Playing Carpenter

You guys!  I built this bookshelf!  Yes, it is a simple design (ladder style), and yes, it is maybe a little over the top with the paint job...but I had an idea of what I wanted, and I started the project, and I finished it, and that is an awesome feeling.  The whole thing cost about $10.  I picked up some old boards, put on some paint, measured angles, drilled holes, put in screws, leaned it against the wall, and voila!  I'm still deciding exactly how to fill all the shelves.  It's part of my room redo (That wall color is new, too.).  Before and after pictures of the room will be shared...

Room Redo: Sneak Peak

During this time that I'm home, I want to help my parents redo some rooms of the house.  They're still busy finishing up the school year, so I am tackling my bedroom alone.  It was last decorated when we first moved, and I designed the whole room.  Not bad for a 6th grader, but it is in need of a serious update and clearing out.  It's turning into a major project because everything is changing - colors, furniture, room organization, etc.  Here's a sneak peak!  These are some fabrics I picked out, and below, a before and after of a piece of furniture I worked on.  It started out a bright and stained purple. Now it's...another bright color.  The room is really starting to come together and I'm excited about it; pics of the process and finished look will be posted :)

Chicago Apartment

Whenever I go through Chicago I stop to see friends and enjoy the city for a day or two.  I love the apartment where I usually stay; it has loads of natural light provided by floor to ceiling windows, and my friend fills it with cool art, plants, and books.  Plus, it has a spiral staircase and a sweet view of some city-scape.  I always think it should be photographed for the Small, Cool section of one of my favorite apartment design websites - Apartment Therapy.  There are so many cool ideas there, check it out!