieces so that the final measurements are about 34 inches by 20 inches.

Cut the batting

Once you have the 2 pieces cut to size lay the batting over the fabric and cut the batting so that it will fit between the layers of fabric. The batting should measure about 33 inches by 19 inches minimum.

Prepare the fabric for the batting

To finish the edges and secure the batting in place first you will need to fold the edges over 2 inches on all four sides. Next run a hot iron over the folded edges to set the seams. Once that is done place the batting between the layers positioned so the folded edge from the front piece of fabric wraps around the edges of the batting and the back piece folded edges are facing the batting and lying flat. Pin the sides in place to prevent the fabric and batting from shifting when run through the sewing machine.

Position the ribbon

Before sewing the edge seams measure and cut 3 lengths of grosgrain ribbon to 18 inches. Fold each length of ribbon in half and then place the ribbons with about an inch of the folded edge between the batting and fabric layers. Place the ribbons so that they are evenly spaced across the top of the organizer as they will become the ties that will secure the organizer to the crib rail.

Sew the outer seam

Now you are ready to sew a 1 inch seam around all four sides, paying close attention to the top edge to ensure the ribbons are secure and that the batting is completely enclosed as this will keep the batting in place and create the quilted look that makes this organizer so appealing.

Cut the fabric to make the pockets

To make the pockets you will need to fold the remaining half yard of fabric in half, iron the fold and then cut on the folded line so that you now have two pieces of fabric. Now fold each piece in half and trim so that each piece measures about 18 inches tall by 22 inches wide. You should have two pieces that are this size that will become the front pockets for the organizer.

Cut the batting for the pockets

Now cut a length of batting that will fit sandwiched between the fabric layers and then finish the edges like you did for the main body of the organizer by folding over the edge and then ironing in place.

Sew the seam on the pocket fabric

Next sew a ½ inch seam all the way around each piece of fabric. You should now have two strips of fabric with batting secured inside.

Create the pockets

Now measure 2.5 inches from the right side and make a 1/4 inch pleat and secure with a straight pin. Measure across 2.5 inches from the pleat and mark a vertical seam. You have now outlined the outside pocket. Repeat the pocket making process by measuring 3 inches from the vertical seam, make the pleat and then mark the vertical seam 3 inches from the center pleat. To complete the pocket measurements continue across 2.5 inches, create the center pleat and secure.

Attach the first pocket strip

Pin this pocket strip to the front of the organizer so that the bottom edge of both pieces and the outside edge of the pocket piece line up with the edge of the body of the organizer. To attach the pocket piece to the main body simply sew a straight ¼ inch seam down one outside edge across the bottom and up the other outside edge. To create the individual pockets just sew a straight seam down each of the vertical seam marks.

Attach the second pocket strip

Repeat the pocket process for the second row of pockets. The only difference for this row is that the bottom edge should be placed about 4 inches above the top edge of the lower pocket row. Once the final pocket row has been completed remove all the pleat pins and your crib pocket organizer is nearly ready for use.

Attach your decorations

To make it even more special use peel and stick velcro hook and loop dots to attach decorations to the front of each pocket. Be adventurous!

Fit onto your crib & start using

Your pocket crib organizer is now ready to be put to use. Fasten it securely on the end or side of your crib and fill the pockets with whatever will be most useful to you. Diapers, cloths, clothes, toys, rattles??? What will you use it for? Please let me know.

Nursery Storage Ideas: Make Your Own Baby Room Storage Buckets

Pottery Barn Kids Enamel Nursery Wall BucketsI just love how cute these baby storage bins from Pottery Barn Kids look.

But I was less keen on their $99 price tag for a set of three. Yes they’re made of iron with an enamel finish, have a wooden grip and come with wall mounts, but really – $99 for three buckets?

Having said that, getting organized is a must when it comes to getting ready for your family’s new addition. Finding a proper place for things and getting them in order can be fun. And when you repurpose items from another part of your home in an unexpected yet imaginative way, it can be decorative too.

So how about making some of these buckets yourself?

When labeled and hung on a nursery wall what is usually thought of as a household cleaning supply becomes handy storage for those everyday items at just an arm’s length away from your changing table.

To make these handy nursery storage bins to hold changing table accessories you don’t have to spend $99. Try $30 instead. Doesn’t that sound better? Yes, you can make your own trio of trendy baby storage solutions for $30.

 

 

All you need to create this look is three milk pail type buckets made of either papier-mâché or galvanized steel, spray paint, acrylic paint and a stencil.

Before you begin you will need to decide which type of milk pail you wish to use. Papier-mâché is a more light weight option that will end up looking just like the heavier galvanized metal option.

Galvanized Bucket

==> Click HERE to see the full range <==

The only difference the weight will make is in how it will be mounted on the wall, if it will be mounted that is. A wall bracket can be used for either the papier-mâché or the metal bucket while a hook and wire hanger will only be a viable option for the much lighter papier-mâché version.

Now that you have chosen the bucket style of your dreams it’s time to get to work with the paint.

Choose a semi-gloss multi-purpose spray paint in the color of your choice.

Spray Paint

==> Click HERE to see the full range <==

When applying the base color to the buckets be sure to only use the spray paint outside or in a well ventilated area. Laying down a layer of newsprint or craft paper is also a good idea for providing a clean, dry work surface. Follow the application instructions on the label of the spray paint product you have purchased to ensure optimal coverage.

Once the base coat layer, or layers as the case may be, is dry the next step is the labeling. The most simple or basic method would be to use a permanent marker or paint pen to free-hand the words or letters onto the front of the bucket or pail, however, unless your hand is steady and your penmenship impeccable, it might not be the most attractive method to use.

For the best lettering results alphabet stencils are the way to go. To hold the stencil in place, painter’s tape is excellent, that is unless you have an extra pair of hands to help with this step.

Alphabet Stencil

==> Click HERE to see the full range <==

Choose some acrylic paints in colors that coordinate with your baby’s room to be used for the lettering and the bucket’s trim. Remember a little acrylic paint will go a long way so only small tubes are needed.

Acrylic Paint

==> Click HERE to see the full range <==

Place a small amount of paint onto a plastic or ceramic plate. When using stencils it is best to dip the sponge-tipped dauber into the puddle of paint so that only the flat tip of the sponge is saturated with paint. Before applying the paint to the stencil area be sure to remove excess paint from the sponge tip by dabbing the sponge on a clean paper towel. This will prevent paint from bleeding under the stencil and ruining the while thing.

Let the stencil paint dry for 10 to 15 minutes before removing the stencils as this will help prevent the paint from smudging. Once the base coat and lettering are completed the only thing left to do is the accent paint around the rim of the bucket. Just paint the top edge with some dark acrylic paint and leave to dry.

A wall bracket as previously mentioned can be used to mount the buckets on the wall. For a more versatile variation try placing buckets on floating shelves or across the top of a dresser or book shelf.

This project is very easy and inexpensive and the truly wonderful part of it is that no one will ever know just how easy and affordable it was unless you tell them!

Shopping List

Galvanized bucket 6qt x 3 = $19
Semi-gloss multi-purpose spray paint = $7
75ml tubes of acrylic paint = $1
Alphabet stencil = $2
Sponge-tip stencil tool = $1

Total = $30

The total cost with papier-mâché buckets would be much less.

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The Shabby Nest
Chic On A Shoestring Decorating